Family Visits
Families are always welcome at Barnsdale. We love to see children happily skipping through the gardens, munching on a big slice of chocolate cake or learning something about the birds, flowers and wildlife that make the Gardens so special.
Throughout the year there is always something to enjoy for families of all ages, so do pay us a visit. Here are just a few examples but if you want to keep up to-date with what is going on at Barnsdale then simply register for free membership.
Family Events
3 April, 9am to 5pm Mothering Sunday
Free entry for all mums accompanied by at least one of their children.
8 May, 11am to 3pm Nesting Day
Bring your binoculars and join our local bird expert Philip Rudkin for regular walks around our gardens and learn about the best trees and shrubs to plant for nesting birds. Come and see our own nest box camera in action.
19 June, from 11am Father's Day
Free beer and BBQ for Dads. Price of Garden entry.
7 August, 11am-4pm Willow Weaving
Our local willow worker, John Shone of Rutland Willows, will be on site in the Gardens and through the day will be holding several demonstrations of this rural craft.
28 August,
Your chance to see how traditional Japanese 'raku' pots are made and paint your own to take home. Buy a hand made pot, decorate it, and our resident potter will professionally fire it for you in his outdoor kiln. Barnsdale has 37 famous and beautiful gardens to explore and by the time you’ve enjoyed a leisurely stroll around our 8 acres of paradise, your masterpiece will be ready to take home.
Price of Garden entry. Pot prices start at £6.50.