Our aim
Garden Museum Visits are organised and run by our small team of volunteers to benefit all attendees and to raise money for the Museum. Our volunteers work hard to organise happy and interesting days out, accessing people and places not usually available to commercial garden tour companies, and at lower prices. We therefore ask attendees to join in the spirit of the visits and be supportive to our volunteers so that everyone has a sociable and informative day.
Transport
It’s easier, greener and more sociable if we all travel together so please use our provided transport if you can. When a programme includes two or more venues beyond walking distance of each other, we provide transport from a meeting point, usually a railway station. We book this in advance and in order to control costs we need to know how many seats are required. If you do wish to travel by car, please let us know in advance. You are welcome to drive to the meeting point if this is more convenient than coming by train but, as a rule, we prefer people not to drive between the venues because it can present problems with parking, finding your way and keeping up with the main group.
Timing
Keeping the day on schedule is important to its success, so please allow plenty of time for your journey so that we can start promptly. The transport cannot wait at the station beyond the given time. If travelling by car, finding the venue will be your own responsibility, although we will obviously help by providing an address and postcode. Please allow enough time for your journey and to find somewhere to park, as we cannot keep a group waiting for you.
Catering
Unless you state otherwise before the visit, we will assume you have no specific dietary requirements.
Guests
Friends of the Museum are welcome to purchase tickets for guests. If you are booking for more than one person, please note that the Friends price applies only to Friends of the Museum themselves, not to anyone else you are buying a ticket for unless they too are covered by a Friends membership.
Please give us their names and contact details when you book as we like to know everyone by name and our private venues often require a list of attendees. It also enables us to keep your guests informed about the visit by email. If these details are not provided, it is essential that you pass on information to them about the visit as you receive it.
Can I help?
The Visits Committee is a friendly bunch and welcome new members. If you are interested in helping to organise and run visits and are prepared to attend about eight meetings a year at the Museum, please contact us at info@gardenmuseum.org.uk.