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What is the RHS Partner Garden scheme?

Opening the gate to more beautiful gardens, this guide covers everything RHS Members need to know, including garden access, history and top tips to get the most from the scheme

If you love visiting gardens, the RHS Partner Garden scheme is one of the most rewarding parts of an RHS Membership. It’s your key to discovering a network of inspiring gardens across the UK and beyond, that share the passion for plants, creativity and horticultural excellence of the RHS.

Sunny views over the Queen Elizabeth garden at Dumfries House Estate in Ayrshire

A little bit of history

The scheme began sometime in the late 1980s or early 1990s as part of a regional strategy to build closer links with other gardens. The first known link between the RHS and a regional UK garden was with Ness Botanic Gardens, part of the University of Liverpool, in 1989. A reciprocal arrangement was then introduced, allowing Ness members to visit RHS Gardens and vice versa.

In 1991 the scheme expanded to include four National Trust gardens: Nymans in Haywards Heath, Hidcote in Gloucestershire, Sheffield Park and Garden near Uckfield and Bodnant Garden in Conwy. All remain part of the scheme today.

Perennials line the view of the historic building at Arboretum Kalmthout in Belgium

In 1996 Arboretum Kalmthout in Belgium became the first European partner, followed by 20 gardens in France and two in Italy. The scheme was renamed the Recommended Garden Scheme in 1997 and, from 2013, became known as the RHS Partner Garden Scheme, featuring 145 member gardens. With Ness joining in 1989, the scheme will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2029.

Today, the RHS Partner Garden Scheme has grown into a network of more than 240 independent gardens, with 210 in the UK and 31 overseas. The collection ranges from grand historic estates to intimate walled gardens and innovative contemporary designs. Each offers something distinctive, yet all share a commitment to the joy and inspiration that gardening brings. Over the years, more than 130 iconic gardens have also been part of the scheme, some of which are sadly no longer open.

Why is it such a great member benefit?

RHS Members can enjoy free entry to RHS Partner Gardens at selected times of the year. It’s a brilliant way to explore new places near to you or in a holiday location, meet passionate gardeners, and gather fresh ideas for your own patch.

Each garden is carefully chosen for its quality, character and visitor experience, so wherever you go, you’ll find something worth discovering.

Why don’t RHS Partner Gardens open all the time?

Colourful autumn hues stand out in the borders of Knoll Gardens and Nursery in Dorset

RHS Partner Gardens are independently owned and run and set their own opening hours and visiting arrangements for RHS Members. Some are open on the same day each week, others only in certain months and others just in the winter period. That flexibility supports each garden to open for RHS Members and ensures whatever time you visit, you’ll see something inspiring.

It is always recommend that you check the RHS Partner Gardens entry or the garden’s own website before travelling in case of any unexpected closures.

How does RHS Membership access work?
  • All Individual RHS Members can visit RHS Partner Gardens for free, at the times specified by the individual gardens
  • For Joint RHS Members, only the primary RHS Member (indicated by the * on the membership card) can visit for free. The second joint member needs to pay the garden’s entry fee. Guests of members will also need to pay the full entry price
Don’t forget

Remember to take your physical membership card with you, as proof of eligibility for free entry.

Shared values, shared inspiration

A frosty winter wonderland at Castle Hill Gardens in South Molton

Every RHS Partner Garden contributes something special to the RHS community – whether it’s a collection of rare plants, a historic landscape or a modern reimagining of garden design. Together, they celebrate the best of horticulture and help the RHS share its mission to enrich everyone’s life through plants.

So next time you’re planning a day out, why not explore an RHS Partner Garden? You’ll be supporting independent horticulture and enjoying a day filled with beauty, creativity and green inspiration.

Tips for making the most of the scheme

  • Find a garden near you: Use the RHS Find a Partner Garden search tool to look for RHS Partner Gardens to visit and check their specific opening times for free RHS Member days
  • Research before you visit: Check each garden’s own website for opening times, parking, any special events (which may be excluded from the free-entry terms) as well as seasonal highlights
  • Seasonal interest: Plan visits around peak interest (e.g. spring blooms, summer border displays, autumn colour). RHS Partner Gardens often have their own standout moments and events
  • Gaining entry: As a member, carry your physical membership card and check the terms of free entry for the garden you are visiting before you travel. Please remember to be kind and courteous to gate staff, some of whom may be volunteers
  • Tell us about your visit: If you especially enjoyed a particular garden, please let us know by email at [email protected]. During your visit, please consider supporting the garden’s shop and café, or making a donation

For more information, please visit RHS Partner Gardens Frequently Asked Questions page.

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Meet the new RHS Partner Gardens

Meet the new RHS Partner Gardens

Have a question? Use the RHS Partner Gardens FAQs

Have a question? Use the RHS Partner Gardens FAQs

Get involved

The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.