Experience days for Garden Lovers

 
 
 
For garden lovers, what about giving them an experience day they'll remember & enjoy?  Garden experiences could include garden tours in a group or simple visits where the lucky recipient can just enjoy strolling through beautiful gardens taking in the sights. 
 
So here are some garden gift experiences.  When you click through to go to the retailer, please check locations, prices, T&Cs & voucher expiry dates and info specific to the  experience before you buy.  And please note that the locations are rough guides, i.e. near to, in the area of.
Visit to Kew Gardens and Palace with Cream Tea for Two
Richmond, London

Visit to Kew Gardens and Palace with Cream Tea for Two
£52.00
Explore Kew Gardens and tuck into a Cream Tea!  Kew Gardens is a 326 acre UNESCO World Heritage Site and it has plant life from around the world, so there's plenty to see and do.  Just some of the things you can have access to are the Royal Kitchens, Palm House, Rose Garden, The Princess of Wales Conservatory (and more!). Then head to the Orangery for a self-service treat of a cream tea. Available from Virgin Experience Days 

Kew Gardens Admission with Private Guided Walking Tour for Two
Richmond, London

Kew Gardens Private Guilded Walking Tour and Admission for Two
£106.00 - Use the code AHW2024BAG  at check-out and get 10% off. (This code is site wide until 31 Dec 2024 - it can't be applied to non-discounted products)
Have a private guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Over an hour, a guide will show you the best bits of these world famous gardens and answer any questions you may have.  Visit the Princess of Wales Conservatory, leading you through a series of intriguing  ecosystems, explore Palm House, and get close to nature.  Available from BuyaGift.

Visit to Kew Gardens with Afternoon Tea at The Botanical for Two
Richmond, London

Visit to Kew Gardens with Afternoon Tea at The Botanical for Two
£125.00
This is a perfect experience for anyone who loves history and nature, with a stroll around the stunning Kew Gardens and one of three afternoon teas for two on the on-site Botanical Restaurant - choose from traditional, vegetarian or gardener's afternoon tea!  Available from Virgin Experience Days.

If you want to add a glass of prosecco as an extra treat, you can do that for £112.00 - find out more here

Visit RHS Garden Wisley with Cream Tea for TwoWoking, Surrey

Visit to RHS Garden Wisley for two, Surrey

£43.00
Make the most of a visit to RHS Wisley!  There's a guidebook with wonderful imagery to compliment your visit, and you can enjoy free talks, demonstrations and interactive sessions at Hilltop Live and explore the new Wellbeing, World Food and Wildlife gardens.  There's lots to discover and do! 
Available from BuyaGift - use the code AHW2024BAG  and get 10% off!  The code is valid until 31.12.24 and site wide apart from non-discounted products. 

Visit to Chiddingstone Castle and Grounds with Cream Tea for Two
Edenbridge, Kent

Visit to Chiddingstone Castle and Grounds with Cream Tea for Two
£38.00
Chiddingstone Castle has a rich and varied history for you to discover and explore, with  Japanese, Stuart and Jacobite, Buddhist and Ancient Egyptian collections.  But not only that, there's access to the grounds, 35 acres of lawns, a lake, woodland and a beautiful Victorian Orangery, and a lovely cream tea, too!  Tuck in to homemade scones, clotted cream, jam and a selection of teas or coffee!  Find out more and buy this gift from Virgin Experience Days.

Visit to RHS Garden Wisley and Afternoon Tea for Two at Brooklands HotelWoking, Surrey

Visit to RHS Garden Wisley and Afternoon Tea for Two at Brooklands Hotel, Surrey
£89.00
This sounds like a lovely way to spend a few hours!  Explore the gardens at RHS Garden Wisley with entry for two people - and you'll receive a souvenir guidebook featuring stunning imagery to take home. Then make your way to the Brooklands Hotel for afternoon tea for two including freshly made finger sandwiches, a selection of sweet treats, and fruit scones with clotted cream and preserves, washed down with your choice of tea or coffee.  Available from BuyaGift - use the code AHW2024BAG and get 10% off!  The code is valid until 31.12.24 and site wide apart from non-discounted products. 

