Join us for a festive experience at Gravetye Manor

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Saturday, 13 September 2025 at 8:00 am

Join us on Thursday, 4 December 2025, for a delightful festive experience at this 16th-century manor house, featuring an inspiring talk on winter gardening, a winter flower demonstration, a delicious Michelin-starred lunch, and joyful carol singing.

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Join us for a delightful festive experience at this 16th-century manor house, featuring an inspiring talk on winter gardening, a winter flower demonstration, a delicious Michelin-starred lunch and joyful carol singing

At the end of a private drive through enchanting Sussex woods, you’ll find Gravetye Manor, a beautiful Elizabethan house built in 1598. It became a hotel in the late 1950s, and is now known as a centre for culinary and horticultural excellence.

Gravetye’s gardens, created by William Robinson in 1885, are considered one of the most important historic gardens in England. Today, Robinson is best known for his concept of the wild garden, a landscape that celebrates nature rather than controls it. He also introduced the idea of the modern mixed border. Over time, he ended up owning over 1,000 acres of the surrounding landscape at Gravetye and used his estate to put his ideas into practice.The gardens at Gravetye Manor are a unique feature, originally created by William Robinson in 1885 and now considered one of the most important historic gardens in England. At the heart of this, on 35 acres he created his masterpiece garden, which is now in the care of Head Gardener Tom Coward.

Drawing from his experience and passion for horticulture, Tom will talk about the art and science of nurturing beautiful, resilient gardens throughout the colder months. Set against the historic backdrop of Gravetye Manor’s grounds, Tom will give expert guidance and seasonal inspiration for gardeners of all skill levels. Guests will then be treated to a sparkling English wine aperitif from the local Roebuck Estates vineyard, while carol singers fill the air with festive cheer.

Following a delicious lunch, Head Florist Sharon Coote will lead a Christmas wreath demonstration. She will share expert techniques and tips for crafting beautiful wreaths using fresh greenery, festive foliage and natural decorations harvested from the estate.

Event date: Thursday 4th December, 2025

Timings: 10:30 - 16:00

Tickets: £220 per person

SOLD OUT

HOTEL OFFER

A special accommodation rate is available for guests who wish to stay on the 3rd and 4th December. Please call 01342 810567 for details.

Your day itinerary

10:30am Refreshments on arrival, with a welcome from the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team
11:00am Talk by Head Gardener Tom Coward followed by Q&A
11:45am An English sparkling wine reception with local Sussex vineyard Roebuck Estates
12:00pm Christmas carols
12:30pm A three-course lunch served in the Michelin-starred restaurant, with views of the garden, seated at shared tables
2:30pm A flower demonstration by Head Florist Sharon Coote
3:00pm Guests are free to explore the garden
4:30pm Depart with a free goody bag

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Terms & Conditions: Seven days’ cancellation required. Note that many sections of the garden are inaccessible for wheelchairs and scooters. Due to uneven surfaces, you’ll need to have a fairly good walking and fitness level – please bear this in mind before you book. Limited places available.

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