Britain's What's On Event Guide
Lymington Open Gardens
St Barbe Open Gardens 2026 | Sunday 24 May (2–6pm) | Lymington
On one special Sunday afternoon in May, 14 beautiful private gardens across Lymington will open in support of St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery. It’s a rare opportunity to explore hidden courtyards, sweeping lawns, vibrant borders and imaginative planting schemes that reflect the character and charm of this unique coastal town.
From traditional English country style gardens to contemporary spaces with architectural planting, each garden has its own personality. Expect roses climbing warm brick walls, herbaceous borders alive with pollinators, sculptural trees, ponds rich with wildlife and quiet seating areas perfect for a moment of calm.
Whether you’re a passionate gardener seeking ideas, a photographer looking for colour and light, or simply planning a relaxed afternoon out, Open Gardens is one of the highlights of the Lymington calendar. It’s a friendly, sociable event that welcomes visitors from across the New Forest and beyond.
St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery will be open all day, including the café, offering the chance to enjoy the 2026 Open Exhibition, explore local history and relax with refreshments. Teas and homemade cakes will be served at the United Reformed Church.
Visit our plant stall outside the United Reformed Church or at 17 Ambleside Road.
Open Gardens is more than a wonderful afternoon out. Every ticket sold helps support the vital charitable work of St Barbe — preserving local heritage, delivering exhibitions, running creative workshops and providing educational opportunities for families and schools.
On one special Sunday afternoon in May, 14 beautiful private gardens across Lymington will open in support of St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery. It’s a rare opportunity to explore hidden courtyards, sweeping lawns, vibrant borders and imaginative planting schemes that reflect the character and charm of this unique coastal town.
From traditional English country style gardens to contemporary spaces with architectural planting, each garden has its own personality. Expect roses climbing warm brick walls, herbaceous borders alive with pollinators, sculptural trees, ponds rich with wildlife and quiet seating areas perfect for a moment of calm.
Whether you’re a passionate gardener seeking ideas, a photographer looking for colour and light, or simply planning a relaxed afternoon out, Open Gardens is one of the highlights of the Lymington calendar. It’s a friendly, sociable event that welcomes visitors from across the New Forest and beyond.
St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery will be open all day, including the café, offering the chance to enjoy the 2026 Open Exhibition, explore local history and relax with refreshments. Teas and homemade cakes will be served at the United Reformed Church.
Visit our plant stall outside the United Reformed Church or at 17 Ambleside Road.
Open Gardens is more than a wonderful afternoon out. Every ticket sold helps support the vital charitable work of St Barbe — preserving local heritage, delivering exhibitions, running creative workshops and providing educational opportunities for families and schools.
Sunday 24 May
St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery, New Street, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 9BH
Sunday 24 May 2026, 2-6pm Early Bird tickets now available £8 (until 23 May). On the day £10. Full details: www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk/events/st-barbe-open-gardens-2026
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