Britain's Finest - Events

Join Vanessa for a garden walk when she will show you the highlights of the garden in May. 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 wildlife-friendly.

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 garden owner, Vanessa Cook, in the tearoom and courtyard garden where you can enjoy a glass of wine and nibbles and learn about the development and ethos of the garden. This will be followed by an opportunity for you to have a leisurely wander around the garden, enjoying the many different areas of the garden.

This is the chance to have a relaxed summer evening in this beautiful, peaceful garden.

Experience the essence of summer with our exquisite afternoon tea, set against a backdrop of sunlit gardens and countryside charm. Indulge in a delightful selection of seasonal finger sandwiches, fresh fruit scones paired with clotted cream and preserves, and a medley of summer-inspired cakes. Join us for a taste of the season's finest amidst the warmth of our charming estate.

Our civil ceremony & wedding breakfast rooms will be dressed and will be available to view as well as the luxury Garden Pavilion, outdoor Woodland Pavilion and our beautiful bedrooms & suites!

Celebrate Father's Day on our sun-drenched terrace with a delectable two-course lunch. Enjoy a curated menu while honouring the father figures in your life. Gather with loved ones to toast and create cherished memories in a beautiful setting.

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!

Meander through a carpet of bluebells in the ancient woodland at Gidleigh Park with our Estate Manager, Andrew Brimblecombe and Plantsman, Paul Grigg as your guides. With over 40 years of experience between them, they share their wealth of knowledge on the woodland, flora, and fauna along with a few handy gardening tips. The 107-acre estate is nestled in a valley within the natural beauty of Dartmoor and offers an abundance of different habitats.

Arrive from 10.00am for morning coffee before heading out at 10.30am for your walk. Return to a delicious three-course lunch with a glass of wine.

Did you know... the Aldabra Giant Tortoise can live up to 150 years!

Join Colchester Zoo as thy share all things smooth and scaly with a range of reptile inspired activities. From the humid habitat of the Komodo Dragons to the brightly coloured Emerald Tree Monitor Lizard, find out more about these incredbile animals and how the Zoo cares for them.

Celebrate Father's Day with a special treat. Join us for a delightful experience exploring our local casked beers and craft ales paired perfectly with mini pies.

Enjoy a beer flight featuring a range of flavours alongside a taster board of delicious mini pies, each paired to enhance your tasting experience. Treat Dad to a memorable day filled with exceptional brews, delectable bites, and the joy of savouring these delightful pairings together.

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.

Colchester Zoo Summer Celebrations are set to be sizzling!

Keep the kids entertained this summer by visiting throughout the school holidays. 

You can also enjoy more for your money on 10th & 24th August 2024 with a later closing time!

Join us for a blooming afternoon of creativity, delectable treats, and sparkling conversations amidst nature's finest offerings. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on arrival and discover the art of crafting a beautiful floral arrangement using the freshest spring blooms with local florist the Flower Shop. Following the workshop, indulge in a delightful afternoon tea.