Britain's Finest - Events

We are delighted that Leeds based artist Rachel McNaughton will be kicking off our 2024 series of art exhibitions with her watercolours which are always well received by our visitors.

Her central focus is flowers and over the years she has moved away from botanical accuracy to a more expressive style.

The exhibition space is open during the regular garden opening times. It is free to visit the exhibition and tearoom, but there is a charge if you wish to explore the garden.

Promising an hilarious line-up of seasoned comedians, our first comedy night will be held on April 18th, guided by the affable MC Jon Wagstaffe, a "simple country lad from Tewkesbury" who will set the stage for an unforgettable night.

Opening the show is none other than Nick Page, a Britain's Got Talent Finalist and English comedian of the year. Nick, a "former disgraced Daytime TV presenter", weaves tales that defy convention, offering a comedic experiencefree of gimmicks, PowerPoint, or props—just pure storytelling mastery that will have you doubled over with belly laughs. To close the night, brace yourself for the unique charm of Ignacio Lopez. With a fusion of Welsh and Spanish influences, Ignacio is a frequent headliner and MC in renowned comedy clubs, and his offbeat humor has gained nearly 40 million views across all social media channels.

Join us for an evening where laughter knows no bounds.

This is probably the most popular course we run here. The May course is sold out so this course is your final oppourtunity to create your own wire hen with Chris Moss.

Wire sculptor, Chris Moss, will be leading this day long course and will expertly guide you through making your own wire hen. It is a perfect step-up for people who have made smaller wire sculptures on the half-day workshops and now wish to make something more challenging, but also suitable for beginners

All materials are provided. Please bring a packed lunch.

Join Vanessa for a garden walk when she will show you the highlights of the garden in July. This will be an informal tour with the garden owner, Vanessa who will provide you with plenty of tips on the best plants to grow to give you beautiful borders throughout the year. You will also learn how the garden is managed for wildlife and Vanessa will highlight some of the many ways she has blended stunning planting with being a wildlife-friendly garden.

The walk is included in the garden admission for the afternoon, but is on a first-come-first-served basis. There will only be 12 places, so make sure you get on the list when you arrive at the hut!

Start is at 2:00pm prompt and will last about an hour, so plenty of time afterwards for refreshments and a visit to the plant nursery.

Join us for an Olympic-inspired afternoon tea and indulge in a gold-medal-worthy assortment of finger sandwiches, accompanied by fresh fruit scones paired with clotted cream and preserves, and a selection of cakes. Celebrate excellence in every bite, making this afternoon tea a podium-worthy experience.

Discover the art of crafting a stunning floral masterpiece using the freshest spring blooms and natural foliage with local florist Alison from Classic Flowers. Afterward, indulge in a delightful afternoon tea, perfectly paired with a glass of exquisite Bolney English sparkling wine.

Join us for a blooming afternoon of creativity, delectable treats, and sparkling conversations amidst nature's finest offerings.

Dust off your dabber and get ready for ‘eyes down’ during our Comedy Bingo evening on Friday 3rd May, hosted by master comedian Brendan Riley.

Join us in the Grosvenor Suite for a night out including the classic favourite game, but not as you know it! The comedy stylings of Brendan Riley will bring the event to life for a night out with a difference including games and prizes to be won!

Your Comedy Bingo Night ticket includes a delicious 2-course buffet meal (served at 7:30pm), a night of hilarious bingo fun and a disco to follow for dancing the evening away.

Tickets | £36.00 per person

Full pre-payment required upon booking.

Please notify our team of any allergies or dietary requirements prior to your visit.

Join us for a delightful Family Afternoon Tea with kickstart the summer with a burst of excitement. Join us for a thrilling Circus Workshop hosted by the talented local performer, Rob Horsman, and don't miss the entertaining sheepdog and duck herding demonstration by David Seamark. Participate in the excitement every hour between 12.00pm and 4.00pm. It's a unique blend of circus charm and adorable duck herding that promises a day filled with fun and unforgettable memories. After the activities, make your way to your reserved table and enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea with your family.

As symbols of mystery, desire, danger and wealth, orchids have inspired countless works of art, literature, film and fashion. Their complexity, diversity and rarity have fascinated scientists and obsessed the rich.

In this Old Laboratory exhibition at RHS Garden Wisley, discover beautiful botanical artworks and rare books from the RHS collections, and find out how our different perceptions of orchids - as aphrodisiacs, carnivorous predators, and mass-market commodities - have evolved over time. Included in normal garden admission.

Celebrate Father's Day at Gidleigh Park and join us for an unforgettable experience—an indulgent A la Carte lunch that promises culinary delights amidst the beauty of nature. As an extra touch, every dad will receive a thoughtful gift, making this day a memorable for all.

The day will be full of fun for all ages and packed with a programme of all sorts of activities, entertainment, and games throughout the day.  Watch the exciting Clovelly Cup yacht race across the bay, starting at 12pm. It is an amazing sight to see the yachts surrounding the harbour and setting off to race across the bay.  Throughout the day there will be live music, Higher being Circus street entertainment, activities and games for the whole family. This includes a workshop with Washhouse Studio and Punch & Judy, plus face paintings and a variety of stalls selling food and event-themed arts & crafts.
 

Free entry for under 16s who come in maritime-themed fancy dress costumes!

In May the garden is full of colour and wildlife. This is your opportunity to visit as part of the National Garden Scheme. Entry fees and 10% of plant sales are donated to the NGS. Pre-booking is NOT required.

The National Garden Scheme is a registered charity which opens gardens of quality, character and interest to the public. Since 1927 they have raised funds to support nursing and caring charities, and over £25 million in the last 10 years.

Enjoy wandering through the different parts of the garden and gain inspiration for your own garden. Many of the plants you will see are available to buy in our  plant nursery and we can help you choose the right plant for your garden. The tearoom will be open with proceeds going to the local chur