Experience days for Garden Lovers

 
 
Stock up with everything you need for your garden birds and wildlife and help them survive and thrive during the winter.  There's nothing like seeing your own nature show while enjoying a cup of tea, while the birds tuck in!  Garden Wildlife Direct have great offers - fly off to see them here. Fly away to Garden Wildlife Direct
 
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.

 BuyaGift have a number of different visit options to Kew Gardens
Richmond upon Thames

Visit Kew Gardens!
From £21.50
Enjoy a visit to the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew Gardens!  Explore the Princess of Wales COnservatory with its climatic zones, and explore the lake and water lily pond, and other beautiful spots.  This World Heritage Site is one of the UK’s top attractions with a stunning display of botanical arts, flora and plants.  BuyaGift have several different visit options to Kew Gardens - use our discount code AHW2024BAG to get 10% off**!  You can get a visit for one adult, two adults, or two adults and two children.   Find out more here.

Visit to Kew Gardens and Palace with Cream Tea for Two
Richmond, London

Visit to Kew Gardens and Palace with Cream Tea for Two
£71.00
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
£106.99
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. - Use the code AHW2024BAG  at check-out and get 10% off**

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
£113.00
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 £136.00 - find out more here

Visit RHS Garden Wisley with Cream Tea for TwoWoking, Surrey

Visit to RHS Garden Wisley for two, Surrey
£34.99
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**!  

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
£112.99
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!**  

There's an RHS Garden Entry for Two Adults There's an RHS Garden Entry for Two Adults
£35.00
This voucher gives the lucky recipient the choice of visiting one of the five RHS gardens, giving them the chance to escape the routine of  every day life and immerse themselves in the beauty of an RHS garden!  Choose from five stunning locations - they all have their own charm and character.   Learn from the best with the informative displays and knowledgeable staff, perfect for gardening enthusiasts of all levels.  A lovely day out!  Locations are:  Chelmsford, Harrogate, Manchester, Torrington, Woking.  Find out more here from BuyaGift - use the code AHW2024BAG and get 10% off!**

There's a 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. Hosted by the horticultural experts at the Gardening School, this is a great chance to see the beautiful orchards and gardens at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and to journey through the potager garden, discover the secrets of sowing in their botanic glass house and to harvest tasty morsels!  Expert gardeners will share practical advice, such as composting and soil science - and you can ask lots of questions about growing your own.  Tea, coffee and cake are provided!   This is available from Into the Blue. 

How about a Grow Your Own Gardening Kit?

How about a Grow Your Own Gardening Kit?
£29.99
This kit has 75 seed varieties!   It's packaged in a deluxe wooden box, and it's the ideal starter kit for gardeners!  There are 75 packs of seeds: 55 Vegetable, 15 Herbs and 5 flowers plus 2 Gardening Gloves with claws of superior quality rubber!  The box comes with easy-to-follow sowing, growing and harvesting instructions,  This is available from Not on the High Street.  It's not an experience day out as such but you can enjoy the experience of growing your own without leaving home!

Gather and Create Your Own Flower Arrangement with Cake at Lower Norton Flower Farm
Hampshire

Gather and Create Your Own Flower Arrangement with Cake at Lower Norton Flower Farm
£80.00
Tuck into welcome refreshments, and then your expert instructor will guide you in making a vase arrangement. They will teach you about foliage, flower shapes and conditioning for longevity.  You'll tour the flower field with the owner of Lower Norton Flower Farm, Alison, and discover tips on harvesting flowers at their peak.  Then handpick flowers to create your own beautiful vase arrangement to take home.   Find out more from Virgin Experience Days. 

 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!  Get 15% off Gift and Annual Memberships with the code EHAFF2024 (new membership only, paid by annual direct debit, valid to 31 December 2024)  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
£65.00
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**

Give your loved one a gift membership to the RHS

Give an RHS Gift Membership
Was £74.00, currently £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. 

