About The Event

There are 13 gardens open this year. Five of these were not open last year – three are open for the first time and two are returning from 2023. All are in a compact area of old Wallingford. Several are of historical or architectural interest and three are on the River Thames.

Details of the gardens and a map can be found on the top menu. We are sorry but only assistance dogs are permitted.

Many of the gardens are small so you can easily see all the gardens on the day. You can dally with a glass of wine or Pimm’s or a cup of tea and cake, have a trip on the river and enjoy the stalls; we hope you have a wonderful afternoon out.

Churches

Within the area there are two notable churches: St Leonard’s and St Peter’s. St. Leonard’s is the oldest church in Wallingford (believed to be of Saxon origin). Not normally open to the casual visitor, you are welcome to take a self-guided tour. Friends of St. Mary’s and St. Leonard’s will be in the church to answer your questions. There will also be a free wildlife nature trail for families, organised by the Friends and Wild about Wallingford.

Beautiful St Peter’s Church, with its handsome spire, was built in the 1770s. The walled churchyard is a peaceful haven, recently tamed after years of neglect. The eminent lawyer, Sir William Blackstone, is buried in a vault in the church, with a memorial outside the south wall of the nave.

Stalls

To add to your enjoyment there are a number of stalls:

The Coach House (garden 8b)
Brightwell Vineyard will be selling wine by the glass (or bottle).
Cater4U will have strawberries and cream and other delicacies.

Middle Wharf (garden 10)
Running Wild Flowers (from Brightwell) will be selling locally grown cut flowers.

13 Wood Street (garden 5)
Mark Wood, a well-known local artist, offers cards and pictures of local scenes.
Michelle Hopkins will have a variety of natural and organic skincare products.
Oxfordshire Honey offers jars of honey from Wallingford and Crowmarsh bees, with a virtual hive, wax and wax products and candle making activity.
Information will be available about some of the charities we are supporting including Wallingford Museum and the League of Friends of Wallingford Hospital.
World of Mint will have a display: see, smell (and buy) a wide range of mints.
Pinks Garage and Style Acre will be selling plants.
There will be a craft table for children.

Refreshments

Tea and cakes are available at Middle Wharf on Thames Street (garden 10) and at 13 Wood Street (garden 5). Two small gardens are also providing teas (cash only): 9 Wood Street (garden 3) and Cornerstone Cottage (garden 7, serving cream teas). Or you can have a glass of Pimm’s at 97 High Street (garden 2).

Boat Trips

Short boat trips on the Thames are available from Middle Wharf (garden 10). These are likely to be very popular; only limited numbers of seats are available.

Parking

Parking is available in the Cattlemarket car park (between Wood Street and New Road) and Thames Street car park (near St Peter’s Church). Car parks are likely to be busy, as are the narrow streets of Thames Street and Wood Street. If possible, we suggest you park a short walk away in the Riverside car park (just east of Wallingford Bridge), in Goldsmiths Lane or Waitrose car park. EV charging is available in the Cattlemarket and Goldsmiths Lane parks.

Toilets

These are available in the Cattlemarket car park.