Holker SpringFest 2025

SpringFest at Holker Hall & Gardens is a captivating 2 day festival celebrating Gardens and Outdoor Living. Browse diverse retail stalls, listen to expert speakers,  enjoy entertaining demonstrations – all designed to help you get the most out of your gardens and outdoor spaces this year.  Combine all this with free access to our award-winning Gardens, street food and live music and your ensured a great day out for all the family.

• inspiring talks and gardening advice
• live demonstrations
• expert and entertaining guest speakers
• live music, street food, outdoor licensed bars
• a fantastic range of shopping opportunities

PLUS unprecedented access to the private Walled Garden, not open to the public.

Admission to the Hall & Gardens is included in the ticket price – come and join us!

Expert Talks and Demonstrations in the Outdoor Theatre:

SATURDAY 3rd MAY:

10:30am: Liam Fitzpatrick, Head Chef, Our Farm by Simon Rogan (“Food and its sense of place”)

11:30am: Anne Swithinbank, Horticulturalist, Author, Broadcaster BBC Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time

12:30pm: Lord Cavendish, Holker Gardens

Lord Cavendish will share his unique recollections of the development of Holker’s Gardens, his love of shared gardening experiences with his wife Grania, Lady Cavendish, and how he became gardener-turned-author with the publication of his book “A Time to Plant: Life and Gardening at Holker”.

13:30pm: Richard Smith, Apiary Manager and Instructor, Furness & District Beekeepers’ Association (“what it takes and what you need to be a successful beekeeper”)

14:30pm: Toby Nicholson, Master-Composter, Garden Organic and Ford Park (“home composting”)

15:30pm: Grainne Ring, Head Gardener, Highgrove Gardens, King Charles III’s Estate

SUNDAY 4th MAY:

10:30am: Rosie Harris, Rosedale Botanics

11:30am: Liam Fitzpatrick, Head Chef, Our Farm by Simon Rogan

12:30pm: Lord Cavendish, Holker Gardens

Lord Cavendish will share his unique recollections of the development of Holker’s Gardens, his love of shared gardening experiences with his wife Grania, Lady Cavendish, and how he became gardener-turned-author with the publication of his book “A Time to Plant: Life and Gardening at Holker”.

13:30pm: Bertie Swainston, Head Gardener, Sizergh Castle NT

14:30pm: Sinead McCann, Growing Well (“cultivating good mental health”)

15;30pm Grainne Ring, Head Gardener, Highgrove Estate

In the Gardens:

The Holker Gardening Team led by Head Gardener Matthew Murgatroyd will host a series of short talks on Sustainability & Green Gardening on both Saturday and Sunday in the Gardens, with themes that include:

• herbaceous borders
• garden tools and machinery
• sustainable composting

Our Gardeners will also be on hand to answer questions as you enjoy your time in the Gardens.

Shopping & Street Food:

There will be an outdoor display from Cumbria Hot Tubs, lots of  retail and street food stalls, a licensed bar, live music and activities for all ages.

For pricing and to book click here.