Families

Great Dixter is a magical place for families to visit. The garden has lots of high hedges, wild plants, bright colours, and insects to inspire young imaginations.

You can download our garden map here and check out our health and safety information so that you are aware of things to watch out for when you come.

If you want to know more about family activities at Great Dixter please contact Catherine at [email protected]

Garden Explorers

Garden Explorers is an adventurous group for toddlers and carers that takes place each Thursday and Friday morning at Great Dixter between 9:30 and 11:30 (10-12 during the school holidays), based on our education centre at Dixter Farm. Sessions are based around seasonal activity in the garden and on the estate, from seed planting and cooking using vegetables we have harvested from the garden to minibeast hunts, having fires in the woods, and making musical instruments. Sessions are run by Education Manager Catherine with special guest appearances from time to time.

Garden Explorers is suitable for walking toddlers (though little legs with less stamina may find the woods trips a bit of a long journey so carers may need to do some carrying). Younger siblings are welcome so long as buggies are robust enough to make it down to the woods and carers are willing to push or carry them. We go out in all weathers and quite often end up messy so suitable clothing is essential!

Booking in advance is essential and can be done from 9 pm the evening before the session. Each session costs £7.50 per child. Siblings are half-price. Accompanying adults and babies are free.

In this section:

Families

School Visits

Home Educators

Please note that parents or carers are responsible for direct supervision of children.

To book a place join our mailing list here where ticket info is emailed before the sessions. For more info email [email protected]

All activities are risk assessed. Please ensure that you provide the education officer Catherine Haydock with any specific needs for your child.

Join our mailing list here for updates about school holiday activities at Great Dixter.

Plan for 22nd November 2024

Hello everyone

I hope you’re all well and enjoying the frosty weather.

I’m afraid we are only running on Friday this week as the Trustees are stealing our room for their meeting tomorrow.

This week we’ll stick with the garden. The plan is to make some fruity soda bread (ingredients, yogurt, mixed dried fruit, SR flour and mixed spice- please bring subs if you have allergies etc) Then we’ll head for a walk and enjoy the frosty garden- and try and spot the first cheeky snowdrops, some back for some coffee and bread, a story, painting, as well as the usual sing song and dance. There are also the tomato pots that need emptying for anyone needing more outside time! . Meet at 9:30 at Dixter Farm. You can book as ever from 9pm the night before the session. The link to book is here-

https://buytickets.at/greatdixterhouseandgardens

Please note that in the garden it’s important to stick to the paths when it’s frosty as it damages the grass if we walk on it- and we will leave the frozen ponds be as the ice helps to protect the wildlife

Thanks

Catherine

Information for new Garden Explorers:
There are baby changing facilities in the education room and the White Barn, next to the ticket office. There is lots of room for buggies inside the education room but when in the garden, we leave them by the ticket office and stick to the paths at all times.

Please be aware that Great Dixter is responsible for ensuring that all sites and activities are risk assessed and fit for purpose and you are responsible for direct supervision of your children while attending this group. Please read the health and safety information on our website before attending a session.