Garden group visits

what we offer

We welcome the opportunity to welcome groups to our garden. The garden is 4 acres and takes about 45 minutes to go around. Refreshments and light lunchs (e.g. tea, coffee, home-made cakes, sandwiches) can be provided to groups of up to 50 at a time. Larger groups can be accompanied in two sessions.

Alan Clements the owner is very knowledgeable about gardening and can give a brief introductory talk about the history and highlights of the garden if required. The garden is full of historical interest with a ruined corn mill, old lead mine, 80 ft cliffs, streams, ponds and canal. The view from the top of the cliff scans the surrounding countryside and gives a spectacular birds eye view of the garden.

Our nursery and bonsai centre offers a wide range of Japanese bonsai, perennial flowers and shrubs. Our specialities include Hebe, Hellebores, Hostas and many different shrubs.

The garden has a garden guide based around the 20 garden benches. Each bench provides a different view of our peaceful garden. Often the trickle of water can often be heard. Ideal for sitting and reflection.

A great way to spend a couple of hours, Cascades Gardens is full of interest and gives you a chance to relax in beautiful surroundings with the refreshment of your choice.

group visit terms & conditions

Entry prices

Entry Price £8 per person. The group will be welcomed, given a brief introduction to the garden and a garden guide.

payment

Please book your visit by email/letter and pay a deposit of £80 on booking. Please then confirm numbers coming at least 2 days before your visit. The remaining balance to cover entrance and refreshments is payable – in one lump sum – at least 3 days before the day of the visit by bank transfer (Alan Beaumont-Clements, 09-01-28, 36464552) or cheque (payable to Alan Beaumont-Clements) or in cash/cheque as a lump sum on arrival. Payments by individuals on the day are not practical and significantly delays group activities.

Concessions

RHS concessions, Gardeners World 2 for 1 cards and Season Tickets are not valid for group visits.

visit days

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the garden is closed to the public and is exclusively reserved for private group visits and meditation retreat days. Alan Clements will be available throughout the visit to answer any horticultural questions and explain the philosophy behind the garden design.

Visits are limited to 3 hours, entry times to be set on booking.

Accessibility

There is reasonable access for wheelchairs to most of the garden (2 acres) which is flat with shingle paths. There are 15 steps with a handrail halfway around the garden. The rest of the garden does have some steep paths with steps and handrails.

Warning: toilet facilities are good quality, but limited. If you are a large group, please ensure that you stop for a toilet break before arrival.

Refreshments

Please note: picnics are not allowed during group sessions.

Please choose up to two of the following options for your group:

• Hot drink (tea or coffee). £2.20 per person.
• Hot drink & biscuits. £3.50 per person.
• Hot drink & a cupcake. £5.50 per person.
• Hot drink & a slice of cake. £6.00 per person.
• Hot drink & a sandwich. £6.00 per person.
• Savoury buffet (selection of sandwiches, salad and crisps), hot drinks. £7.50 per person.
• Sweet buffet (selection of homemade cakes), hot drinks. £7.00 per person.
• Selection of sandwiches and cakes buffet. £9.00 per person.
• Ploughman’s plate (cheese, ham, salad, chutney etc.) £8.50 per person.

Refreshments are served in the refreshments cabin. Seating around the courtyard for up to 60 persons is available. Rain cover for up to 15 persons is available.

We request refreshment choices to be selected one week in advance, with payment at least two days before your visit.

parking

Coaches and cars can be accommodated in the village car park adjoining the Garden and Nursery entrance (not the house entrance). Visitors can get out in the village car park and walk the short distance to our entrance.

on the day

We will welcome the group in the coach or at the Garden and Nursery entrance on the bridge and give a brief introduction to the garden. Longer talks, slide shows, or demonstrations about the garden, bonsai or about Zen gardening for groups up to 15 are available in the refreshments cabin on the day for a fee.
Alan Clements is also available to give a talk to garden interest groups on the development of the garden (From Jungle to Paradise) or Zen Gardening at any time before or after a visit at club premises.
Plants, pots and bonsai trees are for sale in the nursery and Bonsai center.
The toilet is by the house in the courtyard and is for one person at a time.

Your deposit and fee is transferable to an alternative date if the date of the visit is changed in reasonable time or in the case of very bad weather.

book a visit

To discuss and book a group visit, contact Alan Clements:

Email: alan.clements@cascadesgardens.com
Phone: 07967337404