Stories of the Season- Weekly Walk & Talk
2026-05-15 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-05-22 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-05-29 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-06-05 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-06-12 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-06-19 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-07-03 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-07-10 11:00 - 11:45 (Europe/London) and 5 more dates | Dorothy Clive Garden, Willoughbridge, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 4EU, United Kingdom
Stories of the Season
Weekly Walk & Talk at Dorothy Clive Gardens
Step into the garden and discover how it changes through the year.
Join us for Stories of the Season, a relaxed 45-minute guided walk exploring seasonal highlights, plants, and the stories nature tells as the garden evolves.
🕚 Every Friday at 11am⏱️ Duration: 45 minutes📍 Location: Dorothy Clive Gardens📍 Meet-up point: The Bryan Mayer Pavilion
🌿 Free for members🌿 Non-members: garden admission applies
🌸 No rush. No pressure. Just seasonal stories, shared weekly.
Click Here To Book
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on?q=stories%20of%20the%20season

Pen and Watercolour Workshop With Kate Dawes
2026-05-19 10:00 - 13:00
Spend three hours creating beautiful botanicals in pen and watercolour with Kate Dawes. A relaxed pen & watercolour workshop. Suitable for all abilities.
Kate will show you different techniques of pen drawing, along with how to overlay with ‘dry’ watercolour to create beautiful botanical art. All materials are provided.
She will offer support and guidance to help everyone develop their personal style, understand composition, colour mixing, and achieve a more confident approach to art.
Kate will bring flowers and foliage to work from, and we plan to go into the garden to try out pen drawing techniques and to inspire you to create A4 botanical artworks to take home with you.
Suitable for all abilities from absolute beginners to the more experienced artist, who would like to try a new technique and approach to art. All materials supplied.
Small workshop – max 12 people
To book go to the below link –
https://katedawesstudio.com/products/pen-and-watercolour-workshop-dorothy-clive-garden-tuesday-19may-2026-3-hours
** please note – for non-members there is a £14 garden entrance fee or £26 annual membership, payable on the gate.
When & Where

Tuesday 19th May 2026
10am – 1pm
The Dorothy Clive Garden
Willoughbridge
Market Drayton
Shropshire
TF9 4EU

Journaling Workshop with Jean Crocker
2026-05-28 10:00 - 14:30
Join Jean Crocker for a relaxed and inspiring Journalling Workshop designed to help you capture, create, and celebrate your personal story.
Jean is a BA (Hons) Contemporary Crafts graduate, graphic designer, and dedicated volunteer at Dorothy Clive.
🖊️ What to expect
This workshop is open to 10–12 adults and runs as follows:

10:30am – 12:30pm: Morning session
Lunch break & informal practice time
1:30pm – 2:30pm: Afternoon session

📖 About journalling
Your journal can be whatever you want it to be-a creative space to record life as you live it.
It might capture:

Travel memories or holiday experiences
Weddings, big life events, illness, recovery or bereavement
Moving house or retirement
The everyday magic of children, pets, gardens, wildlife, and seasonal change
Ideas, research, or even the beginnings of a book

How often do we wish we’d written down the funny things our children said, or the little moments that pass too quickly?
🎨 What you’ll do
Bring your creativity and curiosity-we’ll explore:

Drawing and simple sketching techniques
Hand lettering and expressive words
Page layouts and visual storytelling
Using photos, humour, and observation (including people-watching!)
Watercolour, crayons, and mixed media approaches

🎒 What to bring

Your favourite drawing or writing materials
Any journals you’ve already made (if you’d like to share)

Jean will also bring examples of her own journals to inspire ideas and discussion.
Cost- £45.00 PLUS ENTRY FOR NON MEMBERS
Click the below link to book !
https://www.ticketsource.com/whats-on?q=dorothy+clive+garden+jour

Sunday Lecture- ‘Amphibians and Reptiles in your garden’
2026-06-14 11:00 - 12:00
Discover Staffordshire’s Wildlife – Make Your Garden a Haven!
Join us for an engaging session with Chris Monk, Secretary of the Derbyshire Amphibian and Reptile Group, as we explore the fascinating species found in Staffordshire and surrounding counties. Learn which creatures are most likely to visit your garden and discover practical tips to create a thriving wildlife-friendly space right at home.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and make a difference for local wildlife
To book please email info@dorothyclivegarden.co.uk.

