Wassail Your Way Through the Orchard’s Gifts – 25 Jan, 1:30pm-4:00pm
Celebrate the orchard’s blessings with music, merriment, and a warming apple Wassail drink, joined by the vibrant rhythms of Black Swan Border Morris.
- Booking essential
Join us for a spirited revival of the ancient tradition of Wassailing, where we’ll bless the orchard for a fruitful harvest in the coming year.
Begin in the Stableyard, where you can craft your own Wassail headdress and decorate a lucky wand with bells, ribbons, and natural materials. (Feel free to bring a hat from home to personalise!) Once adorned, follow us in a lively procession to the orchard, where together we’ll drive away unfriendly spirits with raucous cheer, song, and offerings of cider-soaked toast – an invitation to the robin, thought to embody benevolent spirits.
We are thrilled to welcome the Black Swan Border Morris dancers, who will add their unique and energetic style to our celebration. Their powerful, rhythmic dance and stirring music will lead us in true Wassail fashion, filling the orchard with the sounds of drums, clashing sticks, and vibrant song.
The festivities will conclude by our ancient mulberry tree with a toast of warm cider Wassail (or apple juice) as we wish for an abundant apple harvest to enjoy this autumn.
Booking essential
£10 per adult £5 per child
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult | £10.00 |
| Child | £5.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Suitability
Suitable for children
- Meeting point
Stableyard courtyard
- What to bring and wear
Wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather.
- Accessibility
Some walking will take place on grassy areas, but we’ll stay close to the paved paths, ensuring that participants with reduced mobility can still fully enjoy the group ceremony.
- Other
We encourage you to bring anything noisy to help create a lively atmosphere - whistles, pots, pans, and rattles are all welcome! If you have an old straw hat, bring it along to decorate with leaves and branches for the festive dressing-up. Please note: No dogs are allowed except for guide dogs, as there will be considerable noise throughout the event.
Upcoming events
Garden Centre: Late Night Christmas Shopping - Thursday 28 Nov & Thursday 5 Dec
Join us for late-night shopping events when we'll be open till 7 pm. Whilst you're browsing our selection of Christmas fare, you'll be serenaded by a chorus of Christmas carols performed by Merton Music Foundation.
Visit Father Christmas (0-8yrs) - 30 Nov & 1,7,8,14,15 Dec - SOLD OUT
Visit Father Christmas, his elves and receive a gift chosen just for you! Ho ho ho booking now open!
Park Explorers for under 5s term time on Mondays
Our Park Explorers group is for children aged 2-5 years old and their parents/carers. Together we learn about the natural world around us, with a different outdoor theme each week.
Chatter & Natter - Chatty Cafe Scheme
Join us at the 'Chatter & Natter Table'. A welcoming space in the cafe for all ages to enjoy great conversations.