On arrival, top up your energy reserves with a Barnsdale Full English Breakfast, before setting off at 10.30am on a very special guided tour of Barnsdale Gardens with Nick Hamilton at this colourful time of year.

Nick will consider all the individual gardens and adjoining borders and will point out some of his favourite specimens, as well as the plants and trees that are the stars at this time.

Enjoy breakfast from 9.30am. The walk starts at 10.30am.

Try your hand at the colourful and wonderfully messy world of fluid art with The Jolly Easel.

This beginner-friendly workshop requires no previous painting experience. You’ll learn the techniques of paint pouring and create two geode-inspired canvases to take home, with all paints, materials, tools, aprons and gloves provided.

The workshop takes place in a small group of fewer than 15 people, with plenty of guidance and tuition.

Adults: £45 per person | Young adults (12–17): £30 per person

Workshop participants can also enjoy reduced entry to Barnsdale Gardens, making it easy to combine a creative morning with a visit to the gardens.

Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting paint on!

Get creative this autumn and make your own charming winter cottage at this relaxed, hands-on Christmas craft workshop with Kerrie from Bespoke & Quirky.

Paint, build and decorate a miniature festive cottage to take home, choosing your own colours, ribbons and Christmas-themed stamps to make it truly personal. No previous crafting experience is needed, and all materials and step-by-step guidance are provided.

Enjoy a homemade mince pie and hot drink as part of the workshop.

£55 per person. Designed for adults, but suitable for young people aged 14 and over when accompanied and supervised by a parent or grandparent.

Head off around the gardens on a fun-filled pumpkin hunt! Keep your eyes peeled, spot them all and tick each pumpkin off your spotting card as you go. How many can you find?

Join us for a spooktacular session of Halloween crafts and biscuit decorating. Get crafty, decorate delicious treats and let your imagination run wild with plenty of Halloween fun. £4 per child - children must be accompanied by an adult.

Celebrate the festive season with our Christmas Craft Courses at Barnsdale Gardens — the perfect way to get creative and embrace the magic of Christmas in Rutland.

Join our friendly expert tutors for hands-on craft workshops, including Christmas wreath-making, seasonal decoration design, and other festive craft classes inspired by the natural beauty of Barnsdale Gardens. Each session offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where you can learn new skills, enjoy the gardens in winter, and create beautiful handmade pieces to take home.

Whether you’re looking for a Christmas craft course near Oakham, a fun day out with friends, or a unique gift experience, our workshops make the season truly special.