Rare Plant Fair, Kingston Bagpuize House, Abingdon, Oxfordshire

Name: Rare Plant Fair, Kingston Bagpuize House, Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Start: 2025-05-25T11:00:00+01:00
End: 2025-05-25T16:00:00+01:00
Location: Kingston Bagpuize House

Schedule

Sun May 25 2025 at 11:00 am to 04:00 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

Kingston Bagpuize House | Abingdon, EN

This 18th century house is in a unique setting on the edge of The White Horse Vale and surrounded by its beautiful garden and parkland.
The area of garden to the immediate east and north of the house was formal in layout and today this remains the case. The lawns once graced by majestic trees are now largely open; the vista from the east, looking up the beech avenue towards the house, framed by the four Wellingtonias planted around 1860, confirm the importance of this historic house both within and beyond its immediate landscape.
The long mixed border immediately north of the house is planted with roses a wide range of perennial and herbaceous plants and in spring snowdrops and tulips. At the far end, a large Magnolia soulangeana makes a dramatic backdrop when in bloom in late spring. Passing the ornamental gate choice climbers are planted against the south facing wall of the Terrace Walk.
The formal earlier garden is easily imagined with the standard Prunus lusitanica “Portuguese Laurel” around the fountain. With an underground cistern it suggests there has long been a water feature here.
Beyond the small ornamental gate steps led up to the terrace border. This has been planted over the last 20 years as a dry garden with drought tolerant plants giving interest and colour through the seasons. At the end of the terrace is the Pavilion which offers lovely views over the garden.
Donations made to SeeSaw (Grief Support for the Young in Oxfordshire) and to the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Abingdon Group
Admission
Fair & Gardens: Adults £8, Children/Students 11-21 £4
Children under 11 admitted free of charge. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
As this is a special event for charity, neither Historic Houses (HH) membership or Gardeners World 2for1 tickets are valid for Fair and Garden entry and holders will need to buy tickets for Fair and Garden entry at the above prices.
The fair closes at 4:00pm but the gardens remain open until 5:00pm
Buy your tickets on arrival at the gate - no need to prebook!
Kingston Bagpuize House
Kingston Bagpuize House itself will be open to visitors from 1pm-4pm for an additional admission fee:
Adults £4.00, Children/Students 11-21 £2.00 Free admission to the House for Historic Houses (HH) members and Gardeners World 2for1 ticket holders from 2pm onwards only. Holders will need to buy tickets for Fair and Garden entry at the above prices to be able to visit the House itself.
Please note that no other concessions are valid on the day of the Fair.
Please note that no dogs are allowed in the House, Gardens or Plant Fair (except assistance dogs).
Parking
Main car park is in a large field adjacent to Kingston Bagpuize House. Blue Badge parking is available next to the entrance, with overflow in the field where the Fair is held. Please follow the directions of the parking staff on the day.
Accessibility
The grounds of the Estate include a variety of surfaces, including cobblestones, flagstones, grass, gravel and wood. These can be uneven and steep in places, with steps in certain areas.
There is limited access for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and assistance dogs in the House itself. Mobility scooters are not permitted in the House but are permitted in the grounds.
Accessible toilet available.
Refreshments
Refreshments will be available on the lawns to the front of Kingston Bagpuize House.