How about the Raymond Blanc Gardening School: The Edible Garden?Oxfordshire

Raymond Blanc Gardening School: The Edible Garden
£110.00
Enjoy a half-day workshop at The Raymond Blanc Gardening School, where you can see the beautiful gardens and orchards at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.  Journey through the stunning potager garden, havesting samples to taste as you go, and discover the secrets of sowing in the botanic glass house, and expert gardeners will share practical advice, such as soil science and composting.  Tea, coffee and cake are provided!   Available from Into the Blue. 

 Terrarium Workshop with Prosecco
London (Hackney)

Terrarium Workshop with Prosecco 
£75.00 for one person
Start off with a glass of Prosecco, then the expert florist will give you & your guests a talk full of information about terrariums:  how to design the little garden, the soil, drainage, how to get the plants thriving, aftercare and tips for keeping your plants healthy.  Demo done, roll up your sleeves and dig in making a terrarium of your very own!  Everything you need is provided on the day.  Find out more from Virgin Experience Days.

English Heritage care for 23 historic gardens, amongst others What about a Gift Membership to English Heritage?
English Heritage care for 23 historic gardens, including this one, the Mount Grace Priory in North Yorkshire.  Others include Down House in Kent, home to Charles Darwin, Osbourne House in the Isle of Wight (Queen Victoria's pad), Wrest Park, where the landscapes were remodelled by Capability Brown, and Kenilworth Castle, where you can walk in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I.  Imagine how much history these gardens and others have seen!  Find out more about Gift Memberships to English Heritage here.  
The Alnwick Garden and Afternoon Tea for Two, NorthumberlandAlnwick, Northumberland The Alnwick Garden and Afternoon Tea for Two, Northumberland
£59.00
Alnwick Garden in Northumberland is inspired by the Duchess of Northumberland and designed by the world-renowned Belgian landscape firm of Wirtz International, and there's lots to explore, from beautiful gardens and architecture, including a Treehouse, Poison Garden and the Grand Cascade. Plus, you can tuck into a delicious afternoon tea for two!  Available from BuyaGift 
Use the code AHW2024BAG and get 10% off**  - the code is valid to 31.12.24
South London Botanical Institute with a Cream Tea and Private Tour for 2Tulse Hill, South East London

Tucked away in Tulse Hill in South East London, the SLBI was established in 1910 to introduce the people of south London to the science, pleasure and importance of plants.  Today its vision is all about: ‘Discovering plants, enriching lives, sustaining the future.’   Activity Superstore has a couple of gift ideas:

South London Botanical Institute Entrance with a Botanical Cream Tea for 2 for £49.00

South London Botanical Institute with a Cream Tea and Private Tour for 2 for £145.00

Give a Gift Membership to the RHS

Give an RHS Gift Membership
Was £74, now £59.00
Members receive The Garden magazine every month (worth £4.95) and they can get personalised gardening advice on the phone or online, and discounted show tickets.  There's free entry to the RHS Gardens; Wisley, Rosemoor, Hyde Hall, Harlow Carr and now Bridgewater!   Members can also explore over 200 RHS Partner Gardens across the UK and overseas for free during selected periods.  Memberships help the RHS fund their work to train the next generation of gardeners and to work to find solutions to environmental issues.  Give a Gift Membership here. 

