As part of the National Garden Scheme, Willen Hospice is inviting the public into its peaceful, wildlife-friendly lakeside gardens on Saturday 11 July to raise money for national nursing and health charities, as well as its own care.
From 10am until 4pm, visitors can pay a small fee to walk around the Hospice’s two acres of gardens. Lawns, wooded areas, planted beds, a working allotment and an orchard will all be open to view, alongside an RHS award-winning pocket garden first showcased at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in 2025.
Set on the banks of Willen Lake, the gardens have been thoughtfully designed to provide private and peaceful spaces for Hospice patients and their loved ones. A dedicated team of volunteers manage the gardens, with staff support, taking an increasingly naturalistic approach to help boost biodiversity.
Cream teas, lunches and drinks will be on offer from the Hospice’s cafe, as well as delicious freshly made cake. Every purchase from the cafe helps fund care for local people affected by life-limiting illness. The vast majority of the Hospice’s services are funded by the local community making donations, attending its fundraising events and shopping at its charity shops.
Live music will take place throughout the day, from 60s/70s tribute band MOTIF, acapella group The Reluctants and Sarah Jones Jazz. Green-fingered visitors will be excited to browse the plant sale and the pop-up gardening shop. There will also be prize stalls and a biscuit decorating (and eating!) activity for children.
The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to more than 3,300 exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. It raises money for six core charities: Carer’s Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Parkinson’s UK and The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing. In 2025 the scheme raised £3.9 million and welcomed almost 600,000 visitors.
Willen Hospice’s gardens will be open on Saturday 11 July, 10am–4pm. Adult tickets are £5 and children can enter free. You can pay on the day or book in advance. Well-behaved dogs kept on a lead are also welcome.
To book online, and to read more information about the Hospice’s gardens, visit:
willen-hospice.org.uk/event/national-garden-scheme
If you’re interested in becoming a gardening volunteer at the Hospice, the gardening team are keen to welcome new members and will be at the event to answer any questions you may have. To find out more about volunteering with the Hospice in the meantime, visit willen-hospice.org.uk/volunteer-with-us