Mixed Media Workshop With Kate Dawes
2026-06-23 10:00 - 13:00
Mixed Media – Watercolour, Collage & Pen Workshop

Enjoy a relaxed mixed media art workshop using watercolour, collage & pen. Suitable for all abilities.
Kate will show you how to create a beautiful botanical collage artwork.
In this fine art collage workshop, you will use flowers, foliage, and plants in pots for inspiration. Kate will show you different pen and ‘dry’ watercolour techniques to create paper petals, flowers, leaves, and vessels and how to compose and assemble them with other elements to create a beautiful A4 collage artwork.

Collage is a technique that involves assembling and combining various pieces onto a single surface to create a unified composition.
If you wish, you can bring wallpaper, fabrics or other elements to embellish your collage artwork.
Suitable for all abilities from beginners to the more experienced artist. All materials supplied. Maximum of 12 people on the workshop.

Music Day
2026-06-28 08:00 - 17:00
Join us for a truly relaxing and uplifting day, where you can enjoy a wonderful programme of live musical entertainment set against the beautiful backdrop of the Garden. Take your time exploring the winding paths, seasonal highlights, and peaceful corners, soaking in the sights, scents, and sounds of nature as you go.
After your stroll, make your way to the Tearoom lawn where you can sit back and unwind in a tranquil setting. Treat yourself to a refreshing drink, a delicious light bite, or indulge in one of our freshly baked scones served with jam and cream. It’s the perfect way to pause, recharge, and enjoy the atmosphere-whether you’re catching up with friends, spending time with family, or simply enjoying a moment to yourself.
MUSIC DAY SCHEDULE
10.00am in the Pavilion – The rising stars concert- youth from the local area up and coming talent.
11.00am Wedding Arch -Hannah Grace.
12.00pm on the Hillside – The HGM Show Choir
1.00pm on the Tearoom Lawn – The Unlawful Men Group
2.00pm on the Hillside– The Dorothy Clive Choir
3.00pm on the Tearoom Lawn – The Unlawful Men Group
4.00pm on the Hillside – TBC
Dave Ball with provide Music throughout the day on the Tearoom Lawn.
To book please email info@dorothyclivegarden.co.uk.

Craft Fair
2026-07-05 08:00 - 17:00
✨ Join Us for Our Artisan Market at Dorothy Clive Garden! ✨🌿
Spend a wonderful day discovering a fantastic selection of talented local makers and artisan stalls, offering everything from handmade gifts and crafts to delicious treats and unique creations. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
After browsing the market, take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens, where you can relax, explore the seasonal displays, and make the most of a great day out.
🍰 Our Tearoom will be open from 10:00am to 4:30pm, serving a delicious range of homemade cakes, light lunches, hot drinks, and refreshments—the perfect place to take a break during your visit.
🌸 Dorothy Clive Garden members receive free entry, making it an ideal opportunity to enjoy both the market and the garden.
Would you like to have a stall at our event? We are always keen to welcome quality artisan traders and local businesses. If you’re interested in exhibiting, please get in touch by emailing info@dorothyclivegarden.co.uk for more information.
We look forward to welcoming you for a fantastic day of shopping, gardening inspiration, and great food!
To book tickets to this event email info@dorothyclivegarden.co.uk

Land Open Day !
2026-07-05 10:00 - 17:00
We are delighted to announce an open day for our newly purchased land, offering visitors and sponsors a chance to enjoy and explore the area before we put some sheep on to thicken up the new grass.

For the first time, guests will be able to walk through this exciting new area, discovering fresh views, peaceful surroundings, and the natural beauty of this special extension to the Dorothy Clive Garden. This new land represents an important step in the future of the Garden, creating more opportunities for conservation, planting, and enjoyment for generations to come. We would very much welcome your suggestions on planting and design as we plan to start planting in October / November depending on the weather. Please email any suggestions to kathryn@dorothyclivegarden.co.uk

We warmly invite you to come and be among the first to experience this wonderful new space as we continue to grow and develop the Garden for everyone to enjoy.

