Discover more at Emmetts Garden
Find out when Emmetts Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Autumn Festival at Emmetts Garden
Celebrate the changing seasons and the cornucopia of colour at Emmetts Garden during our Autumn Festival, 9 October to November 2026. This year’s festival is set to be bigger and better than ever. From market stalls, fascinating talks, a guided walk and photography workshops to fairground rides, Halloween workshops and a family activity trail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Autumn Festival
Friday 9 October–Sunday 1 November
An October festival at Emmetts Garden has become an annual tradition, embracing the colourful joys of autumn inspired by the garden and surrounding woodlands. Blending some familiar favourites with exciting new and expanded events, this year’s autumn festival programming is set to inspire garden lovers, outdoor explorers and fans of seasonal fun. Read on to find out more and plan your visit(s).
Autumn Fair Makers Market
Friday 9–Sunday 11 October
The festival kicks off with a three-day market, featuring makers and craftspeople selling unique products. Look out for autumn, woodland and botanical-inspired crafts, everything from jewellery and prints to wooden sculptures and ceramics. There are even some edible goodies. This year’s marquee is bigger than before, allowing us to welcome even more stallholders to delight you with their wares.
The fair is held under a marquee in the meadow for maximum enjoyment, no matter the weather. The fair is free to attend with normal admission or National Trust membership.
Food and drink during the Autumn Fair
The popular Sommi Pizza van returns to Emmetts Garden for the Saturday and Sunday of the fair, serving hand stretched pizzas made with the best Italian and British ingredients, cooked to order in their wood-fired oven. Nab a spot at one of the outdoor tables or bring a blanket and chairs for your own pizza picnic.
Autumn Fair event information.
Music on the Meadow
Saturday 10–Sunday 11 October
We are delighted to welcome local concert bands back to Emmetts Garden for two afternoons of modern classics, film scores and old favourites during the weekend of our Autumn Fair. Biggin Hill Concert Band will perform on Sunday 11 October at 12 noon and 2pm.
These performances will take place outdoors alongside the Autumn Fair market. You are more than welcome bring picnic blankets and chairs. Chairs will not be provided.
Autumn Talks Weekend
Friday 16–Sunday 18 October 2026
Big name speakers as well as local experts and special guests join us for our programme of Autumn Talks. Hear from celebrated garden designer and broadcaster Adam Frost, horticulturist, author and presenter Frances Tophill and garden designer and presenter Danny Clarke. Other notable speakers will lead sessions covering a wide range of topics including autumnal folklore, astronomy experiences, medicinal mushrooms, psychoactive fungi, plant conservation and nature-based wellness. Each talk includes a Q&A session. These events will take place on the meadow within a marquee.
Ticketing information
Early bird discounted pricing for Day Passes is available until 31 August. Remaining tickets for individual talks will be released on 1 September. Pre-booking is strongly recommended.
There is one talk on the Friday evening. On the Saturday and Sunday, talks run from mid-morning through to late afternoon.
Book Early bird full-day passes for Saturday 17 October for £50 (a savings of £22 if booking all of Saturday’s talks individually).
Book Early bird full-day passes for Sunday 18 October for £25 (a savings of £15 if booking all of Sunday’s talks individually).
All other individual talk tickets will be available at their standard rates from 1 September, with prices ranging from £10 to £25.
Read on for more information about each day's schedule of talks.
Friday 16 October Autumn Talks schedule
Witching the Wild Year
Friday 16 October 2026, 18.30–19.30
Join witchy wordsmith Zoë Howe and wildlife expert Ajay Tegala (BBC Springwatch) for a captivating journey around the zodiac, exploring the deep connections between nature, folklore and the turning year.
Early bird tickets for Witching the Wild Year are available to purchase until 31 August at £12. Standard ticket prices from 1 September are £15.
Saturday 17 October Autumn Talks schedule
The Science of Magic Mushrooms with Dr David Luke
Saturday 17 October 2026, 10.30–11.30
Back by popular demand, Dr David Luke presents a fascinating talk exploring the chemistry, neuroscience and psychology of magic mushrooms. Blending science with cultural insight, this engaging session invites you to see the natural world in a new light and reconsider our relationship with it. This talk is not suitable for children; 18+ only.
Tickets for this talk are available with an Early bird Saturday day pass until 31 August. The standard rate for this talk will be £10 from 1 September.
More information about The Science of Magic Mushrooms with Dr David Luke.
Breaking the rules – Gardening your way with the Black Gardener (Danny Clarke)
Saturday 17 October 2026, 12.00–13.00
A joyful and refreshing approach to gardening, full of confidence, creativity and personality led by Garden Designer and TV presenter Danny Clarke, aka The Black Gardener. This engaging talk is all about building confidence, embracing creativity and finding joy in your garden, whether you’re just starting out or looking to see your space in a new way.
