The World Garden at Lullingstone Castle - Information for Groups (2010/2011)


*** For the Group Bookings 'pack', please click here ***


Guided Tour of the House, Church and World Garden

The House and Garden are open exclusively for pre-booked groups on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the season, April until the end of September. Your knowledgeable guide will share with you the fascinating history of one of the oldest Estates in England, dating back to 1497, as you tour the House and the adjacent parish church of St Botolph’s. Lullingstone is where the legendary silk farm used to be, set up by Lady Zoe Hart Dyke, which produced silk for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation robes.

Handing over to your guide for the World Garden, you will learn of its amazing development, from conception in the mind of Tom Hart Dyke whilst being held hostage in Colombia in 2000, to the wealth of plant species – nearly 8,000 displayed in their respective countries of origin. Highlights in the World Garden include the ‘Hot and Spikey’ cactus house containing some 1,621 different types of cacti, succulents & Bromeliads, the World Garden in miniature – the Alpine Garden, the Cloud Garden House, a temperate structure with the same name as the book covering Tom’s kidnap ordeal, and not forgetting Tom’s national collection of Eucalyptus trees.

Groups should allow a morning or an afternoon for this visit (3 hours is recommended).

Prices (2010/2011): Minimum 20 people, £8 per person, plus £40 for dedicated guide.

Times: Wednesdays and Thursdays only, morning and afternoon slots available, April – September (inclusive).


World Garden Tours (only)

Tours of just the World Garden are available on Mondays and Tuesdays, including in the early evening. These visits are popular with horticultural associations, gardening clubs, garden centres and those with a keen interest in gardening. They have also been popular with primary schools in recent months.

Prices (2010/2011): Minimum 20 people, £8 per person.
Times: Mondays and Tuesdays, anytime.


Unguided Group Visits

Groups wishing to visit without a guide are welcome on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. You are strongly advised to book to obtain the group rate and also to reserve parking for your coach, which is limited. Please note that the house is only open on Bank Holiday weekends and during special events.

Prices (2010): Minimum 20 people, £5 per person.
Prices (2011): Minimum 20 people, £6 per person.

Please note that we are unfortunately unable to take debit/credit cards at present, and accept cash and cheques only.