We look forward to welcoming you on July 5th to explore this exciting new chapter with us.

Wedding Showcase Evening
2026-07-11 15:00 - 17:00
Discover Your Dream Wedding Venue at the Dorothy Clive Garden
Are you recently engaged and searching for a truly unique, outdoor venue to celebrate your special day? Join us on Saturday, the 11th of July from 3pm-5pm for our Wedding Showcase Day, where you’ll have the perfect opportunity to: Explore our beautiful ceremony points, each offering a picturesque backdrop for your vows. Sample our delicious, handcrafted canapés. Meet our dedicated wedding team, who will be on hand to guide you through every detail of planning your big day. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the Dorothy Clive Garden provides the perfect blend of natural beauty and personal charm to make your wedding day unforgettable. Save the Date and let us help you bring your wedding dreams to life.*Please note that this is a venue showcase only and there will not be any additional suppliers*
Click the below link to book!
https://www.ticketsource.com/whats-on?q=dorothy+clive+wedding

Sunday Lecture- 'The Folly of an idea: A brief look at the history of Follies’
2026-07-12 11:00 - 12:00
Join Janet Hallett for an engaging talk exploring the question, “What is a folly?”
Janet will showcase examples from the many different categories of follies found across Great Britain, providing fascinating insights into why they were built. From the loved to the lesser-known, follies are often unusual, exciting, and full of character.
Some are easy to visit, while others may require a walk through woods or up hills—and maybe a little map reading! Janet will also bring a selection of her own books for browsing, perfect for anyone inspired to explore further
To book tickets to this event email info@dorothyclivegarden.co.uk

Flower Fairy Trail
2026-07-18 10:00 - 2026-08-02 16:30
Flower Fairy Trail at Dorothy Clive Garden 🌸🧚‍♀️
Step into a world of magic and imagination this season at Dorothy Clive Garden’s Flower Fairy Trail.
Young explorers are invited to wander through the beautiful garden in search of enchanting fairy doors hidden among the flowers, trees, and winding paths. Behind each tiny door lives a different flower fairy, but can you work out which fairy belongs to each magical home?
Use the clues along the trail to discover the names of the flower fairies.
Perfect for families, this delightful trail promises adventure, discovery, and plenty of fairy dust!
*The trail is free within our usual Garden admission, please refer to our visit tab on our website for admission costs*

A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Folksy Theatre
2026-07-18 18:30 - 20:30
Love, laughter, and a little bit of lunacy — enter a world where fairies meddle, lovers quarrel, and magic runs wild!
This summer, join us for a breath taking open-air performance of William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy,
A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
In the heart of an enchanted forest, four young lovers flee the constraints of society and stumble into a realm ruled by mischievous fairies, feuding royalty, and a troupe of would-be actors with more enthusiasm than talent. What follows is a wild night of mistaken identities, magical transformations, and love gone deliciously wrong — enjoy Shakespeare’s dazzling verse and Folksy’s twist of live music, audience interaction and impressive multi-rolling!
Bring along your picnics & folding chairs!
Tickets are non refundable
Show goes on whatever the weather, so come prepared!
https://ticketstripe.com/events/6868108745075111
* Entry to the Garden from 5.30pm.*

Children’s Gardening Club
2026-07-21
Children’s Gardening Club at Dorothy Clive Garden
Join us for three fun and hands-on mornings or afternoons exploring the wonderful world of gardening.
Across three sessions, children will learn how plants grow, discover how gardens support wildlife, and explore how food can be grown at home. Each day includes practical gardening activities in the garden and children will take home something they have planted themselves.
🌱 Day 1 – Planting & Growing
Learn how plants grow from seed to plant. Children will plant their own seeds and discover what plants need to thrive.
🐝 Day 2 – Gardening for the future
Discover how gardens help wildlife and learn about the important role bees play in our ecosystem. We’ll explore simple ways we can help the environment through gardening.
🌿 Day 3 – Field to Fork
Where does our food come from? Children will learn about growing herbs and vegetables and plant a herb to take home.
These sessions are designed to help children connect with nature, learn practical gardening skills and understand how small actions can help the environment.

