Enjoy an exclusive garden visit with our wonderful By Arrangement option
The National Garden Scheme opens over 3,300 private gardens to the public each year. Most visitors are familiar with the gardens that open their gates to everyone on set days, but in 2025, 647 of them also open By Arrangement. The gorgeous Home Farm House in Nottingham (pictured above and below) opens as part of the Keyworth Gardens group on 1 June but also opens for By Arrangement visits from May to September for groups of up to 25.
These wonderful, often hidden gems are really worth exploring especially if you are keen to return to a garden you love, perhaps missed a public open day or simply want to explore somewhere completely unchartered. By Arrangement gardens cater for different group sizes from as few as one to 20+, it all depends on the size and accessibility of the garden, some have fixed prices for entry others are agreed in discussion with the garden owner.
“Booking a By Arrangement garden visit with the National Garden Scheme was a joy. I spoke directly with the garden owner to arrange a time that suited us both and was able to treat mum, family and friends to a really special day out in a garden open just for us!” Garden visitor.
A few questions answered about By Arrangement gardens
What is a By Arrangement garden?
A garden open By Arrangement accepts visitors to their garden for a more personalised visit, on a pre-agreed date. Usually, the garden will advertise a range of dates available that they are willing to open so that visitors can decide on the most suitable option for them. This can often be a wide date range, for example March-October, so there are plenty of opportunities to find a date to suit you and your group or family and friends.
What are the benefits of booking a visit in advance?
Booking a By Arrangement garden gives you direct contact with the garden owner, allowing you to liaise on everything from convenient times and dates, to what you’ll see and do once you’re there.
Why choose By Arrangement?
Did you miss an open day or perhaps you would like to bring your family back for a special occasion? Contact any garden offering By Arrangement visits to discuss options.
Booking your By Arrangement visit
Our gardens opening in 2025 are available to view by clicking here. From the garden information page you will find the garden owner’s contact details. They are waiting to hear from you and will be delighted to help you create the perfect visit.
The garden owner will confirm all the details and whether they require a deposit/full payment ahead of the visit.
As with all garden visits organised through the National Garden Scheme, By Arrangement visits support our nursing and health beneficiaries.
Enjoy your garden visit!
FIND A BY ARRANGEMENT GARDEN IN YOUR AREA
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- Rewela Cottage, opens By Arrangement 12 May to August
Situated in a lovely quiet country village, Rewela Cottage, Yorskshire (pictured above) was designed from an empty paddock, to be a labour saving, shade garden, using unusual trees and shrubs for year-round interest. Their foliage, bark and berries enhance the well-designed structure of the garden. The garden owner now specialises in growing and selling Hostas. Over 750 varieties of Hostas in the garden. Opens for By Arranagement visits 12 May to August.
Click here for details
Chestnut Farm in Holt, Norfolk (pictured above in spring) is a mature three acre garden developed over 60 years with collections of many rare and unusual plants. Aconites, 100+ varieties of snowdrops, drifts of crocus with seasonal flowering shrubs. Later, wood anemones, fritillary meadow, wildflower walk, pond, small arboretum and colourful herbaceous borders. In May the handkerchief tree, cercis, camassias and early roses. Always something new.
Opens on set days 31 January and 23 February and By Arrangement visits from 26 January to 28 September for groups of between 6 and 40.
The Court House, in East Meon, Hampshire (pictured above) is a 2 acre garden, surrounding a medieval manor house (not open), laid out in the ‘Arts and Crafts’ style with separate areas divided by yew hedges and stone walls. The established herbaceous borders contain some unusual plants providing interest throughout the summer. Steps lead to a lower level with reflecting pool and progressively less formal planting. There’s also a 1 acre vineyard.
Opens for By Arrangement visits from 20 June to 19 September for groups of between 10 and 30.
The Grove in Presteigne, Powys is a stunning seven acre garden divided into large defined areas, each with its own mood and planting style. Beautiful walled garden, courtyard garden, stunning grass garden, very productive vegetable plot and greenhouse. Arboretum with 200+ varieties of tree. Riverside walk and unique sculptures complement the planting. Around every corner there are surprises and delights to discover.
Opens for for By Arrangement visits from 5 July to 10 August for groups of between 10 and 40.
