There are few places where late summer looks more at home than RHS Garden Rosemoor, and this August the renowned North Devon garden is inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a reimagined celebration of plants, people and the pleasures of outdoor living. Replacing the traditional flower show, the new RHS Rosemoor Garden Festival promises three days packed with expert advice, inspirational speakers, artisan shopping, live music, family entertainment and seasonal food, all set against the backdrop of one of Devon’s most celebrated gardens.
Running from Friday, August 21 to Sunday, August 23, the festival has been designed to appeal to far more than dedicated horticulturalists. While keen gardeners will find plenty to inspire them, the expanded programme also embraces wellness, local craftsmanship, cookery and family activities, creating an event that reflects the growing popularity of spending time outdoors and connecting with nature
One of the festival’s biggest draws will be its line-up of nationally recognised gardening personalities, who will take to the Talk Tent throughout the weekend. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear from Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen on the opening Friday, followed on Saturday by wildlife gardening author Kate Bradbury and BBC Gardener’s World presenter Toby Buckland. The weekend concludes with no-dig gardening expert Charles Dowding, whose practical approach to growing has attracted a devoted following across the UK.
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Alongside the headline talks, visitors will be able to attend practical demonstrations, receive expert gardening advice, enjoy guided tours around the gardens and put their own questions to the specialists during the Curator’s Question Time panel. Featuring Rosemoor curator Jon Webster alongside invited guests, the sessions are designed to offer practical seasonal advice while helping gardeners tackle the challenges they face at home
The organisers are equally keen to ensure that visitors without green fingers find plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend. Live music will provide a soundtrack across the rolling lawns of Lady Anne’s Garden, while an expanded Family Zone will offer botanical face painting, seed bomb making, nature-inspired lithographic printing, circus skills, bubble performers and hands-on growing activities. Families can also explore the new Brick Explorers sculpture trail and take part in creative LEGO® building activities, adding another dimension to a day spent in the gardens.
Among the new additions for 2026 is a dedicated Wellness Space within the tranquil surroundings of the Winter Garden. Here, visitors will be able to discover meditation techniques, everyday herbalism and forest bathing, reflecting the increasing interest in the links between gardens, wellbeing and time spent in nature
The Garden Room will also host a craft fair showcasing the work of local artists, makers and craftspeople. Handmade gifts, artwork, homeware and artisan products will all be available to browse and buy, providing another opportunity to celebrate Devon’s creative talent while supporting independent businesses
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Food forms another key part of this year’s festival. RHS Rosemoor head chef Jacob Hoyle will be joined by edibles team leader Pete Adams for live cookery demonstrations using produce grown within the gardens. As well as sharing recipes, the pair will offer practical advice on growing fruit and vegetables at home, with recipe cards available for visitors to take away
Elsewhere across the site, festival-goers can choose from breakfast and lunchtime barbecue options in the Stream Field or pre-book afternoon tea overlooking the gardens, making it easy to turn a visit into a leisurely day out
Of course, the gardens themselves remain at the heart of the experience. August brings colourful seasonal displays, mature borders and imaginative planting combinations across Rosemoor’s 65 acres, offering inspiration for gardeners while providing one of North Devon’s most picturesque settings for a late summer escape
Advance booking is recommended for the RHS Rosemoor Garden Festival, with discounted advance tickets and Great British Summer Savings available online. More information and tickets are available at www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/rhs-rosemoor-garden-festival