Tickets for this talk are available with an Early bird Saturday day pass until 31 August. The standard rate for this talk will be £15 from 1 September.
More information about Breaking the rules – Gardening your way with the Black Gardener.
Wildflower Year–Gardening for Beauty and Biodiversity with Frances Tophill
Saturday 17 October 2026, 14.00–15.00
An inspiring look at creating beautiful, nature-friendly gardens through the seasons with horticulturist, author and television presenter Frances Tophill. Blending practical advice with personal insight, this inspiring talk offers simple, achievable ways to work with nature and make the most of your garden.
Tickets for this talk are available with an Early bird Saturday day pass until 31 August. The standard rate price for this talk will be £22 from 1 September.
More information about Wildflower Year–Gardening for Beauty & Biodiversity with Frances Tophill.
Gardens, Life and Everything in between with Adam Frost
Saturday 17 October 2026, 15.30–17.00
Award-winning garden designer and presenter Adam Frost gives a thoughtful and engaging talk exploring the gardens that have shaped his life and work. Through stories, reflections and design insight, Adam shares how gardens can become meaningful, liveable spaces that evolve alongside us.
Tickets for this talk are available with an Early bird Saturday day pass until 31 August. The standard rate for this talk will be £25 from 1 September.
More information about Gardens, Life and Everything in between with Adam Frost.
Sunday 18 October Autumn Talks schedule
What Autumn Knows – Living with Nature’s Intelligence with Tansy Dowman
Sunday 18 October 2026, 10.30-11.30
A reflective and inspiring look at the wisdom of the autumn season with outdoor wellness expert Tansy Dowman.
Tickets for this talk are available with an Early bird Sunday day pass until 31 August. The standard rate for this talk will be £10 from 1 September.
More information about What Autumn Knows – Living with Nature’s Intelligence with Tansy Dowman.
We are all made of stardust with Mark Hiller
Sunday 18 October 2026, 13.00–14.00
Explore meteorites and their role in shaping our world with Mark Hiller from Edenbridge and District Astronomers. This interactive session includes a unique opportunity to see and handle real meteorites. Suitable for adults and children aged 12+.
Tickets for this talk are available with an Early bird Sunday day pass until 31 August. The standard rate for this talk will be £10 for adult tickets and £5 for children's tickets from 1 September.
More information about We are all made of stardust with Mark Hiller.
Medicinal Mushrooms with Antonella Di Cillo
Sunday 18 October 2026, 14.30–15.00
An insightful exploration of medicinal mushrooms blending tradition, science and modern wellbeing with a focus on practical application, led by homeopath Antonella Di Cillo.
Tickets for this talk are available with an Early bird Sunday day pass until 31 August. The standard rate for this talk will be £10 from 1 September.
More information about Medicinal Mushrooms with Antonella Di Cillo.
Seeds for the Future and for Today with Dr Christopher Cockel
Sunday 18 October 2026 16.00–17.00
Step into the fascinating world of seeds, plants and global conservation with Kew Gardens scientist, Dr Christopher Cockel. This engaging talk explores how we can better understand and support the plants that sustain our world, offering fresh insight into the challenges and possibilities of conservation today.
Tickets for this talk are available with an Early bird Sunday day pass until 31 August. The standard rate for this talk will be £10 from 1 September.
More information about Seeds for the Future and for Today with Dr Christopher Cockel.
Food and drink during the Autumn Talks weekend
The Fizzy Filly, a licensed mobile bar will be serving sweet crepes alongside organic apple cider and juice from local producer Charrington Farms. (Friday evening 16–Sunday 18 October). Sommi Pizza will be serving wood-fired pizza from their van on the meadow (Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October).
Guided autumn walk
Sunday 18 October 2026, 11.45–12.45, £10
Join Tansy Dowman for a gentle guided walk through Emmetts Garden, inviting you to connect more deeply with the sights, sounds and textures of the season, and to explore how nature’s rhythms can support wellbeing.
Guided Autumn Walk with Tansy Dowman event information and ticketing. Please note that due to capacity constraints, the guided walk is not included in the Sunday day pass.
Photography workshops for adults
Wednesday 14 October, Tuesday 27 October 2026
(Select one of the two scheduled sessions.)
Join us for a half-day autumn photography workshop led by expert photographer, Roger Bloxham. The course uses the natural environment at Emmetts Garden as a subject and is designed for people who have a camera with a short-range zoom lens (24-70mm is ideal). The course will run from 9.30am to 1pm, with a hot drink and slice of cake included in the ticket (£35). The price also includes your garden entry. Suitable for all abilities.
