The Great Garden Trail: Whartons Garden Roses Open Weekend

How do I get to Whartons Garden Roses?

Please do not search of follow your satellite navigation to Whartons Garden Roses as it will take you to their head office, instead of the fields where this event takes place.

The location is shared with ticket holders. There is a field and the postcode is not available online. Please follow the roadside signage available.

 Is there any public transport to the field?

The nearest public transport option is Diss train station. From there, we recommend taking a taxi to the field.

The field is not located on a bus route and is not accessible on foot, so you will need to arrange a taxi for both your journey to and from the site. There are various local taxi companies available that can assist with this.

 Where can I park my vehicle?

Marshalled parking is available on site for £2 per vehicle, bookable when purchasing tickets.

Visitor parking is located in a grass field at the Rose Field. Parking can be booked at the same time as your event tickets. Please note that this is not a tarmac car park; the ground is uneven and conditions may be muddy or dusty depending on the weather. Vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk.

The car park is not suitable for large motorhomes, coaches and there are no electric vehicle charging points available.

All parking, including accessible, is limited and must be reserved in advance when booking tickets.

For guests not using accessible parking, please be aware that there is a longer walk from the car park to the event area. We recommend wearing suitable footwear.

Can I pay on the day?

We operate on a pre-booking only basis. Please ensure you have a valid ticket before attending, as entry cannot be guaranteed for visitors who arrive without one.

How much does it cost to visit?

£10 per adult, £5 for a child (5 – 17 years old), under 5’s are free.

Can I use my season pass for The Great Garden Trail?

Whartons Garden Roses is not included in The Great Garden Trail season pass.

However, season pass holders can enjoy an exclusive offer of 10% discount on admission tickets. Discount not available on parking. Your discount code can be found in your season pass letter.

Do you offer concessionary rates?

We are unable to offer concessionary rates. Thank you for your understanding.

Is the field wheelchair and pushchair friendly?

Please note that this event is held on a working farm. Ground surfaces may be uneven, or muddy in places, and there may be a long walk from the car park to the event area. We recommend wearing appropriate footwear.

This event may not be suitable for all. If you have specific accessibility needs or concerns, please contact us in advance and we’ll do our best to assist.

What time do you open?

We open at 10am and last entry is at 3pm. The rose field must be vacated at 4:15pm.

We offer 1-hour slots to manage the arrival window of all visitors.

As it is a working field, visitors are unable to access the field outside the public opening days. 

Can I get a refund?

All tickets are non-refundable, unless we have to cancel or postpone the event.

Can I bring my dog?

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a lead at all times and remain on the walkways. Owners are responsible for clearing up any mess and dispose responsibly.

We advise against bringing dogs on warm days. 

Can I take photographs of the roses?

We encourage visitors to take photographs and use the hashtag #TheGreatGardenTrail.

Drones may be flown from Whartons Gardens Roses, at their owner’s risk. We strongly recommend that flyers have insurance in place.

If you are interested in commercial photography, please email [email protected].

Will there be roses or items to purchase?

Whartons Garden Roses will not be selling roses at the event as they are a commercial grower. Removing roses from the field is strictly prohibited.

However, Thompson & Morgan will be attending with a stand where visitors can purchase items such as roses and seeds, with the option for home delivery.

The St Elizabeth Hospice retail team will also be present, offering a range of gardening items for sale. Both cash and card payments will be accepted. 

Will there be toilets?

Yes, there are portaloos available.

Will there be any refreshments?

There will be coffee vendors that will sell various sweet treats. Bottles of water will be available at a charge.

Do you allow picnics?

We do allow picnics, but we ask you dispose of any rubbish in the waste bins provided or take with you. We ask that no glass is brought on site.

Will there be seating?

No seating is provided, but visitors may bring camping chairs.

Will the event go ahead in heavy rain?

In the event of heavy rain, ground conditions may become unsuitable. For safety reasons, we reserve the right to postpone the event if the ground is excessively wet.

Any decision to postpone will be communicated as early as possible by social media and using the email address provided at booking. 

What do I need to wear?

We recommend wearing appropriate footwear. Ground surfaces may be uneven, or muddy in places, and there may be a long walk from the car park to the event area. Please dress for all weathers as there is very little shade

How do I volunteer? 

We need volunteer support to help the event run smoothly. Various roles are available from field marshals and entry. Please click this link to sign up (Volunteer team currently setting up job description for website).

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

 Are there any other open gardens I can attend?

There are over 50 gardens featured in this year’s trail, from individual gardens to communities opening together for the public to explore this summer. You can find these via our website: The Great Garden Trail

All efforts raise vital funds for the hospice!

Please subscribe to email newsletters to receive the latest fundraising events and volunteering opportunities. – Subscribe – St Elizabeth Hospice

Is there any other way I can support the event/hospice?

Please spread the word amongst your colleagues, family, friends and neighbours.

Please consider donating when booking so we can continue supporting over 5,000 patients and their families across East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth & Waveney.

I can’t find an answer to my question, what do I do?

E: [email protected]

T: 01473 723600

You can download and read the full event Terms & conditions by clicking here.