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, Catherine 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 Catherine Haydock: [email protected] or tel: 01797 334042.

Catherine has worked at Great Dixter since 2011, and was responsible for setting up work our with schools and families. Prior to her post at Dixter she worked for for the Forestry Commission and at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew with schools and families. She is a qualified Level 3 Forest School practitioner and has a Bsc in Ecology. 

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.

What to bring

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. Lunches should be carried in a strong bag or back pack that can be carried down to the woods (a 15 minute walk).

In warmer weather you may want to provide mosquito repellent when visiting the woods.

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.