Limited spaces, pre-booking is essential.
Autumn Festival: Photography Workshop event information and ticketing.
Fun for the family: Half term, Halloween and more
Family activity trail: Fun-Gus Saves the Forest
Friday 9 October– Sunday 1 November
Running throughout the Autumn Festival including half term. Purchase a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre for £3. Explore the garden and take part in fun family activities as you help Fun-Gus and Myrra save the day. Return to the Visitor Centre to collect your prize. Normal admission applies; under 5s visit for free.
Autumn Festival: Family Garden Trail
Half term children’s fairground
Friday 23 October–Sunday 1 November, 10am–4pm (last ride starts at 3.30pm)
Join us this half term for the return of the popular children’s fairground at Emmetts Garden. This season’s rides include a carousel, swing boats and the teacups.
Fairground access is £10 per wristband per day. This allows a child to go on the rides throughout the day. Rides are suitable for children aged: 2-8. You can also take advantage of a combined ticket for £12 which includes a fairground wristband and a Fun-Gus Family Activity Trail booklet (normally £3).
Normal admission prices or National Trust membership also applies.
More information about the Children’s Fairground.
Halloween craft workshops
Thursday 29 October–Sunday 1 November
Halloween Spooky Woodcraft workshop
Thursday 29 October–Sunday 1 November 2026
Ticketed sessions available at 10:30–11:15, 11:30–12:15, 13:00–13:45 and 14:00–14:45
£8, normal admission also applies.
Join Natalia, an accredited Forest School teacher from Wild Side Learning for a creative woodcraft workshop with a seasonal twist. Learn how to safely use carving tools to whittle a wooden mushroom keyring. Suitable for ages 8+, limited places; pre-booking strongly recommended.
More information and tickets for the Halloween Spooky Woodcraft workshop.
Halloween Spiderweb Weaving Workshop
Thursday 29 October–Sunday 1 November 2026
Drop-in sessions available 10:30–12:15 and 13.00–15:00
Create your own spooky spider-web and pinecone spider in this free (with admission), drop-in activity during the Halloween half term. Led by accredited forest school teacher, Natalia with National Trust volunteers on hand to help, this activity is suitable for children aged 2+.
More information about the Halloween Spiderweb Weaving Workshop.
Exploring the gardens and woodland
Emmetts Garden and the surrounding woodlands are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest; foraging is illegal. Fungi spotted at National Trust places including Emmetts Garden and the West Kent Countryside should not be picked or eaten; they are often poisonous and form a vital part of the woodland ecosystem.
Self-led Autumn walks
Autumn is a spectacular time of year to visit Emmetts Garden. Enjoy the crunching of leaves underfoot, admire the changing colours across the landscape and take in fantastic views over the Weald of Kent. Garden highlights include the winged spindle tree and Japanese maples which turn fiery red as well as the katsura, also known as the candyfloss tree for its sugary sweet autumnal fragrance.
Food, drink and shopping at Emmetts Garden during the Autumn Festival
Throughout the Autumn Festival, The Old Stables Tea Room will be serving hot and cold drinks, soup, hot food, sandwiches and other light snacks including many favourite National Trust cakes and bakes.
The Sommi Pizza van serves up wood-fired pizza on the meadow on 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31 October and 1 November.
The Fizzy Filly, a licensed mobile bar will be serving sweet crepes alongside organic apple cider and juice from local producer Charrington Farms during the Autumn Talks weekend, from the evening of Friday 16 October and throughout Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October.
In addition to the Autumn Fair Makers Market at the start of the festival, you can find a National Trust shop located in the Visitor Centre. Browse a wide selection of seasonal items for the home and garden including toys, gifts and stationery as well as local products and peat-free plants. Don’t miss the second-hand bookshop for pre-loved non-fiction, novels and children’s books. Every purchase you make helps us to care for the nature, beauty and history that surrounds us here at Emmetts Garden.
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Family days out at Emmetts Garden
Enjoy family-friendly fun and outdoor play at Emmetts Garden, all set against a backdrop of a glorious Edwardian garden, on one of the highest points of the Kentish Weald. Invent a game to play in the meadow with inspiration from our toy cupboard, explore the wild play area near the Tea Room or come along for Summer of Play.
Eating and shopping at Emmetts Garden
Stop for refreshments at the recently renovated Old Stables Tea Room, with indoor and outdoor seating. In the shop you'll find seasonal ranges for the home and garden, local products and peat-free plants.
Visiting Emmetts Garden with your dog
Emmetts Garden is a three pawprint rated place. Share a stroll around Emmetts Garden with your dog. Allowed in all areas of the gardens, there’s no better place for them to spend a day.
