We are excited to announce our ‘Gates Gardening Days Out’ coach trips. Enjoy visits to a series of some of the country’s most treasured events and gardens, from the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show to the elegant and regal Highgrove Gardens. Each destination offers its own unique charm, whether you enjoy rich history, expert horticultural advice, inspiring garden designs, or simply the pleasure of browsing quality plants and stalls. There really is something for everyone, no matter of your gardening ability!
In partnership with Skills Coaches, we ensure that everything is arranged and all you need to do is relax and enjoy a delightful day surrounded by stunning gardens and like-minded enthusiasts.
Harrogate Flower Show – Friday 24th April
The Harrogate Flower Show is one of the UK’s premier gardening events, welcoming over 100 of the UK’s top plant nurseries and landscapers. Visit a selection of beautiful show gardens and floral installations, enjoy the Lifestyle Shopping Pavilion, lots of regional foodie treats and a packed programme of live entertainment.
East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden – Thursday 11th June
Head of Horticulture Matt’s recommendation
An exotic garden in an exposed prairie landscape by the North Norfolk coast
A beautiful, 32-acre modern garden containing many garden rooms with herbaceous borders, gravel gardens, sub-tropical gardens, a box parterre, sunken rose garden, Mediterranean garden, Desert Wash and a large woodland garden — there really is so much to explore. Taken over in 1973 and now a Royal Horticultural Society Partnership Garden.
Matt Peck, Gates Head of Horticulture will accompany the trip, adding his insight into the development of East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens.
RHS Sandringham Flower Show – Friday 24th July
Join us for an exciting new RHS Show set in the grounds of the Royal Family’s Sandringham Estate. Explore stunning show gardens and fabulous florals, Feature Gardens and Long Borders, indulge in fine foods at the Great Taste Market and enjoy live shows, talks and music all day.
The new RHS Sandringham Flower Show will feature a garden designed in collaboration with His Majesty the King. The RHS Royal Legacy Garden will be designed by award winning garden designer, Catherine MacDonald.
Highgrove Gardens – August/September* TBC
£208.80 per person
Journey to Highgrove, the private residence of His Royal Highness King Charles III, for a tour of the King’s Royal Gardens. Joined by an experienced guide, we tour the other-worldly Stumpery Garden, the whimsical Thyme Walk and the Chelsea award-winning Carpet Garden; you’ll see Highgrove through the eyes of royalty! Following our ninety-minute tour, we enjoy an included two-course lunch in the Orchard Room, where you’ll be surrounded by fascinating paintings of The King and his family.
Includes:
- Return Optimum coach travel
- On board Gates Farm Shop continental breakfast goody bag & hot drink
- Stop off in Tetbury
- Guided tour of Highgrove Gardens.  In addition to revealing the gardens’ history, organic management and sources of inspiration, the guide will explain the hidden curious and horticultural innovations behind them. Highgrove is a place of peace and tranquillity, where The King’s passion and imagination have been etched onto the Cotswold landscape. From the magnificent Wildflower Meadow to the enchanting setting of the Arboretum, the gardens embody His Majesty’s gardening ideals and organic principles
- A delicious two-course lunch served in the Orchard Room Restaurant. The Group Tour menu is created by the Highgrove Chef’s using the most seasonal and responsibly sourced ingredients and is served with a glass of organic wine, or soft alternative, followed by a cup of Prince of Wales Tea, or freshly brewed filter coffee, at the end of the meal.
- Following your garden tour, there will be time to browse in the Highgrove Shop at The Coronation Pavilion, where you’ll find a selection of bespoke Highgrove products, including special edition artworks.
Please note: Your ticket is for the Garden Tour and Lunch and doesn’t include admission into the private residence.
*The date is yet to be confirmed but this trip will be held midweek in late August/ early September.
Please email events@gatesgardencentre.co.uk to reserve your place. Once the date is confirmed we will send you a booking link on a first-come-first serve basis.
Please note that there are only 26 spaces available.