Garden Experience with Picnic Lunch for TwoCarmathenshire, Wales

Garden Experience with Picnic Lunch for Two
£214.00
The National Botanic Garden of Wales is a charity dedicated to the research and conservation of biodiversity, to sustainability, lifelong learning and the enjoyment of the visitor.  Choose from 4 experiences:  Introduction to Bees and Pollinators, Botanical Walk with a member of the Horticulture team, Tour of Historical Regency Landscape or Tour of Botanic Garden and Waun Las Nature Reserve. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the grounds of the Garden or in the Great Glasshouse, depending on the weather.  The experience also includes a hamper of bespoke National Botanic Garden of Wales gifts for you to share!  Available from Activity Superstore

 Afternoon Welsh Tea in The Iconic Great Glasshouse for TwoCarmarthenshire, Wales  

Afternoon Welsh Tea in The Iconic Great Glasshouse for Two
£94.00
Enjoy Afternoon Tea - Welsh style, surrounded by some of the world's most endangered plants in the National Botanic Garden of Wales' iconic Glasshouse. The Great Glasshouse was designed by the world famous Norman Foster and Partners, and the dome is the largest single-spa great grasshouse in the world!  The two of you can sit amongst rocky terraces, sandstone cliffs and gravelled scree slopes.  Tuck into a Welsh Afternoon Tea - and your package also includes a mini hamper of bespoke National Botanic Garden of Wales Gifts to share. You're free to enjoy the rest of the grounds, too!  Find out more from Activity Superstore

Visit The World's Oldest Topiary Garden at Levens Hall with Lunch for TwoKendal, Cumbria

Visit The World's Oldest Topiary Garden at Levens Hall with Lunch for Two, Cumbria
£76.00
Levens Hall is surrounded by 10 acres of stunning private gardens which date back to the 1690s.  They include the world's oldest topiary gardens, whilst the house has beautiful collecitons of furniture, paintings and clocks.  You can visit the family home and gardens, and also enjoy a lunch in the contemporary Levens Kitchen, with two main meals from the daily menu, two freshly baked cakes and two soft drinks.  Combine a love of gardens, nature and history all in one experience!  Find out more from Virgin Experience Days  

Chilli Grower Workshop for TwoChawston, Bedfordshire

Chilli Grower Workshop for Two
Was £35.00, now £21.00
Head to Bedfordshire and find out how to grow your peppers from planting to picking!  You'll pick up tips for getting bigger, more productive plants, when to pick your hcillies and find out simple things you can do to reduce the risks of pests and diseas.  Finish with a lovely tasting session of gourmet chilli products. You'll also find out the history of the hottest chilli in the world.   Available from Virgin Experience Days  

Grow your Own-Botanicals! Grow your Own-Botanicals!
£15.99
Well, this is a bit different, and it could be just the thing for gin lovers who love growing things.   It isn't a garden experience day, but Into the Blue have this Grow your own botanicals gift which gives you the opportunity to give a little bit of pzazz to your next glass of gin...  It's got everything you need to get started from home, with 2 packets of seeds, 4x coconut husk pot plants, 4x coconut hust compost discs, and 4x wooden plant markers.   Find out more from Into the Blue....  Cheers!
Visit to Waddesdon Manor and Gardens with Lunch and Sparkling Wine at The Five Arrows Hotel for TwoAylesbury, Buckinghamshire

Visit to Waddesdon Manor and Gardens with Lunch and Sparkling Wine at The Five Arrows Hotel for Two
Buckinghamshire
£101.00 
Enjoy a tasty dining experience with a Two Course Sparkling Lunch at the Grade II listed boutique The Five Arrows Hotel.  Located at the gates of Waddesdon Manor, dine at the hotel's 2 AA Rosette restaurant. Enjoy  a delicious two-course meal crafted by talented chefs with fresh produce from the kitchen garden. And there's a glass of sparkling wine each. After lunch, explore Waddesdon's 19th-Century gardens, with a vast expanse of Victorian horticulture, from formal gardens and Italian statues to the Rococo-style Aviary.  Find out more from Virgin Experience Days  

Hands on Owl Experience at Muncaster Castle with Garden Entry for TwoRavenglass, Cumbria