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  

Scottish Tea House Summer Garden Tour, Tea Tasting and Afternoon Tea for Two
South Lanarkshire, Scotland

Scottish Tea House Summer Garden Tour, Tea Tasting and Afternoon Tea for Two
£117.00
In South Lanarkshire, Scotland, go on a journey of discovery wtih this Scottish Tea House Summer Garden Tour, Tea Tasting Experience and Afternoon Tea for Two.  Learn about tea cultivation, go on a tea tasting journey with three different teas, and be introduced to the skill of tea tasting, the stories behind the teas, and share the tea house's longstanding Scottish connections to tea.  Indulge in a homemade afternoon tea and  stop by the small shop.  Available from Virgin Experience Days.

How about The Great Garden Escape Train Trip to The Newt in Somerset with Dining and Tour for Two?

The Great Garden Escape Train Trip to The Newt in Somerset with Dining and Tour for Two
£700.00
Depart from London Paddington in first-class travel (with a freshly baked breakfast) to the Newt.   Start yoru visit with welcome refreshments and a private garden tour.  And tuck into a three course lunch in the Garden Cafe with wine - then exlore the country house re-imaged!  There's a private cyder tour and tasting before you head back to London.  The return journey includes afternoon tea and bar service. There's a gift bag on departure, as well as a year’s membership to the Newt and all partner gardens too!  Available 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**.

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

Swinton Estate Lunch & Garden Tour in North Yorkshire
£45.00 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  
£70.00
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**.

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

Two Hour 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 and 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

The World of Beatrix Potter and Afternoon Tea for Two
Lake District

The World of Beatrix Potter and Afternoon Tea for Two
£56.00
Situated in the heart of the Lake District, you can explore heritage flowers and plant varieties in the outdoor garden exhibit.  This is a chance to experience 23 delightful stories in a magical recreation, and you can trace the history through interactive touch screens.  There's also afternoon Tea in the onsite cafe.  Just the thing for Beatrix Potter fans!   Available from Virgin Experience Days

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
£31.00
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 Wakehurst & Borde Hill Gardens for TwoWest Sussex

Entrance to Wakehurst & Borde Hill Gardens for Two, West Sussex
£56.00
This is a great day out for anyone who loves nature and gardens!  Discover the stunning gardens at Wakehurst, which has international significance for its botanic gardens and tree collections, and its science-based plant conservation and research.  Before or after your visit, you can also head to Borde Hill Gardens where you'll find over 200 acres, with 17 acres dedicated to a series of gardens designed like rooms, each with its own distinctive colour, scent and feel.  This experience is available from Activity Superstore. 

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

Entrance to Barnsdale Gardens with an Afternoon Tea for Two, Rutland
£61.99
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**

There's a Kitchen Garden Tour and Lunch for Two at Rudding Park, Yorkshire
Harrogate, 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 

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
£34.99
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

 This Echoes Bird Bath is available from Garden Wildlife Direct Calling all garden bird lovers: 

How about getting them something for garden birds and wildlife?  Garden Wildlife Direct have everything your loved one needs for their feathered friends and wildlife...bird food, nest boxes, feeding stations, bird tables, bird baths.  Their Accessories section on their website has lots of gift ideas from bird baths to nest boxes.  Your loved one can experience the joy of feeding their feathered friends at home!  We feed our birds and wildlife and it's like having our own nature show, especially since we put a garden pond in. And we're doing our bit for biodiversity and wildlife, too.   Fly off here to browse & shop. 
There's a Monthly Tropical Houseplant Seed Subscription Box How about a Monthly Tropical Houseplant Seed Subscription Box?

Not on the High Street have this subscription box from £13.95.  Grow Your Own Indoor Tropical Jungle with 4 different types of Houseplant Seeds each month with in depty-written instructions.   You can choose a one off box if you prefer.  The seed comes in resealable airtight packets and each box has detailed planting instructions.  All seeds are 100% organic, untreated and ethically sourced.  Choose from a one off box, or 3 month, 6 months or 12 months.  It's available from Not on the High Street!
What about a Herbal Tea Garden Grow Kit?

What about a Herbal Tea Garden Grow Kit?
£26.00
Boostology.co.uk have a Herbal Tea Garden Grow Kit, which has all you need to grow your own fresh Peppermint, Chamomile and Lemon Balm herbal tea at home.  Head off to Boostology here.

They've got other growing kits, too, such as a Grow a Bee Friendly Herb Garden, also for £26.00.

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. 

 

 **The codes AHW2024BAG for use with BuyaGift and AHW2024RLD for use with Red Letter Days 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.