Hadspen Garden, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7NG

There is one remaining Open Day at Hadspen Garden for those interested in entering the competition. This is on Saturday 28th July. PLEASE NOTE: THE GARDEN WILL NOT BE OPEN AT ANY OTHER TIME.

The garden will be open from 10.00am until 5.00pm. Entry will be through the Back Drive of the Hadspen Estate, off the A359, following the County Council signage. Please park in the car park at the garden and feel free to explore inside and outside the Parabola. Please respect the obviously private areas of the garden and Estate. Visitors are advised that they enter the garden at their own risk.

We are anxious not to compromise the anonymity of entrants; nobody directly involved in the judging process will be in or near the garden on Open Days.

How to get there:

By Road:

The gardens are between Castle Cary (2 1/2 miles) and Wincanton (4 miles).

From London take the M3 to Junction 8 and then the A303 as far as Wincanton. The junction with the A371 is on the Wincanton by-pass, variously sign-posted to Blandford, Castle Cary and Shepton Mallet. Keep on towards Castle Cary and Shepton Mallet on the A371 until Grove Cross (junction with A359), turn right towards Bruton and after about 1/2 a mile take the first road right following the County Council signs, the entrance to the Estate Back Drive is straight ahead.

From Castle Cary take the A371 towards Wincanton, turning left after about 2 miles at Grove Cross to Bruton on the A359 and follow the County Council signs. From Bruton take the A359 towards Yeovil, and follow the County Council signs.

From Heathrow Airport Terminals 1-3 take signs to the M4 (west). Go 2 miles west on M4 and take the M25 (southbound); continue on the M25 until you reach the M3 (about 10 miles). Take the M3 westwards and follow directions as from London above.

From Heathrow Terminal 4, go direct to the M25 southbound.

By Train:

Both Templecombe (London Waterloo) and Castle Cary (London Paddington) stations are within 6 miles of Hadspen Gardens. Sable Taxis (01963 34266) can be booked with sufficient advance warning.

Refreshments:

There will be no refreshments in the garden, but the toilet facilities will be open. You are welcome to picnic. The most convenient local pubs are the Stags Head, Yarlington (01963 440393) and The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague (01749 813213) – booking is essential for Sunday lunch.

Staying Locally

We recommend the Holbrook House Hotel (Tel - 01963 824466) or the George Hotel in Castle Cary (Tel: 01963 350761).