Even if you’re not a keen garden (or don’t have a garden), garden festivals make a great day out. They’re full of ideas and have a real summery vibe. Whether you like to browse the plant stalls, listen to talks or just take advantage of the tea and cake tent, make sure you put at least one event in your calendar this year. Here’s our roundup of the top garden festivals and flower shows to visit this summer!
29 – 30 June: Arley Garden Festival
Held at privately-owned Arley Hall, the filming location for Peaky Blinders, the garden festival is firmly established as one of the foremost events in the horticultural calendar of the northwest of England. A celebration of all things for your garden, attractions include specialist nurseries, garden tours, expert advice and demonstrations and the schools gardening challenge. Tickets for the Arley Garden Festival start at £17.
2 – 7 July RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
The world’s largest flower show promises amazing garden designs, gorgeous floral displays and exclusive shopping. RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in Surrey epitomises an English summer garden party with gardens to admire, talks to inspire, food to enjoy and lots of plants, ideas and tips to take home. Tickets for the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival start at £30.85.
17 – 21 July: RHS Flower Show Tatton Park
Held at Tatton Park in Knutsford, Cheshire, this is a day out for all the family, with unique gardens, talks and tips, children’s activities, floral installations, markets, stalls and lots of tasty food and drink to enjoy. Tickets for the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park start at £31.85.
26 – 28 July: Chorley Flower Show
This three-day show takes place at beautiful Astley Park in Lancashire and promises to be a vibrant celebration of all things floral. In addition to the floral displays, visitors can attend in workshops, talks, and demonstrations led by expert gardeners and horticulturists. Other activities and attractions include live entertainment, competitions, food and drink retailers, local traders and a dedicated children’s area. Tickets for Chorley Flower Show start at £16.75. This year the ticket also provides entrance to the newly refurbished Astley Hall, where you can visit a special Astley 100-year anniversary exhibition.
31 July – 4 August: RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show
Specialist plant nurseries, expert tips, shopping and mouth-watering food in the stunning summer surroundings of Hyde Hall in Essex. Garden admission price of £17.45 includes entry to the RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show.
15 – 18 August: Southport Flower Show
The UK’s largest independent flower show, this event attracts over 55,000 visitors across four days. Visitors to this year’s 100th anniversary show can enjoy inspirational show gardens, spectacular floral displays, gardening advice, cookery demonstrations, live music and entertainment. Tickets for the Southport Flower Show start at £25.
3 – 8 August: RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show
This late-summer floral celebration held near Woking, Surrey features spectacular displays, specialist nurseries, inspirational expert talks and the chance to buy from a great choice of exhibitors. Garden admission price of £18.50 includes entry to the RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show, pre-booking essential.
13 – 15 September: Newby Hall & Gardens Flower Show
This year’s autumn show promises both beautiful floral displays as well as exceptional produce from the allotment. Garden inspiration for both expert and occasional gardener will feature in abundance. Visitors to this show in Ripon, North Yorkshire can also enjoy Newby Hall’s award winning gardens, live talks and demonstrations, great garden shopping, and floral art installations. Tickets for the Newby Hall & Gardens Flower Show start at £23.
