Visits to the garden by groups of 10 or more people are welcome by prior arrangement. We offer an introductory talk tailored to your group's interest. Please email Jackie Hunt, Gardener, to find out more: turnendgarden@gmail.com
Group visits to the house are not available but the Trust runs public House and Garden Open days during the events season.
Format of group visits to Turn End garden
Our group garden visits are led by Jackie Hunt, Turn End’s gardener.
We are very flexible with the format of group visits, each tailored to the group’s interests. We recommend beginning with an introduction in the entrance courtyard by Jackie about the history of the site and why Mr and Mrs Aldington built their home and garden here. We then enter the garden where Jackie explains more about the garden’s design and maintenance. Then, as the garden is a series of small spaces, groups are welcome to explore at leisure and Jackie is on hand throughout to explain more and answer questions.
Refreshments
Depending on their availability (usually only weekdays), the neighbouring studio of Paul Wilkinson Photography is delighted to welcome groups for tea, coffee and biscuits. Teas can be enjoyed outside in good weather, or in the studio if the weather is inclement. As the studio is quite modest in size, we may recommend that larger groups divide loosely into two sessions for taking teas.
We can always recommend local venues for snacks or lunch.
Artist’s Studio
Heather Hunter, our Artist in Residence, is always delighted to welcome groups to her small garden studio, when available. Heather specialises in artists’ books and printing.
Plants and books for sale
We have a small nursery of home grown plants for sale. We also sell the books ‘A Garden and Three Houses’, which tells the story of Turn End and ‘Houses by Peter Aldington’.
Cost
Group visits cost £9.50 per person. Tea, coffee and biscuits cost an additional £1 per person.
We welcome groups of 10 or more.
Groups are welcome to pay by cash or cheque on the day of your visit, or in advance by BACS.
If paying by cash, please could the group organiser collect payment from individuals in your group, thank you!
When to visit
Most groups visit us during weekday daytime but depending on availability we can also arrange visits at weekeends and evenings.
The garden is an ever-changing delight from spring onwards. May sees the last of the cheerful tulips, and June and early July bring exuberant colour and scent with cascades of climbing roses and the borders in full bloom. Late summer and early autumn is rich in colour with annuals and exotics.
Timings
We are very flexible to fit around your group’s schedule. As a guide most groups spend around 2 hours with us if taking teas. We usually recommend teas about one hour after your arrival. The garden is just over half an acre in size but full of detail and interest.
Travel and parking
There are frequent train (Chiltern Rail) and bus services into Haddenham.
There is no car or coach parking on site. Please use on street parking on wider roads, avoiding narrow areas of the road and our neighbour’s driveways. We recommend that coaches telephone us when 15 minutes away so that we can guide you to the nearest parking spot. Our contact details will be provided in your booking confirmation.
On arrival, please gather at the entrance courtyard which is a gravel area under a walnut tree, behind a white wall.
Please find further details in our Visitor Information leaflet and village map.
Facilities and access
There is one unisex WC, accessed via 2 small steps.
The garden contains steps, narrow archways, stone paths and lawns. Please don’t hesitate to email us with any questions about access around the site.
To book a group visit
Please contact our gardener, Jackie Hunt by email at turnendgarden@gmail.com.
Visiting Turn End House
Turn End is still the home of Margaret and Peter Aldington. Group visits by appointment are only available to the garden. Unfortunately we no longer host group visits to the house. However, it is possible to visit the house at one of our public House and Garden Open Days. Please see our What's On page for forthcoming dates.
Community Groups
We have hosted events for local groups, community organisations and outdoor learning for schools. Please contact our Events Co-ordinator to see if the site can support your community project/event. Please email: turnendtrustevents@gmail.com
