Weekend of Roses at Morden Hall Park
Everything is coming up roses at Morden Hall Park this June. It's the best time of year to enjoy the Rose Garden and we’re shining a spotlight on this key historic feature with a guided walk and botanical drawing workshop.
Created around 1921 by Gilliat Edward Hatfeild, the last private owner of the Morden estate, it is the only major landscape addition he made to the park, transforming the former deer park into a dedicated ornamental garden.
Following Hatfeild’s death in 1941, the estate was given to the National Trust and opened as a public park. Over time, the Rose Garden has evolved, with significant replanting in the late 1990s and ongoing restoration work in recent years to reintroduce heritage-style planting and a softer, early 20th‑century feel.
Walk and talk with the Head Gardener
Saturday 6 June, 10am – 11am
Join a dedicated tour of the Rose Garden with our Head Gardener, Josh. He’ll explain the history behind the garden’s unique design which was considered innovative for its time as well as sharing how he and his team care for roses and future plans. Tickets £4. Booking essential.
Botanical drawing workshop with Edward Luke Thrush
Sunday 7 June, 1pm – 4pm
Take a closer look at their showy scented blooms in a botanical drawing workshop with artist Edward Luke Thrush. Spend an afternoon capture roses, using fine ink pens to capture shape and detail, then adding diluted inks to build colour and depth. Edward will introduce simple techniques to help you look closely and develop your style, whatever your experience. The session also explores the stories, symbolism and ecology of roses, creating an open, welcoming space to share ideas and enjoy time in the garden together and reflect. Tickets: £30 standard, £22 concession (limited availability). Booking essential
Self-guided walk
Enjoy the Rose Garden at your own leisure and pick up our guide to the Rose Garden from the information point, Garden Centre or Potting Shed Café.
There are no records of the original roses planted by Hatield and over the Rose Garden has evolved, with significant replanting in the late 1990s and ongoing restoration work in recent years to reintroduce heritage-style planting and a softer, early 20th‑century feel. You can find a full list of the rose varieties planted in the garden within the guide.
The Garden Centre
During your visit, why not head over the the Garden Centre where you'll find a some of the varieties planted in the Roses Garden for sale. All the Garden Centre roses are planted in peat free compost from specialist growers, David Austin and Trevor White. The Garden Centre is one of the few places where you can buy the King's Rose by David Austin which has been created in partnership with The King’s Foundation. As part of this collaboration, David Austin will donate £2.50 from every sale to support the Foundation’s vital work.
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Events at Morden Hall park
Throughout the year we host a variety of events and activities for all ages. From children's storytelling and crafts sessions, family trails, and nature-based activities to outdoor theatre, exhibitions from local artists and well-being workshops such as Forest Bathing. Take a look at what's coming up.
The Garden Centre at Morden Hall Park
Shop for plants, seeds, pots, gardening equipment, toys and games, gifts and homewares at the National Trust’s first garden centre, with all profits supporting our work.
Eating and shopping at Morden Hall Park
Enjoy freshly prepared tasty snacks and cakes at a choice of two cafés and pick up the perfect read at the second-hand bookshop, all supporting the National Trust’s work.
The history of Morden Hall Park
Delve into the past at Morden Hall Park, from marshy field to country estate and now oasis for the local community.
Visiting Morden Hall Park with your dog
Morden Hall Park is a three pawprint rated place. There are 125 acres of beautiful parkland, paths and riverside for you and your dog to explore here.
