LATEST NEWS
We’re really looking forward to welcoming Frances Tophill to the festival, where she’ll be sharing her gardening knowledge, inspiration and enthusiasm with visitors. Frances Tophill is a horticulturalist, botanist, author and television presenter whose work celebrates the connection between people, plants and the natural world. With a particular passion for sustainability, wildlife and community gardening, she has become one of the UK’s best-known gardening personalities. Alongside her television and writing career, Frances remains deeply committed to conservation and sustainable horticulture. She has spent many years working in gardens with vulnerable adults, including people with learning disabilities and mental health challenges. She has … Read more
We’re delighted to announce that exhibitor applications are now open for Toby’s Garden Festival 2027. We have some exciting plans taking shape for 2027 and can’t wait to welcome another fantastic mix of nurseries, growers, makers, food and drink producers, and garden-inspired businesses to the festival. Whether you’re a familiar face or thinking of joining us for the first time, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to be part of Toby’s Garden Festival 2027.
If you joined us at Toby’s Garden Festival in 2026, there’s still time to take advantage of our special £16 per person ticket offer for the 2027 festival. But don’t leave it too long – this offer ends on 30 September 2026. At just £16 per person, these tickets are around 10% less than our £17.75 Early Bird price and a huge 33% saving on the £24 on-the-gate price. You should have received a returning guest voucher when you entered the 2026 festival, like the one shown below. Simply use the code on your voucher when booking your 2027 tickets … Read more
We’re delighted to announce that exhibitor applications are now open for Toby’s Garden Festival 2027. We have some exciting plans taking shape for 2027 and can’t wait to welcome another fantastic mix of nurseries, growers, makers, food and drink producers, and garden-inspired businesses to the festival. Whether you’re a familiar face or thinking of joining us for the first time, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to be part of Toby’s Garden Festival 2027.
We’re delighted to unveil the speaker line-up for this year’s Toby’s Garden Festival, bringing together an inspiring mix of horticultural experts, designers, and passionate growers. Across both the Castle Dining Room and the Country Gardener Marquee, visitors can enjoy a diverse programme of talks, demonstrations, and conversations designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. In the elegant surroundings of the Castle Dining Room, expect engaging discussions and expert insights from leading voices in gardening and design. Meanwhile, the Country Gardener Marquee will host practical, hands-on sessions packed with tips, ideas, and seasonal advice for gardeners of all levels. Whether you’re looking … Read more
We’re excited to share that our festival area maps are now live, so you can start planning your perfect day at Toby’s Garden Festival! Take a look ahead of the weekend to find where your favourite exhibitors, gardens, stages and food stalls are located. Whether you’re heading straight for the show gardens, shopping your favourite brands, or mapping out the best spots to eat and relax, it’s all there to explore. Have a browse, plan your route, and make the most of your time with us. We can’t wait to welcome you this weekend! 🌿 North Lawn Map Lakeside Map … Read more
We’re delighted to announce an exciting competition in partnership with The Ivy Exeter! Purchase your festival ticket by 28th April and you’ll be automatically entered into our free prize draw to win an unforgettable dining experience: a three-course dinner for four from The Ivy Exeter’s Taste of Spring menu, complete with a cocktail from their Ivy in Bloom collection. Even better, if you’ve already secured your tickets for this year’s festival, you’re already in the draw. No extra steps needed! Don’t miss your chance to indulge in a seasonal feast with friends. Book your tickets now and you could be raising a glass at The Ivy Exeter this … Read more
We’re delighted to reveal the full schedule for our Main Speakers Marquee at Toby’s Garden Festival, taking place on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd May 2026. Across both days, visitors can enjoy an inspiring programme of expert talks, practical advice, and lively discussion from some of the most respected voices in gardening, sustainability, and horticulture. Join Toby Buckland alongside an outstanding line-up of guest speakers including Arit Anderson, Chris Hull, Jonny Hincks, Becky Searle, Mark Diacono and Kim Stoddart. We’re also pleased to welcome speakers bringing fresh perspectives on sustainability and the future of our green spaces, including Sam Walton, … Read more
We’re thrilled to announce that award-winning wine expert and Telegraph wine columnist Susy Atkins will be returning this year. Known for her warm, approachable style and appearances on Saturday Kitchen, Susy will be hosting intimate talks and tastings celebrating the connection between garden-grown ingredients and great wine. Expect fascinating conversations with local producers, plenty of delicious samples, and expert tips—from pairing fruit desserts with sweet wines to discovering the exciting rise of English still wines. Read our interview with Susy ahead of this year’s festival below. Interview with Susy Atkins Are there any garden-grown ingredients people overlook when pairing with wine? Yes—fruit! … Read more
Toby’s Garden Festival is thrilled to welcome Great Western Railway (GWR) back as the official travel partner for the 2026 festival at the spectacular Powderham Castle. Travelling to the festival by train couldn’t be easier. With regular services stopping at Starcross Station, visitors can enjoy a relaxed and scenic journey before taking a beautiful walk along the Exe Estuary to Powderham Castle. The route offers stunning waterside views and is the perfect way to start a day celebrating gardens, food and the great outdoors. GWR connects Starcross with destinations across Devon and beyond, making it simple to leave the car … Read more
Toby’s Garden Festival returns this year with an exceptional showcase of some of the finest nurseries from across the South West and beyond, offering visitors an inspiring opportunity to discover rare plants, expert growers, and award-winning horticulture. From heritage roses and woodland plants to exotic climbers and organic vegetables, this year’s festival promises a diverse and exciting plant village that celebrates the very best of British growing. 🌹 Highlights from This Year’s Exhibitors Cornish Rose Farm Renowned for producing over 60,000 roses across 450 varieties, this Cornwall-based specialist has built a stellar reputation for quality. A returning favourite, they’ll be … Read more
Mark Diacono, award-winning food and garden writer, is lucky enough to spend most of his time eating, growing, writing and talking about food—and we’re thrilled to be welcoming him to Toby’s Garden Festival this year, where he will be speaking and compèring. Known for growing everything from Szechuan pepper to pecans and Asian pears, Mark’s refreshing approach to growing and eating has inspired a new generation to grow some of what they eat. He was involved in the early days of River Cottage, appearing in the TV series and writing four accompanying books. Mark is also a columnist for The … Read more