Bookings/Visits

The Trust is run for charitable and educational purposes. Neither Stephen Ben Cox nor the Trustees or Volunteers etc receive any payment for the work they do. All donations/ plant sales/teas etc help maintain the garden and the work of the Charity

The garden is not open to the general public and is a private residence. Thus we are not in a position to accept visits by individuals. However, we can make arrangements for group visits.

How to Book A Group Visit

AN EXCLUSIVE VISIT: Whilst the garden is not open to the public, groups and organizations can book a private visit & a conducted tour of the garden by prior appointment. The suggested entry donation is £5 per person.

The minimum size booking is 12 persons: You will be personally shown around by the creator of the garden Stephen Ben Cox. Thus your visit is personalised and exclusive.

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Who Comes To The Garden?

The garden is such an unusual place and in the words of Lord Lansdown "an exciting space" that a very wide variety of private groups find the garden to be of interest and value. They include Women's Institutes, gardening clubs, art and photography groups, meditation groups, specialist research organisations, and a variety of other organizations & societies, and schools etc.

There are so many vistas and compositions to take in, a range of separate rooms, many collections, over 20 areas to sit with seating for over 70 people around the garden.

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Schedule

Your visit will be very well organized but you will not be hurried or marshaled. You will have time to walk around at your leisure in small groups or on your own. We gather together in the entrance patio area. When everyone is ready I give a short talk/intro to the garden, its history, philosophy, etc and the work of the Trust

A laminated colour map & information sheet is then handed out to each person.

We then proceed through the side garden to the first arch (entry to the main gardens) and a small paved area: so I can gather your group together again and give them a short explanation of the "rooms"/themes.

I then find that people prefer to be left to their own devices to walk around the garden at their leisure (people often form into their own little groups) rather then be shepherded everywhere! I remain in the garden and walk about to chat to people, answer questions, etc..

DATES 2020: The dates currently available for private group visits is: 20-28 June; 01-21 July; 14- 28 August.

Weekdays, evenings, or weekends.

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Refreshments

Some refreshments are available. However, we do not have restaurant or cafe facilities - as stated it is a private residence. But we are aware that visitors like to relax, sit and talk after their visit. Therefore I am pleased to be able to offer something modest. Tea/coffee & biscuits or scones (@£3 per person) can be arranged for after you have finished your garden tour. There is seating for up to 40 people in an area of the garden specially reserved for this so that you can relax and talk about your visit and ask questions. (Refreshments are by arrangement and agreed when booking your visit)

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Notes

There are no toilet facilities. Children must be accompanied at all times. Regrettably, no dogs allowed (we have cats). The garden is a no-smoking zone. The ground is uneven in places. The garden is difficult for wheelchair access: but there are lots of places to sit and rest, and additional walking sticks available to borrow. (N.b.: members of the public cannot join the private visits by these pre-arranged groups). Photography is allowed only by arrangement. No radios/walkmans etc to be played during visits.

(HAVE A PLANT: There is a range of plants available for a donation of £2 per pot individually grown in my own small nursery. These include: herbs; grasses; perennial flowers; alpines; pond plants; soft fruit; shrubs.)

All proceeds go to our registered charity (#1174239) to help maintain its work.

To book a visit please send an email to: stephencox.gardentrust@gmail.com

(NB: Only enquiries directly about the work of the Trust are accepted)

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STEPHEN COX GARDEN TRUST

is a Registered Charity (number: 1174239) in England & Wales

PURPOSE: To advance education in horticulture, conservation, wildlife, and heritage by providing study courses, training placements, talks, and workshops and other means for the enrichment of society and improvement of human well being in general based upon the Founder's garden, library, writings, teaching, and philosophy. Including skill enhancement for the young unemployed or those facing learning difficulties or other barriers to employment or self-advancement.

stephencox.gardentrust@gmail.com

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