How To Book
Please email info@dorothyclivegarden.co.uk to book your child’s space!

Dates: 21st, 22nd & 23rd July
Session times:
10am–12pm – Ages 5–8
1pm–3pm – Ages 8–11
Price: £30 per child plus a one off adult entry for all three sessions (plus entry to the garden), to be paid on the day
Group size: Maximum 10 children per session
Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the sessions.
Led by Education Officer Hannah.

Dog Fest and Vintage and Classic Car Display
2026-08-02 10:00 - 17:00
This year we are combining our Dog Fest with a display of Vintage and Classic Cars. Music will be playing throughout the day with DJ Dave Ball.
Join us for a tail-wagging good time at the Dorothy Clive Garden Dog Fest 2026!
This is a fun-filled day dedicated to our furry friends and their families. Whether you have a dog or just love them, this event promises to be a delight for all.
Event Highlights:

Doggie Ice Cream: Keep your pups cool with refreshing doggie ice cream, also available in the tearoom. Perfect for a hot summer day!
Series of Stalls: Explore a variety of stalls featuring dog-related products, services, and more. From unique pet accessories to gourmet dog treats, there’s something for every pooch.
Dog Competition- 2PM START Please head to the Giftroom to sign up ! : Enter your dog into our exciting competition! Categories will include.

-Best trick
-Prettiest Pooch
-Prettiest Pooch – puppy
-Handsome hound
-Handsome hound- puppy
– Golden Oldie
-Best Rescue
-Happiest pair
-Waggiest Tail
-Final

Bring your family, friends and of course your dogs for a fantastic day out in the beautiful surroundings of the Dorothy Clive Garden. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating our beloved canine companions together!
The dog event will start at 2 pm, please ensure all entries have been registered beforehand, in the Gift room.
Also, enjoy the display of Vintage and Classic Cars on the paddock.
Take a stroll around the Garden, then enjoy a drink, a bite to eat or try one of our freshly baked scones with jam and cream whilst relaxing on the Tearoom lawn.
Our Tearoom will be open serving a lunch menu available between 12pm and 2.30pm. Cakes and snacks will also be available throughout the day.
To book tickets to this event email info@dorothyclivegarden.co.uk

Sunday Lecture - ‘Woodland Plants for the Connoisseur’
2026-08-09 11:00 - 13:00
Michael Myers will present an engaging and beautifully illustrated talk celebrating the diversity and charm of shade-loving perennials. Drawing on his extensive experience as a plantsman and collector, he will showcase a remarkable range of collectible species and cultivars that bring colour, texture and interest to gardens throughout the seasons.
The talk will feature many of the finest woodland and shade-loving plants, including snowdrops, aconites, corydalis, cardamines, hepaticas, hellebores, celandines, primulas, wood anemones, trilliums, erythroniums, ferns and roscoeas. Michael will discuss their origins, distinctive characteristics, cultivation requirements and the best ways to combine them for naturalistic and long-lasting displays.
Whether you are an experienced gardener seeking unusual plants or a newcomer looking to enhance a shady corner of your garden, this talk will offer practical advice, growing tips and inspiration. With stunning photographs and fascinating stories behind many of these treasured plants, Michael’s presentation promises to appeal to anyone with an interest in woodland gardening and the beauty of shade-loving perennials.
To book tickets to this event email info@dorothyclivegarden.co.uk

