Visiting The Firs: What you need to know

Cottage room at The Firs

We are open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at The Firs. You know longer need to book your visit in advance. In this article you’ll find everything you need to know about what's open and what to expect from your visit. Please remember that dogs must be on a lead at all times and stick to the designated dog areas.

Parking and arrival:

  • Please park up and head inside our Visitor Centre. We will scan your membership card at reception or take your admission payment and give you information about your visit. 
  • There are designated blue badge spaces available close by the Visitor Centre in the car park. 
  • We recommend 2 hours for your visit at The Firs but you are welcome to stay as long as you like.
  • The car park gates will be locked at 5pm.
  • Campervans that are used for transport are welcome for pre-booked visitors, but are not permitted to stay overnight. At this time we’re unable to welcome caravans and coaches.
Pink Cyclamen Carpet at The Firs
Pink Cyclamen Carpet at The Firs
Pink Cyclamen Carpet at The Firs

Facilities:

  • Our Visitor Centre, Exhibition spaces, Birthplace Cottage, Outdoor areas, Orchard Picnic area, Second hand bookshop and Cafe are open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at The Firs.  

Eating and drinking: 

  • We are currently offering Cakes, Scones, Teas and Barista coffees.
  • We have limited waste facilities on site, so we ask that you take your litter home with you and BBQ’s are not permitted.

Shopping: 

  • Our second hand bookshop is open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11am - 5pm 
  • We will continue to have available hand sanitiser for all Visitors, Staff and Volunteers.
  • Card/contactless payments will be accepted at the reception desk and cash donations can be put in the donations box.

Accessibility:

  • Designated blue badge parking in the main car park
  • Benches are located around the site for visitors to rest as they walk.
Could you be a storyteller at The Firs?
Story teller Liz with visitors at The Firs
Could you be a storyteller at The Firs?

Visiting with your dog:

  • Dogs on leads are welcome across the property except within the Birthplace cottage and cafe. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the property.
  • Please use the dog bins for dog waste and the Visitor Centre bins for normal waste if you cannot take it home with you.
  • For more information on visiting with your dog click here