Posts Tagged ‘Chelsea Physic Garden’

Can you believe that Christmas is just four weeks away?  It always has a habit of creeping up on me and when I was in Cardiff earlier this week it seemed to be packed with shoppers already.

I’m not a great one for cities and towns at Christmas, much preferring to make my presents or to seek things out at local craft fairs.

So I thought it might be nice to share a few gardens around the UK that have Christmas Fairs this year, some of which take place this weekend.

Chelsea Physic Garden in London

This is always an interesting garden to visit and their Christmas Fair takes place this weekend with crafty Christmas activities and 90 carefully selected stall holders.

In addition the Growing Friends and Volunteers of the Chelsea Physic Garden will be selling their handmade wreaths.  An added bonus at the Chelsea Physic Garden is the Tangerine Dream Café where the food is fabulous and for the duration of the fair there’ll be music and entertainment.

Open Saturday 28^th November 10am-5pm and Sunday 29^th November 10am-4pm.  Full details on the Chelsea Physic Garden Website.

Aberglasney Festive Fair Llangathen, Carmarthenshire

I visited Aberglasney when it had first been restored and I’d love to go back now that we’re living in Wales.

Their annual Christmas Fair is over the weekend of 5^th December where they transform the garden into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ with almost 100 stalls selling gifts, decorations and fine food.

There’ll be entertainment too ranging from traditional choirs to silver bands who will perform across the weekend.  Aberglasney’s ‘Mary Ellen’s’ Tearooms will also have a special menu.

Open Friday 4^th December 2-6pm and from 10am-4.30pm on Saturday 5^th and Sunday 6^th December.  Full details on the Aberglasney Gardens website.

Stourhead Christmas Fair near Mere, Wiltshire

I love Stourhead, which I’ve visited more than once.  It’s a grand parkland really so fabulous to visit all year round.  I always think such grand places often look more spectacular in winter.

Their Christmas fair will include a market with hand-made ceramics, jewellery, original art and locally created crafts.

Open from 10am-4.30pm on Saturday 12^th and Sunday 13^th December. Full details on the National Trust website.

RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley, Surrey

There’s always lots going on at Wisley and at Christmas they have activities for children and also a winter light festival in the garden.

The Design and Craft Fair is on at the moment and continues until this Sunday where around 160 craft makers and artists are selling their work along with artisan food producers.

At Wisley you’ve also got the added benefit of the gift shop which is always packed with treats at Christmas.

Open from 9am-6pm up to and including Sunday 29^th November.  Full details on the RHS website.

Alnwick Garden Christmas Market, Alnwick, Northumberland

I’ve never been to Alnwick but I always think the light festival they have at Christmas looks amazing.

The Christmas market is open every weekend from 28^th November through to 2^nd December.  Products on offer range from handmade, artisan and traditional gifts and there is festive food too.

Open from 10am-5pm on 28^th/29^th November and 5^th/6^th/12^th/13^th/18^th/19^th/20^th/21^st/22^nd December.  Full details on the Alnwick Gardens website.

(Photo Credits: 1. Chelsea Physic Garden, 2. Aberglasney Gardens, 3. National Trust (Stourhead), 4. The RHS, 5. Visit Northumberland (Alnwick Gardens)

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