Songs for a Summer Evening With Hannah
2026-08-14 18:00 - 20:00
Join vocalist and pianist Hannah for Songs for a Summer Evening — a relaxed golden-hour concert set in the beautiful surroundings of The Dorothy Clive Garden.
As the evening light softens over the garden, enjoy an intimate performance of acoustic favourites from artists such as Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac and Eva Cassidy. This gentle summer concert is designed to be a peaceful and atmospheric way to spend a summer evening, surrounded by nature and music.
The performance area will open from 5:30pm, allowing time to settle in and enjoy the setting before the concert begins at 6:00pm. Audience members are welcome to arrive at the garden earlier in the day if you wish and make the most of the gardens before the event.
Seating for the concert is informal and unallocated, and you are encouraged to bring blankets to make yourselves comfortable while enjoying the performance.
Picnics are welcome, or visitors can purchase food and drinks from the Garden Tearoom, which will be open during the evening.
The concert will include a 20-minute interval, giving you time to stretch your legs, enjoy refreshments, and soak up the beautiful evening atmosphere.
As this is an outdoor event, guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. This special summer performance promises a relaxed mix of well-loved acoustic songs in a truly magical garden setting — the perfect way to unwind as the sun begins to set.
Places are limited to keep the concert intimate, so early booking is recommended.
We look forward to welcoming you for a memorable evening of music at The Dorothy Clive Garden.

To book head to the below link!-
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hannah-grace-music/t-qmmxvvg

Charity Singathon
2026-08-16 10:00 - 16:30
We’re delighted to be launching our first ever Charity Singathon at the beautiful Dorothy Clive Garden – and we’d love you to be part of it!
This joyful day of singing is all about bringing people together while raising money for two wonderful causes: Dementia UK and Willoughbridge Garden Trust. All money raised will be shared equally between the two charities.
Think of it as a big, feel-good singalong. No auditions, no rehearsals, no sheet music and absolutely no pressure – just lots of familiar songs, plenty of laughter and a room full of people enjoying music together. Whether you love to sing or just fancy giving it a go, everyone is very welcome.
Throughout the day we’ll be running three relaxed 90-minute singing sessions, each with a different theme. You’re welcome to book onto one session, come along to two, or stay and sing all day – it’s entirely up to you! We ask for a ​donation towards each session. We suggest £10 per session ​or £22 ​for all three. We would ​accept any donation, please pay what you can afford. We suggest a price of £5 per session for children under the age of 18.

10:00am – Songs from the 60s 😁
1:00pm – One Hit Wonders 🥇
3:00pm – Stage & Screen
Bring a friend (or a few!) and come and enjoy a lovely day of music in a beautiful setting. There’s something quite magical about a group of people singing together – and we promise you’ll leave feeling uplifted!
Doors will open 30 minutes before each session, and you’re very welcome to spend time enjoying the gardens between workshops. Your ticket price includes entry to the garden for the full day. There will also be a raffle and refreshments available throughout the day.
For non-members of the garden, some of your donation will include the cost of your entry to the garden for the day.
The event is accessible and suitable for all ages. Children under 5 do not require a ticket, and anyone 18 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
🎶 We’d absolutely love to see you there! 🎶

Head to the below link to book!
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hannah-grace-music/singathon-sponsored-sing-in-aid-of-dementia-uk-and-the-dorothy-clive-garden/e-grxmpp

Children's Music Club
2026-08-18 10:00 - 2026-08-20 12:00
Children are invited to join us in the Summer Holidays for three creative mornings of music-making in the beautiful surroundings of Dorothy Clive Garden.
This relaxed and fun-filled club will give young musicians the chance to sing together, play instruments, take part in musical games, and create imaginative soundscapes inspired by the garden environment. Children will explore rhythm, sound and creativity while working together in a small, supportive group. Children do not need any previous experience or abilities in music.
The sessions will be led by our Education Officer and resident musician Hannah Grace, who will guide the group through a range of fun musical activities designed to build confidence and encourage creativity.
The club runs across three mornings from 10am–12pm, giving children time to develop ideas and make music together over the course of the week.

Suitable for ages: 5–10
Group size: Maximum 10 children
Dates: 18th August, 19th August, 20th August
Times: 10am – 12pm

How To Book
Please email info@dorothyclivegarden.co.uk to book your space!

Price: £30 per child plus a one off adult entry for all three sessions to be paid on the day
Please note: One adult must remain on site for all children.
