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Talks and events at Hidcote

Gardener Jo in the Glass House at Hidcote
Gardener Jo in the Glass House at Hidcote | © James Dobson

With a calendar full of talks, tours and events, there are lots of ways to learn more about Hidcote and get the most out of your visit. Find out what talks, tours and events are currently available, how to book and what to bring.

Talks

Hidcote introductory talks

Daily, when a volunteer is available.

At select times throughout the day join one of our volunteers for a 20-minute Introduction to Hidcote talk.

Learn about the history of Hidcote, the life of Lawrence Johnston and his mother Gertrude Winthrop; and the way in which the garden has evolved since 1907.

Where to meet: The Thatched Barn.

Booking: No need to book, find out about talk times at Visitor Reception as you arrive.

What to bring: Please wear suitable clothing as the Thatched Barn is located in the garden.

Accessibility: The Thatched Barn is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility vehicles. Wooden bench seating is available in the barn.

Behind the scene tours

Garden tours

Tuesdays at 2:30pm in October, Saturdays at 2:30pm in November and December

Join one of our knowledgeable Garden Guide volunteers for a one hour afternoon tour of the garden. Learn about Hidcote's history and the key figures that made the garden possible. Find out about the inspiration behind Lawrence Johnston's design and planting, and explore the influence of Arts and Crafts garden designer Thomas Mawson and Johnston's plant collecting trips on the garden.

Where to meet: Meet at the Lionhead fountain in the Main Courtyard at Hidcote.

Booking: Book online, call the National Trust Booking Team on 03442491895, or if places are available book on the day at Visitor Reception.. Tickets are £3 per person. Tours are limited to 16 people to ensure you get the most out of your experience.

What to bring: Please wear suitable clothing for this outdoor tour and consider bringing a brolly in case of wet weather. We’re not deterred by a bit of rain!

Accessibility: The garden paths taken on the tour are accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, although some pathways have uneven surfaces.

Glasshouse tours

Wednesday 30 August to Wednesday 11 October

Join the Garden Team for a behind-the-scenes tour of the beating heart of the garden, the Glasshouse.

Find out about how we propagate, care for and continue Major Lawrence Johnston's Plant Collection on this 30-minute tour. Explore the seasonal changes of the Glasshouse and get a behind-the-scenes look at the team in action.

Every Monday and Wednesday afternoon at 1:00pm

Booking: Book online, call the National Trust Booking Team on 03442491895, or if places are available book on the day at Visitor Reception. Tickets are £3 per person. Please note the tours are limited to 6 people.

Where to meet: The Glasshouse by the Productive Garden.

What to bring: Please wear suitable clothing for this outdoor tour.

Accessibility: The Glasshouse is not wheelchair or mobility vehicle accessible.

Swan School of Tai Chi at Hidcote
Swan School of Tai Chi at Hidcote | © Swan School of Tai Chi

Events

Connect with nature and embrace mindfulness with a range of wellbeing events and activities at Hidcote.

Tai Chi in the garden

Why not enjoy the gardens from a new perspective with our monthly Tai Chi classes?

Join Swan School of Tai Chi & Chi Gung, as they take you through the ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practised as a graceful form of exercise all over the world.

  • Every first Saturday of the month.
  • The session will start at 9.30am, please arrive at Hidcote by 9.15 and head to the visitor reception.
  • The sessions are £12 and are suitable for all capabilities aged 16+. Please note that from April, the ticket price will be £12 per person.
  • We recommend that during the winter months warm clothes, gloves and hardy footwear is worn as the sessions will take place in the garden.

Tai Chi at Hidcote book now

Full information can be found here

Winter morning garden tour with a hot drink and seasonal bake

Sundays and Saturdays in January.

10am to 11am.

Enjoy an exclusive winter morning guided garden tour, before Hidcote opens to the public, and discover the history, significance and development of the garden and its creator, Major Lawrence Johnston. The one-hour tour will take you through a selection of the garden’s outdoor rooms and showcase seasonal highlights, before ending at the cafe where a hot drink and seasonal bake will be waiting for you to enjoy.

Please note that all the sessions take place outside in the garden, weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended. Please contact the team at hidcote@nationaltrust.org.uk if you have any questions or access needs.

Price: £12 per person.

Group size: Please note this tour is limited to 16 guests

How to book: Book online or call the National Trust Booking Team on 03442491895.

Garden flowers house exterior Hidcote

Book your visit

Please note, you need to book tickets to Hidcote if you are visiting before 1pm. If visiting after 1pm you do not need to book your admission ticket. Time slots are released up to two weeks in advance on Thursday and where available, you can book on the day.

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