Spring Festival at Petworth
- Published:
- 24 January 2025
Join us from 4 - 19 April for our annual Spring Festival at Petworth House, where we celebrate the arrival of a new season with free talks, demonstrations, spectacular bulb displays, creative workshops, family activities and more. Normal admission applies
Makers Market showcasing artisan talent
On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April, the festival will host a bustling Makers Market in partnership with Petworth Pop-Up. Visitors can browse the stalls and purchase high-quality artisan gifts, including handmade jewellery, homeware, textiles and artwork from talented makers.
Expert gardening talks and demos
From Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 April, gardening enthusiasts will be treated to a series of free talks from horticultural experts in the garden theatre marquee. Speakers include gardener, broadcaster and best-selling author Arthur Parkinson, Professor of Biology and author Dave Goulson, National Trust Senior Gardener and author Robyn Booth, sustainable gardening expert Beverly Exall, and Petworth’s Head Gardener Martyn Burkinshaw.
Martyn Burkinshaw will also lead free guided tours of the Pleasure Garden, where visitors can learn about the history of the gardens and experience sweeping displays of radiant spring bulbs.
From Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 April, visitors can join live 20-minute gardening demonstrations covering practical topics such as creating a wormery, beekeeping, composting and plant staking.
The full programme of talks, tours and demos is available online. No booking is required.
Free family fun
Families can take part in a free, buggy-friendly trail around the Pleasure Garden, which runs for the Easter holidays from Saturday 28 March until Sunday 12 April. Young explorers can pick up a complimentary Tilly Plants a Tree trail map and enjoy engaging games and activities along the way.
Creative workshops
From Tuesday 14 to Sunday 19 April, hands-on creative workshops will take place in the Battery House. Participants can try fused glassmaking, botanical drawing, foraging basket making and willow birdhouse crafting. Workshops are designed to be relaxed and accessible. Advance booking is essential.
Community art installation
The festival will showcase a striking handcrafted floral display in the marquee, created by members of the local community and dedicated volunteers.
A celebration of nature
“Now in its third year, our Spring Festival has become one of the highlights of the horticultural calendar” says Sarah Gunn, Senior Visitor Experience Officer. “Petworth is bursting with life and activity at springtime, and our Spring Festival is a perfect opportunity for visitors to explore the gardens, listen to fascinating talks, pick up gardening tips from renowned experts, and indulge their senses in colour, beauty and nature.”
Become a National Trust member
With so many events and activities taking place, spring is a great time for gardening enthusiasts to consider National Trust membership, which will enable you to attend all our talks and visit other National Trust gardens throughout the year. Please see our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.