Published: 13 May 2025

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news— we’re about to feature on BBC Gardeners’ World, the UK’s longest-running and most beloved gardening television programme.

A historic visit

First aired in January 1968, Gardeners’ World has become an institution in British broadcasting. With a legacy shaped by iconic presenters such as Percy Thrower, Alan Titchmarsh, and current host Monty Don, the show remains essential viewing for millions of gardening enthusiasts every Friday at 8pm on BBC Two.

So when the production team got in touch with Holker Hall to film for an upcoming episode, we were both honoured and excited. They’d discovered our work on social media and were impressed by both our 17-acre gardens and our passionate gardening team — a perfect fit for a feature exploring modern horticultural practices within a traditional estate setting.

Holker Head Gardener Matthew (second from left) with the professional gardening team

Planning the Gardeners’ World feature

After several planning calls with the Gardeners’ World team, we welcomed a six-person BBC film crew to Holker Hall in mid-April. Presenter Ashley Edwards, one of the programme’s rising stars, led the visit. Ashley trained at the world-renowned Kew Gardens and made his debut on Gardeners’ World in 2023. His enthusiastic and relatable style has quickly earned him a loyal following among viewers.

Despite the unexpected return of grey skies and drizzle, the crew explored every corner of the Gardens to plan filming around key themes such as sustainable gardening and blending innovation with tradition.

Filming underway in the Summer Garden.

Showcasing Holker’s Gardens and our team

Our Head Gardener, Matthew Murgatroyd, explained the approach:

“The producers were particularly interested in how a professional team like ours adapts traditional techniques for modern sustainability. At Holker Hall, we believe in using heritage methods where they’re effective, but we’re equally open to innovation when it helps us work more efficiently or supports the environment.”

The team filmed extensively throughout our 17 acre Gardens, but singled out some specific locations, including:

  • The Birch Grove, for tree planting demonstrations
  • The Scented Walk and Sunken Garden, highlighting border planting techniques
  • The Summer Garden, where herbaceous borders were being prepped
  • The Composting Yard, showcasing our commitment to organic gardening practices

Filming took place during our preparations for SpringFest, our annual Gardens & Outdoor Living Festival held over the May Bank Holiday. With just days to go before thousands of visitors arrived, the shoot added a unique energy to the usual seasonal hustle.

“It was a real juggling act,” said Matthew. “But the Gardeners’ World crew were incredibly respectful of our time and didn’t want anything overly scripted. They just wanted to see real gardeners doing real work — and that’s exactly what they captured.”

When to watch

Don’t miss the Gardeners’ World episode featuring Holker Hall & Gardens — airing on BBC Two, Friday 16th May at 8pm, and also available on BBC iPlayer.

Experience a unique “Behind the Scenes: Filming with Gardeners’ World” Event

Visit our What’s On page to find our how you can enjoy an exclusive “behind the scenes” tour and talk with our Head Gardener – all about what happened and where when the Gardeners’ World film crew spent two days in our Gardens.