Hands on Owl Experience at Muncaster Castle with Garden Entry for Two, Cumbria
£71.00 
This is a visit to a garden with a bit of a difference - it includes the chance to meet and handle two owls, and you can watch the birds fly off from your glove!  The experience includes entry to Muncaster Gardens and Hawk and Owl Centre, so it's a great chance to learn about these wonderful birds and take plenty of photos.  It also includes entry to two flying displays before your Owl Encounter!  Ruskin described the gardens as the "Gateway to Paradise";  there are 77 acres of tranquil historic gardens with cultivated areas, lawns and woodlands.  Find out more from Virgin Experience Days   

The Raymond Blanc Gardening School for One with LunchOxfordshire

The Raymond Blanc Gardening School for One with Lunch, Oxfordshire
£285.00
This is a one day course in the beautiful, organic kitchen gardens of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.  The school will be based in the Hartley Botanic Glasshouse.  Learn what, how and when to plant to grow edible produce and explore the different areas of the grounds, from the orchards to the Japanese tea garden  Discover the secrets of the gardens’ success from the expert team, including seasonal planting, soil science, composting and more. Head home with lots of skills and information to put into practice. Plus there's a delicious working lunch in the glasshouse and refreshments of 
tea and lemon cake.   Available from BuyaGift.  (Discount codes cannot be applied to this experience.)

 Online Container Gardening Course Taught by Chris Beardshaw

Online Container Gardening Course Taught by Chris Beardshaw
£125.00
Chris Beardshaw is a world-class designer and horticulturalist. From the comfort of the couch (or garden), discover how to create and design a series of containers to suit your outdoor space, with the help of Chris and his team.  The classes have a design and practical element and cover a variety of topics, including howo to arrange plants, different types of containers and the composition of plants.   Available from Red Letter Days Use the code AHW2024RLD to get 10% off; the code is valid until 31 Dec 2024**.

Swinton Estate Lunch & Garden Tour in North Yorkshire Ripon, Yorkshire

Swinton Estate Lunch & Garden Tour in North Yorkshire
£50.00 for one person.
Join Dame Susan Cunliffe-Lister for talks and walks at the stunning Swinton Park Estate in Yorkshire.  This is a great gift for keen gardeners and foodies, since the package includes lunch at the hotel!  You'll have plenty of time to tour the wonderful four-acre walled garden, where much of the produce for the kitchens is grown, and there's the parklands to explore too.  You may even spot some of the fallow deer, resident at the estates!  This is available from Into the Blue

Traditional Afternoon Tea for Two with a Garden Tour at Goldsborough Hall Hotel, North YorkshireGoldsborough, North Yorkshire

Traditional Afternoon Tea for Two with a Garden Tour at Goldsborough Hall Hotel, North Yorkshire  
£60.00
Enjoy the finer things in life with a gorgeous Afternoon Tea and a garden stroll!  Start in one of Goldsborough Hall’s stately rooms such as The Princess Mary Drawing Room or the Jacobean Library or, if the weather allows, sit out on the terrace.  Devour afternoon tea - tiers of delicate cakes and dainty sandwiches and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. There's a choice of teas or freshly ground coffee.  Then spend some time exploring the beautiful gardens.  Available from BuyaGift  Use the code AHW2024BAG and get 10% off**  - the code is valid to 31.12.24

Two Hour Advanced Terrarium Workshop at Botanical Boys for OneKing's Cross, London

Two Hour Advanced Terrarium Workshop at Botanical Boys for One
£79.99
This is a two hour introductory mini ecosystem workshop for one.  Discover all about the history of terrariums,a nd build your own self-sustaining indoor garden to take home!  All the plants, landscape materials, objects and care instructions are provided, so get creative!  Available from Red Letter Days

How about a ROOTS Subscription with the National Trust for Scotland? How about a ROOTS Subscription with the National Trust for Scotland?
This is a great way to support the work of the National Trust for Scotland as they care for the beautiful gardens which are part of the Trust.  Recipients receive a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening fits, stories about Scotland’s plant life and tips from their expert Trust gardeners. Plus six times a year, they'll receive a pack of Scottish seeds to plant at home!  And there's an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with their gardens team.  For £6 a month.  Find out more here.

