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 out 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 Jane: [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 currently run by Education Officer Jane whilst Catherine is on maternity leave, 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. There are quite a lot of steps around the garden so we usually abandon buggies somewhere and collect them later. We go out in all weathers and quite often end up messy so suitable clothing is essential!

Like many of our activities Garden Explorers took an enforced break in 2020 owing to Coronavirus restrictions. However we are now back up and running in line with Coronavirus rules with a limited group size of 15 family groups. 

Booking in advance is essential and can be done from 9pm the evening before the session.

Each session costs £5.00 per child (not including booking fee). Siblings are half price. Accompanying adults and babies are free

Please ensure you are feeling well and free of symptoms (loss of taste or smell, continuous cough or high temperature - above 38c) before you book. It is not required that you wear a mask while at your tables but we ask that you wear one if you need to access the loos or move around the education room and maintain good hand hygiene.  

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 Jane Wigan with any specific needs for your child. Please follow this link for additional health and safety information.

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Plan for this week's sessions: 13th and 14th January 2022

I am afraid that Garden Explorers is cancelled this week due to ill health. I hope to run our first session of the year next week.

Best wishes

Jane