Groups & Tours
Whether you’re a tour operator, a special interest group, or simply visiting with friends and fellow plant lovers, we cater for all
Welcoming Groups to Borde Hill
“Plants have been in Borde Hill’s DNA since 1598 when Stephen Borde, the grandson of Henry VIII’s private herbalist and physician Andrew Borde, rebuilt the picturesque Elizabethan Mansion at the core of our Estate. Centuries later, in 1893, my great great grandfather, Colonel Stephenson Robert Clarke sponsored plant hunting trips to all four corners of the world. The result is our beautiful heritage Garden and Parkland, featuring one of the the largest collections of privately owned champion trees in the country.
The Garden is set within 383 acres of Grade II* heritage-listed Parkland in the High Weald National Landscape, with spectacular views of the Ouse Valley Viaduct. Planted as a series of outdoor ‘garden rooms’, highlights include the Azalea Ring, the tranquil Italian Garden, enchanting Rose Garden, and new perennial summer borders, including Paradise Walk and the Mid Summer Border.
From groups of dedicated horticulturists and lovers of plants, to those who want to relax and soak in the ‘joyous balance’ of nature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Borde Hill. We look forward to welcoming you”.
Jay Goddard (née Stephenson Clarke)
Managing Director and 5th generation Family custodian of Borde Hill
View our 2026 Group Visits Guide
To promote sustainability and reduce our impact on the environment, we’ve created a digital guide that you can view online.
Our 2026 Group Benefits for 15 people or more
- Discounted Garden entry of £11.00 per person
- Guided Garden and Specialist Tours
- Free admission for the group organiser
- Free coach driver admission and a £12.00 refreshment voucher
- Meet and greet from a member of our team
- A dedicated group coordinator
- Bespoke group catering served inside a dedicated marquee
-
The Summerhouse Café, with outdoor seating, and Ginkgo Coffee Shop, with indoor seating, serving barista coffee, light lunches, cream teas, and a selection of freshly baked cakes
- A Garden map to help you explore at your own pace, with an accessibility map also available
- Free on-site coach park and car parking
- A well-stocked Gift Shop and Plant Nursery
- Free wheelchairs available for hire
Our Seasonal Highlights
Whether you’re looking to book self-guided entry to the Garden, or one of our guided tours, Borde Hill is a treat for the senses whatever the season.
Spring brings magnificent displays of early flowering magnolias, camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons, giving way to summer’s herbaceous borders and hundreds of David Austin roses that captivate visitors with their enchanting fragrance.
Autumn is a particularly special time to visit Borde Hill when the Garden and Grade II* listed Parkland are transformed by the vibrant hues of mature, award-winning trees and fiery autumnal shrubs.
Our Guided Group Tours
Enhance your group visit by pre-booking a guided tour for 15 people or more. Whether you’re exploring our 13 outdoor ‘garden rooms’, delving into the world of summer roses, or immersing yourself in our newly restored Walled Kitchen Garden, we offer a selection of curated tours to suit all tastes and interests.
Garden Tour
Celebrate the Art of Gardening
Join a relaxing tour of the 17-acre formal garden led by an expert guide from our green-fingered Garden Team. Explore Borde Hill’s rich history as you weave between outdoor ‘garden rooms’, each boasting a distinctive character and planting scheme that provide variety, colour and interest throughout the seasons.
During your tour, you’ll discover what it takes to maintain our oasis of tranquillity on a day to day basis, along with our ambitious plans to build a sustainable future and to protect Borde Hill’s rare and significant plant collection for generations to come.
Price: £120 for up to 25 people (plus group Garden entry). Larger groups will be split into multiple tours.
Tour length: 1 hour
Availability: daily from 14th February to 20th December 2026
New for 2026: Walled Kitchen Garden Tour
A Historic Space Reimagined for the Future
Groups can explore our biodynamic Walled Kitchen Garden, a pioneering space at the heart of one of the UK’s most exciting horticultural and culinary projects. Our expert Senior Kitchen Gardener, will lead an exclusive tour of this evolving one-acre space, originally built in 1906 and reimagined by award-winning garden designer Ann-Marie Powell.
Step through the historic gates and into an immersive space where heritage meets innovation. Wander along original red-brick paths surrounded by abundant edimental planting schemes, see espaliered fruit trees being reintroduced to the Edwardian sandstone walls, and discover how biodynamic growing principles are shaping the garden’s seasonal rhythms. Produce grown here will be served just metres away in the new glasshouse restaurant, offering a true field-to-fork experience.
This exclusive behind-the-scenes tour is ideal for garden enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone curious about the future of sustainable growing.
Price: £200 for up to 10 people (Garden group entry optional). Larger groups will be split into multiple tours. As the Walled Kitchen Garden is outside of the main Garden, the group entry rate does not apply, but Garden entry can be added to your booking if visiting both areas.
Tour length: 45 minutes.
Availability: Mondays and Tuesdays, May to September
Roses in Bloom Tour
Experience the Romance of Roses
Throughout June, groups can book a guided tour like no other, immersing themselves in the beauty of our Rose Garden at its peak. With over 750 roses, and an impressive medley of 150 varieties, Borde Hill is home to one of the largest David Austin displays in the country. This is an exclusive opportunity for garden lovers to experience the colours and scents that define our British summertime.
Led by an experienced guide, the tour will take you through the pathways of Jay Robin’s Rose Garden and its surrounding borders. As you explore, you’ll discover more about the Rose Garden’s rich history, design, and development over time. Our expert guide will share best practice on how to nurture your own roses using organic methods, companion planting, mulching, and feeding, as well as sharing insights on the best varieties to grow at home.