Or, you could give a gift membership to the National Trust for Scotland with access to all the Trust's places, a magazine & members' guide, member exclusives and the knowledge you're helping to protect Scotland.  Here are their gardens.  Give a gift membership today.
Treat someone to a Visit to Tatton Park Gardens, Mansion and Farm for TwoKnutsford, Cheshire

Treat someone to a Visit to Tatton Park Gardens, Mansion and Farm for Two
Cheshire
£37.00
Enjoy admission to three of Tatton Park's attractions, including the mansion, the gardens and the farm.  There are 50 acres of landscaped gardens to explore, and you can take a look at the residents of the rare breed farm.  The three attraction visits do not have to be made on the same day.  Find out more from Virgin Experience Days..  

The National Trust has many lovely gardens to visit

Give a Gift Membership to the National Trust

The National Trust looks after over 200 gardens in England and Wales (there's a National Trust for Scotland too) giving you the chance to enjoy strolling round, to be inspired and to gather ideas for your own gardens!  There a list of their top summer gardens in the south east, south west, the east and the north, as well as the Midlands and Wales.  Head to the National Trust here

Visit to Wakehurst Wild Botanic Garden for TwoArdingly, West Sussex

Visit to Wakehurst Wild Botanic Garden for Two, West Sussex
£29.90
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and dramatic landscapes of Wakehurst Wild Botanic Gardens.  There are over 500 acres to discover, with things to see at every turn.  Wakefield is the home of the world's most ambitious conservation project, the Millennium Seed Bank, and there's fascinating history, stunning gardens and inspired conservation work.  Find out more Virgin Experience Days 

Entrance to Barnsdale Gardens with an Afternoon Tea for Two, Rutland
Rutland

Entrance to Barnsdale Gardens with an Afternoon Tea for Two, Rutland
£61.95
What a great way to spend time with a loved one!  Visit Barnsdale Gardens in Leicestershire. Ceated by Geoff Hamilton, there are 38 individual gardens to explore - be inspired and enjoy the beauty of nature.  Then have tea in the Helenium Tea Rooms, with a selection of dainty sandwiches, mini sweet treats and fluffy scones topped with clotted cream and jam, all served on beautiful bone china.  There's tea or coffee too!  Available from BuyaGift  Use the code AHW2024BAG and get 10% off**  - the code is valid to 31.12.24

Kitchen Garden Tour and Lunch for two at Rudding Park YorkshireHarrogate, Yorkshire

Kitchen Garden Tour and Lunch for Two at Rudding Park, Yorkshire
£120.00 
Take a guided tour of wonderful Kitchen Garden with its award-winning produce such as  herbs, salads, edible flowers and fruits. Then tuck into a mouthwatering three-course lunch at the two AA Rosette awarded Clocktower Restaurant!  Buy this gift from Red Letter Days

Visit Borde Hill Gardens and the British Airways i360Haywards Heath, Sussex

Visit to The British Airways i360 and Borde Hill Gardens for Two, Sussex
£62.00
Enjoy a 20 minute rotation for two on the amazing British Airways i360 and see the Sussex countryside and coastline from 450 feet up in the air!  Then stroll through 200 acres of woodland and 17 acres of formal gardens at the stunning Borde Hill Gardens. You need to make your own way between the two venues. Available from Virgin Experience Days 

Visit to New Covent Garden Flower Market and Beginners Workshop at Judith Blacklock Flower SchoolGreater London

Visit to New Covent Garden Flower Market and Beginners Workshop at Judith Blacklock Flower School 
£230.00 for one person
Start your experience at the New Covent Garden Flower Market, with its vast selection of flowers, foliage, plants and vases. Led by Judith Blacklock or an expert, go on a tour of the market, learning all the tips and tricks of the floristry trade including how to buy and recognise fresh flowers.  Back at the flower school, there's breakfast and find out how to make a beautiful arrangement to take home.  Available from Virgin Experience Days   

