Outings

General Information for all visits

The coach will pick up at two points in Bridport – the Coach Park/Bus Station (CP) and Jessop Avenue (JA). The JA pickup point is by the community notice board, opposite Norman Close. The times given are the actual departure times for each trip. We aim to be back in Bridport around 5:30 pm unless otherwise stated.

The price for each visit includes: the coach, a tip for the driver, and the entrance fee.

When booking please state:
§ Your name, address, email and telephone number

§ Pick up point – either CP or JA.

§ Which outing(s) you are booking

§ If you are a member of an organisation which entitles you to free entry – ie NT, RHS, HHA as noted for the relevant outings remember to bring a valid card on the day.

§ Enclose a cheque payable to B.D.G.C. or by BACS (preferred as it saves the Club bank charges). Details on the booking form sent out to members with the Winter Newsletter.

§ Send to: BDGC, 43 Manor Fields, Bridport DT6 4DB


Please note:
No bookings can be made without payment,
We do not issue receipts or acknowledgements.

Contact details for officers of the Bridport & District Gardening Club are available in the Newsletter.

Visit to Holme for Gardens, Wareham - Tuesday, 29 April 2025

CP Pick up: 9:45 JA Pick up: 10:00
Wareham This beautiful new garden has been developed since the Millennium by Simon Goldsack, owner of Holme nurseries, who gave us such an inspiring talk in January 2024. There are 15 acres of formal and informal spaces, ponds, containing spring bulbs, shrubs and perennials, and veg beds. You can take a break in the cafe, browse in the extensive nursery or stock up in the farm shop. Free entry for RHS members on production of a valid card. Please advise when booking.

Visit to Knightshayes Court House & Gardens, Tiverton - Wednesday, 21 May 2025

CP Pick up: 9:15 JA Pick up: 9:30
Tiverton, Devon

An old favourite, this gothic revival house is set in one of the finest gardens in the Southwest, with its woodland walks, champion trees, and wildlife meadows filled with spring bulbs. Various food options are available, as are gifts, a bookshop, and plants.

Free entry for National Trust members on production of a valid card, please advise when booking.


Visit to Mottisfont Abbey & Gardens, Romsey, Hants - Tuesday, 17 June 2025

CP Pick up: 9:00 JA Pick up: 9:15
Romsey, Hants

A chance to visit these world-famous rose gardens at their peak. Plus woodland walks and an 18th-century house with a 20th-century art exhibition. Various food options and a shop.

Please note, the estimated return to Bridport is 6pm.

Free entry for National Trust members on production of a valid card, please advise when booking.


Visit to Yeo Valley Organic Gardens, Blagdon plus a peep at Kilver Court, Shepton Mallet - Thursday, 10 July 2025

CP Pick up: 9:15 JA Pick up: 9:30
Blagdon & Shepton Mallet

A half-day visit to the wonderful inspiring contemporary gardens at Yeo Valley with its coloured-themed, mass-planted meadows, woodlands, veg beds and gravel garden (a very popular visit last time). Cafe, shop and plants.

After lunch, we will leave in time to stop off at Kilvers Court in Shepton Mallet to view the renovation work undertaken there after flooding in Jan. 2024.

Cafe and designer shops

Free entry for RHS members on production of a valid card, please advise when booking.


Visit to The Bishop’s Place & Gardens, Wells, Somerset - Friday, 19 September 2025

CP Pick up: 9:15 JA Pick up: 9:30
Wells, Somerset

A day trip to historic Wells visiting the stunning medieval palace and 14-acre gardens, which house a large collection of dahlias and many other choice shrubs and perennials. Close at hand are the Cathedral and ancient marketplace. Restaurant and gift shop.
There is an optional guided tour of the garden at 11.30.

Free entry for RHS and HHA members on production of a valid card, please advise when booking.


Visit to Forde Abbey & Gardens, Chard - Tuesday, 21 October 2025

CP Pick up: 9:45 JA Pick up: 10:00
Chard, Somerset

A good time to visit another favourite as the autumn colour should be reaching its peak. We can also take advantage of the newly refurbished visitor centre and cafe. Price includes entry to the Abbey, where scenes from the recent TV drama Wolf Hall were filmed. Due to its amazing acoustics, it is also often used as a music recording studio.

Free entry for HHA members on production of a valid card, please advise when booking.