Learning Children, schools and families Families Families Great Dixter is a magical place for families to visit. The garden has lots of high hedges, wild plants, bright colours and insects to inspire young imaginations. You can download our garden map here and check out our health and safety information so that you are aware of things to watch out for when you come. If you want to know more about family activities at Great Dixter please contact Catherine: [email protected] Garden Explorers Garden Explorers is an adventurous group for toddlers and carers which takes place each Thursday and Friday morning at Great Dixter between 9:30 and 11:30 (10-12 during the school holidays), based from our education centre at Dixter Farm. Sessions are based around seasonal activity in the garden and on the estate, from seed planting and cooking using vegetables we have harvested from the garden, to minibeast hunts, having fires in the woods and making musical instruments. Sessions are run by Education Manager Catherine with special guest appearances from time to time. There is usually a story and a walk, and always a drink and a snack (which we usually make during the session) with an all essential (proper) coffee for the adults. Garden explorers is suitable for walking toddlers (though little legs with less stamina may find the woods trips a bit of a long journey so carers may need to do some carrying). Younger siblings are welcome so long as buggies are robust enough to make it down to the woods and carers willing to push or carry. We go out in all weathers and quite often end up messy so suitable clothing is essential! Booking in advance is essential and can be done from 9pm the evening before the session. Each session costs £7.50 per child. Siblings are half price. Accompanying adults and babies are free Please note that parents or carers are responsible for direct supervision of children. To book a place join our mailing list here where ticket info is emailed prior to the sessions. For more info email [email protected] All activities are risk assessed. Please ensure that you provide the education officer Catherine Haydock with any specific needs for your child. Follow us on Facebook Sign up to receive our weekly Garden Explorer email updates Join our mailing list here for updates about school holiday activities at Great Dixter. Plan for 23/ 24 November 2023 Hello everyone The weather looks nice this week but it's very wet so we'll stick with the garden. The plan is to make some apple cake (ingredients SR flour, butter, mixed spice, eggs, sugar apples- please bring subs if you have allergies. Then we'll have a walk, collect some leaves and come back to have a go at some monoprinting (sort of!) to make some colourful pictures. There will be a story, the usual songs and lots of fun. Please park in the car park at the top and walk down to meet at Dixter Farm at 9:30 (unless you have mobility needs in which can we can find you a spot down the bottom). You can book as ever from 9pm the night before the session. The link to book is here- https://buytickets.at/greatdixterhouseandgardens £7.50 for the first child, siblings half price. ThanksCatherine Information for new Garden Explorers: There are baby changing facilities in the education room and the White Barn, next to the ticket office. There is lots of room for buggies inside the education room but when in the garden, we leave them by the ticket office and stick to the paths at all times.Please be aware that Great Dixter is responsible for ensuring that all sites and activities are risk assessed and fit for purpose and you are responsible for direct supervision of your children while attending this group. Please read the health and safety information on our website before attending a session.