Complete your summer experience with a refreshing glass of Elderflower & Rose Pressé served in the splendour of the Rose Garden.
Price: £120 for up to 25 people (plus group Garden entry) to include a soft drink. Larger groups will be split into multiple tours.
Tour length: 45 minutes.
Availability: throughout June 2026
Historic Archive Tour
A Celebration of Planting Excellence
Join us for a guided tour through the past, present and future of horticultural excellence at Borde Hill. Step inside the Elizabethan Mansion, where our expert guide will unlock the remarkable horticultural archive of Colonel Stephenson Robert Clarke, the visionary plantsman responsible for the Garden’s extraordinary collection of rare trees and flowering shrubs.
Discover the captivating history behind some of Borde Hill’s exotic plants and Champion Trees, grown from seeds gathered on explorations around the world from 1893 onwards. Our guide will also share insights into our pioneering propagation programme, a testament to our dedication to safeguard these botanical wonders for future generations.
This unique tour will reveal the fascinating origins of our plant collection, a true masterpiece of British gardening. For an additional cost, groups can book a tour of the Garden to discover first-hand some of the specimens that continue to thrive at Borde Hill today.
Price: £150 for up to 25 people (plus group Garden entry). Larger groups will be split into multiple tours.
Tour length: 1 hour
Availability: 14th February to 20th December 2026
Group Catering
For a seamless group visit, we offer a range of catering options that can be booked in advance for 15 people or more. Freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients, our group menus include refreshments on arrival, delicious cream teas and cold buffet lunches all served inside a marquee exclusively for your group.
Refreshments On Arrival - from £5.00 per person
Rest and hydrate before beginning your Garden Tour, with refreshments available upon arrival at the Garden Marquee.
Filter coffee, specialist teas and bakes. £5.00 per person
Cream Tea - from £6.95 per person
Fruit scones, clotted cream, fruit jam, filter coffee and specialist teas.
Available as a seated option in the marquee or as a takeaway to enjoy al fresco
(Gluten free scone available on request and with advance notice)
Sandwich Platter - from £12.50 per person
Seated inside the Garden Marquee.
A self-service platter of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, with fruit, chocolate tiffin slice, homemade sausage rolls, and freshly brewed filter coffee/specialist tea, or a bottle of juice/water.
(Gluten free options available on request and with advance notice)
Buffet Lunch - from £25.00 per person
Seated inside the Garden Marquee
A seated, two course, cold buffet lunch with a selection of tarts, meat dishes, salads, new potatoes, desserts and table water.
(Gluten free options available on request and with advance notice)
Alternatively, Groups are welcome to relax at the Summerhouse Café, with outdoor seating nestled between the Rose Garden and South Lawn, or at Ginkgo Coffee Shop, located inside the Entrance Building with indoor seating.
Both offer barista coffee, light lunches, sandwiches, cream teas, and a tempting selection of freshly baked cakes and bakes.
If you have a specific allergy or dietary requirement, please let us know at the time of your booking.
Combined Group Offer
For groups looking to experience the very best of Sussex, we’ve partnered with a neighbouring attraction, conveniently located just 20 minutes from Borde Hill, to offer a contrasting day package to pre-booked groups of 15 people or more.
Bluebell Railway
Step back in time and start your day at the famous Bluebell Railway, as seen in Downton Abbey and recently named one of the best steam railways in Britain. Offering great value for money, groups can enjoy a relaxing journey in timeless comfort on board one of its famous steam locomotives, followed by a leisurely afternoon wander at Borde Hill (itinerary can be reversed on request).
2026 Group rate (15+): £32.00 per person – to be confirmed
Why not round the day off by booking a Cream Tea or lunch (for an additional charge) served inside our charming marquee.
To Book: contact The Bluebell Railway directly on 01825 720800.
Pre-booking and a deposit are required; full payment 30 days in advance.
Sat Nav: TN22 3QL
How to book
We have a dedicated member of the team to assist you with planning your group visit to Borde Hill. To make an enquiry, or to discuss your group’s requirements please call us on 01444 450326 or email us at [email protected]
Don’t forget to ask about our pre-bookable Garden tours and group catering options – you will get so much more out of your visit. We look forward to helping you plan your perfect day out in the Sussex countryside.
Booking Information
Accessibility
We welcome visitors of all abilities at Borde Hill and most paths in the Garden are step-free and accessible to those with restricted mobility.
Gentle slopes, hard surfaces and gravel paths allow good wheelchair access with mobility maps available from reception. There are plenty of benches located around the Garden for relaxing and taking in the sights.
The Parkland and Woodland have naturally uneven terrain making them unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
For more details please visit our accessibility page.
Our Location
Easily accessible, Borde Hill is conveniently located 1 ½ miles north of Haywards Heath, 45 minutes from London, 30 minutes from Brighton and 15 minutes from Gatwick Airport. Find us just off of the A23 taking exit 10a via Balcombe.
Sat Nav: RH16 1XP
For more details please visit our Travel & Directions page.
Payment
Our minimum group size to qualify for the reduced rate of £10 per person is fifteen people. This gives a saving of £3.00 per person compared to our standard adult admission price of £14.00.
Guided tours can accommodate a maximum of 25 people. For groups exceeding this size, two separate tours can be arranged, with each subject to its own fee.
We ask that payment for tours and group catering is made at least a week in advance of your visit.
Membership
Connect to the beauty of nature while supporting our Garden for future generations by becoming a Member.
From less than £3.00 a month, Members enjoy unlimited access to the Garden, Woodland and Playground throughout the open season, as well as free entry to highlights from our varied events programme. Visit time and again and enjoy free family trails during the school holidays, exclusive open days, monthly newsletters and access to our growing network of Partner Gardens.
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