Group Visits to Stillingfleet Lodge Garden

Experience the beauty of Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens with a memorable group visit to our award-winning wildlife garden near York, North Yorkshire. We love welcoming groups, and visits for 15 people or more can be booked in advance outside our normal opening times. Whether you’re part of a gardening club, U3A group, wildlife society, or simply a group of friends who love gardens, Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens offers an inspiring day out in tranquil surroundings.

A Warm Welcome from Vanessa Cook

Your group garden tour begins with a personal introduction from our owner and head gardener, Vanessa Cook – recently described as “the Mary Berry of gardening.” Vanessa will share her deep passion for plants, her experience in organic and wildlife-friendly gardening, and the fascinating story behind the development of the gardens.

Enjoy the Gardens at Your Own Pace

After the introduction, your group is free to explore the four-acre garden at leisure. Take time to admire the vibrant borders, wildlife pond and meadows, or simply relax on one of the many benches thoughtfully placed around the garden.

Finish your visit in our tea room, where you can enjoy homemade cakes, teas and coffees. Many visitors also browse our plant nursery, home to hundreds of unusual and hardy perennials, and pick up locally produced gifts from our shop.

Perfect for Clubs and Specialist Groups

As an award winning wildlife garden, Stillingfleet Lodge provides an excellent educational visit for community and horticultural groups. Our rare and unusual plants attract plant enthusiasts and specialists from across the UK and Europe – we have recently hosted the Hardy Plant Society’s annual Geranium Day in 2022 and the Hardy Plant Society Pulmonaria group in 2025.

Facilities and Prices

We offer a free car park suitable for cars and mini buses making travel easy for organised trips or group visits. Coach trips are welcome, with drop off at the entrance to the drive.

  • Group admission (2026): £7.50 per person
  • Refreshments: Teas, coffees, and cakes available to purchase
  • Optional catering: We can provide special options such as cheese and wine for an additional cost – please enquire when booking.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re looking for an inspiring garden group visit in Yorkshire, Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens promises a welcoming atmosphere, expert insight, and beautiful surroundings to enjoy with friends.

To discuss availability or book your group visit, please contact us here

Testimonials

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for our visit yesterday. From the moment we entered your garden we all immediately knew that it was it going to be a very special visit, and it was a shame that we could not have stayed longer as there was so much to see.

I loved that you had so many climbers growing up buildings, and there was interest in every little nook and cranny with great colour combinations, textures and shapes, it is certainly one the best gardens that I have visited. I felt that I could take lots of ideas and put them in my garden in the future.

On arrival you made us all feel very welcome with a very interesting account of the development of the nursery and your eco approach, we felt very special to be as a group on our own in the garden and that you accompanied us round the garden explaining and answering questions.

I will certainly revisit in the future.

On behalf of Oxenholme Gardening Group thank you so much