Bickleigh Castle Grounds and Garden Guided Tour and Cream Tea for TwoTiverton, Devon

Bickleigh Castle Grounds and Garden Guided Tour and Cream Tea for Two, Devon
£34.00
Bickleigh Castle was built in the early Norman period, surrounded by beautiful countryside.  Ejoy a guided tour of Bickleigh Castle's magnificent grounds and stunning garden and tuck into a cream tea for two before or after the tour! The castle has lots of stories, artefacts and portraits so there's lots to see. You could also choose to stay for a night or two!  Use the code AHW2024RLD  before 31 December 2024 and get 10% off**! Available from Red Letter Days

 Give them the experience of growing their own!

Give them the experience of growing their own!

Tree2mydoor.com have a number of fruit and nut trees!  There include oranges and lemons, apples and pears, blueberries and raspberries, figs and a kaffir lime.  This is a great opportunity for people to enjoy the fruits of their garden  - a couple of them can even be grown indoors!   You can use their filter system on the left hand side to narrow down your choice.  From £25.00 from Tree2mydoor.com

6 Month Seasonal Crop Box Subscription for an Adult or Child

6 Month Seasonal Crop Box Subscription for an Adult or Child
£32.00
Give a gardening gift to a loved one with this 6 month seasonal subscription from The Crop Box.  It's just the thing for someone who wants to grow and create their own vege patch at home.  Each box has bamboo fibre sowing pots, wooden or bamboo plant labels, a peat-free coconut coir compost disc, high quality vegetable seeds and easy step by step instructions!  Receive a new in-season crop to grow every three months for six months. Seasonal seeds include: Baby Beets, Carrots, Cherry Tomatoes, Radish, Spinach and Spring Onion.  Available from Activity Superstore.

How about this Windowsill Garden Kit by The Crafty Hen?

How about this Windowsill Garden Kit by The Crafty Hen?
£30.00
Not quite an experience day but this is a fun activity to do at home, and also to add colour and your creativity to it as you design and personalise a set of mini plant pots.  Each kit has three ceramic pots, 3 types of vegetable seeds, and peat-free soil pellets.  All you need to do is add water and you’ll be growing chives, cress, and radishes in no time.   From Virgin Experience Days. 

This Personalised Name a Rose Bush is available from Find Me a Gift

Personalised Name a Rose Bush
£19.00
This is a lovely opportunity to name a rose for someone special!  You'll get a pack of rose seeds - which you can personalise with a name and date.  Plus you'll have information about your rose bush with details on how to grow and care for it, and a certificate of registry.   The name you choose for your unique pack of rose seeds will be registered on the Amore Rose Registry for all time!  This could be a lovely way to remember someone, too. It is available from Find Me a Gift

This is a really pretty mug from Emma Bridgewater - take a closer look here

This is the Flowers Cornflower 1/2 pint mug from Emma Bridgwater
£25.00
This is a pretty mug, especially for people who love flowers.  Made from English Earthenware, this half pint mug is okay for the dishwasher but not for the microwave or oven.   Find out more from Emma Bridgewater

There lots of other gift ideas for garden and flower lovers - you can take a look at them here. 

 How about a calendar to see them through 2024? There are lots of garden themed calendars for 2024 at the Calendar Club which could be a lovely way to enjoy garden scenes throughout the year.  Kew in Colour, pictured left, is one example (it's £10.99).  The Calendar Club cover all sorts of gardens in different locations, and you can choose by size, too.  View their garden calendars for 2024 here.
 

 **The codes AHW2024BAG and AHW2024RLD are site wide and even apply to 2 for 1s and special offers, although some products are excluded.  The codes are valid to 31.12.24.