Events at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - 2019
Light up a Life for Weldmar Hospicecare Trust
Tuesday 10th December
Lighting up memories for those we miss
An opportunity to remember a loved one by sponsoring a light on this special tree. Names will then be entered into the Christmas 2019 Book of Remembrance.
Application forms are available by visiting Weldmar, telephoning 01305 261800 or visiting the website:
Christmas Lunches
Wednesday 13th November - Thursday 19th December 2019 & Saturday 4th to Sunday 26th January 2020
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays only
For more information, please call 01305 871732
Floodlit Evening Walks Halloween Family Fun Nights
Thursday 31st October – Saturday 2nd November, dusk until 8:30pm, last entry 7.30pm
The Gardens will be closed on Saturday 2nd November owing to high winds. We hope to open again in the evening for the final Halloween Family Fun Night. Therefore we have closed online booking for this event. Anyone who visits on the day will receive the 20% online discount. Please call 01305 871387 to confirm before visiting.
Thursday 31st October – Saturday 2nd November, dusk until 8:30pm, last entry 7.30pm. Come and enjoy the Laser Show and meet Twitch the Witch. Don’t miss the chance to get up close with our bugs and snakes Display. Plus scary wounds surgery, claim a treat from the witches coven and much more! Why not join the fun by dressing up and prepare yourself to be both ‘tricked and treated!’
TICKETS AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR OR BOOK NOW AND SAVE 20% (IF BOOKED IN ADVANCE).
No extra charge for Season Ticket holders. The Restaurant will be open from 10am to 8pm, Kitchen from 10am to 3pm and 3.30pm to 7.30pm throughout the event.
For ticket information Tel: 01305 871130 or 871387
For restaurant information Tel: 01305 871732.
PLEASE NOTE A DIFFERENT CHARGE APPLIES
Floodlit Evening Walks
Friday 18th October – Charity Preview evening in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare Trust
Saturday 19th October – Sunday 3rd November
Come and see the Gardens in a different light. A large section of the gardens will be lit with a wonderful array of colour. Book online and save 20% off standard admission charges. A standard garden ticket allows access during the day and also covers the Floodlit Evening Walks event if visited on the same day. Normal admission applies, except to the 3 Halloween family fun nights when a different charge applies. Last admission 7.30pm. No extra charge for Season Ticket holders.
The Restaurant will be open from 10am to 8pm, Kitchen from 10am to 3pm and 3.30pm to 7.30pm throughout the event.
For ticket information Tel: 01305 871130 or 871387
For restaurant information Tel: 01305 871732
Spring is here
Mid February – end of April Magnolia, Camellia and Spring Colour No extra charge for Season Ticket holders.
Food Fair in association with Dorset Food & Drink
Saturday 20th April 2019, 10am – 5pm
Come and celebrate Easter with us at the First Dorset Food Fair of the Year
Discover over 25 stands showcasing distinctively Dorset’s produce while exploring the stunning Spring colour of the Subtropical Gardens.
Alongside the food stalls there will be cooking demonstrations, including a demo from Russell Brown, Nick Holt and a fun crab cracking demo
Entry £5 per adult, under 16s Free
Includes entry to the Subtropical Gardens (adult normally £12.50)
Entry is £5 per adult in advance, £6 on the door.
Willow Hare Workshop with Jo Sadler -
Monday 15th April
Local willow sculptor Jo Sadler is hosting two willow workshops at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens in 2019. In this workshop, you can learn how to create your own willow hare. Price to be confirmed, with all materials and tuition included, so just book and come along! You can book by contacting Jo direct at jojo.sadler@hotmail.co.uk, or find out more on the workshop page of her website.
Willow Deer Workshop with Jo Sadler -
29th April 2019
Local willow sculptor Jo Sadler is hosting two willow workshops at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens in 2019. In this workshop, you can learn how to create your own willow deer. Price to be confirmed, with all materials and tuition included, so just book and come along! You can book by contacting Jo direct at jojo.sadler@hotmail.co.uk, or find out more on the workshop page of her website.
Great Dorset Plant Fair - in association with Plant Heritage
Sunday 16th June 2019
We will again be playing host to a Specialist Plant Finder’s Fair, organised by Plant Heritage Dorset Group.
Unusual, difficult-to-find and some exotic plants available from more than 20 specialist nurseries & growers, including National Collection Holders and RHS Chelsea Gold Medal Winners.
Free car parking. Excellent refreshment & dining facilities. The Plant Fair is open from 10am until 3pm. Admission is just £7 and includes access to the attractive gardens. The Gardens remain open until 5pm, so visitors can have the time to explore them after the Plant Fair has finished.
Range of Plants/Stalls:
Alpines, succulents, rockery plants, herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses, carnivorous plants, prairie plants, exotic and subtropical plants, ferns and plants for shade, tall perennials & peonies, plants for bees & butterflies, annuals & basket plants, southern hemisphere plants.
Shrubs, David Austin Roses, clematis & other climbers, specimen plants, handcrafted willow products.
Show of Hands
6th July 2019
Show of Hands & Friends Featuring line up to be announced. Gardens open from 10am, entry to the concert area from 1.30pm, Music starts from 3pm, Concert finishes 9.00pm.
Your “Show of Hands” ticket gives you access to the Gardens and also the Swannery & Children’s Farm for the whole weekend. Please show your concert wrist band.
View a PDF version of this map (~400KB)
Three superb attractions (The Swannery, Subtropical Gardens and Children’s Farm) are all located within a mile of each other around the village. Abbotsbury is full of quirky shops, galleries, tearooms and interesting nooks to explore. Afterwards pop down to the Beach Café for a pot of tea. To find out more about Abbotsbury, visit the Abbotsbury Village website.