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  1. Learning
  2. Children, schools and families
  3. School visits

School visits

Great Dixter has an exciting programme of activities for Early Years to Key Stage 2. 

Primary school visits to Great Dixter cost from £6.50 per child, which includes a full day of planned activity with the Education Officer, Jane as well as use of the education room at Dixter Farm for lunch and as part of planned activities. As the garden is small, we normally only accept a maximum of one class in a day (though we may be able to take a coach load and split the group). Accompanying adults are free of charge.

To book a visit or discuss your group’s needs, please contact Education Officer, Jane Wigan: [email protected] or tel: 01797 334042.

Jane is acting Education Officer while Catherine Haydock is on maternity leave and has worked for many years as a primary school teacher and outdoor educator. She is a qualified Level 3 Forest School practitioner.

How the Day is Organised

Coaches will be met in the car park at the arranged time and groups accompanied down the track for an introductory talk in our education room at Dixter Farm. Toilet facilities are available. Staff in charge of visiting educational parties are advised that the Great Dixter Charitable Trust holds them fully responsible for the conduct of all members of their party during their visit.

The school must provide accompanying adults to meet LEA recommendations.

Clothing

Children should be dressed for the outdoors in suitable clothing for wet or hot weather. Long trousers and sleeves are recommended. Footwear should be comfortable and appropriate for long distance walking. Waterproofs are essential even in the Summer. Please ensure children use sun cream and wear sun hats during hot weather.

Children need to bring packed lunches and sufficient liquid to drink, preferably water. Drinks should be in resealable screw top bottles not cans or cartons.

Health and Safety

All groups will be provided with a risk assessment for planned activities prior to your visit. Please ensure that you provide the education officer with any specific needs for your group prior to the visit and produce a risk assessment that covers any needs or known behaviours. All teachers are encouraged to come on a previsit to Great Dixter (offered free of charge) to familiarise themselves with the site. Please follow this link for additional health and safety information.

Secondary School

We are also able to offer visits for horticultural colleges and students studying land-based courses at various levels. For more information please contact us using the details above.

Key stage 2

Key stage 2

Jane tailor-makes visits depending on your topic, and the time of year. She is a qualified level 3 Forest School Practitioner and has over 10 years experience as a primary school teacher and outdoor education. Read more

Published: 18th November, 2020

Updated: 18th October, 2021

Author: Catherine Haydock

Key stage 1

Key stage 1

Great Dixter is a fantastic place for a school trip. Most visits incorporate a trip to the garden and the woods where there will be time for child-led play. Read more

Published: 18th November, 2020

Updated: 18th October, 2021

Author: Catherine Haydock

Early years

Early years

A bespoke visit to the garden and woodland for a day supporting early learning goals. The day will include a visit to the garden which will transport you to a world of giant hedges, a jungle, giant leaves and flowers and tiny dragons living in the pond. Read more

Published: 18th November, 2020

Updated: 24th February, 2021

Author: Catherine Haydock

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  • Opening times

    Opening times

    Great Dixter House & Gardens are now open Tuesday - Sunday and bank holidays. There is no need to prebook tickets online. The Gardens & Shop are open between 11am - 5pm The House is open between 12 noon - 4 pm The Loggia is open between 10.30am - 5pm. However, the Great Dixter Nursery is open daily (Mon-Sun) between 9am - 5pm

  • Tickets

    Tickets

    Pre-booked tickets are no longer required. Please purchase tickets upon arrival from the kiosk. We ask that visitors to the House and Shop continue to wear face coverings and maintain a respectful social distance.

  • Visitor information

    Useful information to consider when visiting Great Dixter House and Gardens

  • The Nursery

    The Nursery

    The Nursery was started by Christopher Lloyd in 1954, specialising in plants he deemed garden-worthy. We remain a small, personal and professional nursery.

  • How to find us

    Details of how to travel to Great Dixter

  • Visit the Nursery

    Visit the Nursery

    Whilst the House & Garden are now closed for the season, our fantastic Nursery is still open. Between November 2021 - April 2022, The Nursery is open: Monday - Friday 9am-12:30 and then reopens 1:30pm - 4:30pm. Saturday - 9am - 12:30 Sunday (closed) There is no entrance charge.

  • Cafe

    Cafe

    The Loggia cafe is now closed for the season but will re-open on the 29th March. The cafe serves a delicious range of home-made lunches, snacks, hot and cold drinks and cakes, all freshly cooked here at Dixter. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available. Please inform staff if you have any special dietary requirements or allergies and they will endeavour to help.

  • Christopher Lloyd

    Christopher Lloyd

    Great Dixter was the home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd (1921-2006), who developed it into a hub of ideas and connections that spread out across the world.

  • Garden map

    Download a map of the garden

  • Online Webinar Tickets

    Online Webinar Tickets

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Published: 19th March, 2014

Updated: 7th November, 2018

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Great Dixter House & Gardens
Northiam
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 6PH

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© Great Dixter House & Gardens 2020 · Ltd. Co. No. 7181964 · Registered Charity No. 1134948

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