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“Lovely day out for us gardening ‘freaks’, My friends and I have the date of next year’s show in the diary. We are looking forward to it already”

Sarah Lacaille, Okehampton

Toby GardenFest Powderham FAQs

What are the opening times?

10am until  5pm, both days.

Where are you?

Powderham Castle, Kenton EX6 8JQ – directions here

Can I buy tickets on the gate?

Yes, although it’s cheaper to buy in advance online. Early Bird tickets available until 31 December. After that, advance tickets cost £13.50 online (or from Powderham Plant Centre/Urban & Rural) or £15 on the gate.

Can I get a pass-out during the festival?

Yes, your ticket will be taken upon entry into the show, however, you can get a pass out by getting your hand stamped.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome.

Can I smoke at the show?

Smoking is not allowed in any marquee, castle, or any enclosed space, within the festival.

Where is the car park?

Free parking is located in the fields adjacent to the deer park. We ask visitors not to use the Country Stores car parks as this is reserved for shoppers visiting the Country Stores. It is a pleasant five-minute walk that takes you along the edge of the picturesque deer park and Country Stores then up the main Castle driveway or if you don’t feel up the walk, there is a tractor-trailer running constantly between the Festival car park and entrance to the Castle for a small return fee payable on the day to the Castle drivers.

Are there any cash machines?

Yes, we offer cash back facilities at the ticket entrance for 50p per transaction.

Are group bookings available?

Yes, we welcome group bookings and garden clubs in advance. Call 01823 431767 to discuss your needs.

Is food available?

We curate a range of high-quality street food and drink from hand-picked local Devon suppliers.

Special dietary requirements? Yes, including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, organic and fair trade catering. See here for more information about who does what.

How wheelchair friendly is the festival site?

The festival takes place over a number of levels over the show area at Powderham and while wheelchair access is available to most areas there are one or two parts of the castle grounds which are not accessible by wheelchairThe ground floor of the Castle is accessible to wheelchair users and electric scooters.  The Courtenay Cafe in the courtyard is accessible. Disabled toilets are available in the Courtyard and disabled portaloos are marked on the festival programme. NACTA Shopmobility offer wheelchair hire and are situated on the castle driveway near to the ticket entrance – booking essential on 01626 335775 or shopmo@newtonabbotcta.org.

Do you offer facilities for disabled parking?

Blue Badge parking is sited the closest to the entrance in the festival car park, and anyone with accredited disabled parking stickers will be able to use. If you don’t have a badge you can still drop off near the Castle and then park in the main visitor car park. We also have a land train with drop-off points around the festival site, including up to Castle courtyard if you don’t want to walk up the gentle slope. Just ask at the ticket entrance for assistance on arrival or ask any of the stewards wearing green Festival aprons.

Is there somewhere to leave purchases while you shop?

Most of the nurseries are happy for bags to be left with them while you shop.

Can I visit Powderham Castle during the Festival?

The castle isn’t open for tours however, our Speaker Hall is located in the ground floor of the castle, and VIP visitors have access to the music room and library. All visitors can access the Courtyard, riding stables (our Artisan Barn) and area to the front of the castle. The Deer Park is out of bounds.

Is there plenty of seating? 

There is seating available in the Artisan Barn and seating tent and located right around the site, as well as the Courtenay café, the Speakers’ Hall, Country Gardener Talks Tent along with many of the street food sellers who offer some seating. Or feel free to bring a picnic rug and spread out on the lawns on Feast Street by the lake.

Is it child-friendly?

Under-16s are free and if your children enjoy the outdoors and have green fingers there is plenty to interest and entertain! Plus we have ice-cream, good quality food, stilt-walkers and flower-making, ukulele workshops and live music from young Devon talent both days. (Please note under 16’s are not able to access the VIP Experience).