Soak up the joys of spring at Badminton Estate open gardens

This April, Badminton Estate is inviting visitors to see its private gardens at a moment of peak seasonal colour, with over 27,000 tulips forming part of the spring planting.

By Sarah Kent  |  Published
A mix of spring bulbs and tulips surround the Church area at Badminton Estate. Image © Britt Willoughby-Dyer.

The beautiful private gardens of Badminton House open to the public three times a year, giving visitors the chance to see the grounds as they transform through the seasons. 

The ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, Badminton's historic gardens feature an extraordinary variety of plants, including thousands of tulips that create a stunning spring spectacle. 

The first open garden day of the year, on Sunday 26 April 2026, celebrates the beauty of spring, with the estate’s tulips in full technicolour bloom.

What to expect at the spring open garden day at Badminton House?

Visitors begin in the South Garden, with its water squares, hedges, beds and borders, offering a beautiful introduction to the gardens in spring.

Next, the 18th-century orangery, with its elegant water fountain, provides a striking focal point and a separate highlight within the grounds.

Continuing to the East Gardens, visitors can explore the formal beds designed by renowned British landscape architect Russell Page, along with greenhouses used for propagation, which also display a fine collection of pelargoniums.

A short stroll away, the Walled Garden is home to the estate’s kitchen garden, producing fruit, vegetables and cut flowers through the year.

Throughout their visit, guests can browse a variety of stalls offering plants, flowers and gardening tools, with food and drink available from vendors including KNEAD Bakery.

Adding to the experience, the 'A Garden of Botanical Art' exhibition in the Old Hall showcases botanical artwork and highlights the legacy of the 1st Duchess of Beaufort, giving visitors the chance to learn about her contributions to the estate’s gardens while also purchasing limited-edition prints.

What are the opening times for the spring open garden day at Badminton House?

The gardens are open from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 26 April 2026, with last entry at 3pm.

Please note that dogs are not permitted in the gardens at any time, with the exception of service, support and medical assistance dogs.

How much are tickets for the spring open garden day at Badminton House?

Adult tickets are priced at £12 if bought in advance, or £15 on the gate; seniors (aged 60 and over) are priced at £9.50 in advance, or £12 on the gate; carers and children under 12 go free.

There's plenty of parking in front of Badminton House, with dedicated disabled parking. Most of the gardens are also accessible to wheelchair users and people with mobility issues, with accessible toilets in the Old Hall, too.

Money raised at the event supports the Severn Area Rescue Association and the Church Restoration Fund.

How to book tickets for the spring open garden day at Badminton House?

To book tickets, visit the Badminton Estate website at badmintonestate.com.

Event

Spring Open Garden Day 2026 at Badminton House

Dates

Sunday 26 April 2026

Times

Gates open at 10am and close at 4pm, with last entry at 3pm

Admission

Adult tickets are £12 in advance or £15 on the gate; tickets for seniors aged 60 and over are £9.50 in advance or £12 on the gate; while carers and children under 12 are free of charge

Telephone

01454 218203

In partnership with Badminton Estate  |  badmintonestate.com

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