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Lymington Open Gardens
Lymington Open Gardens - a popular bi-annual event in the Lymington social calendar organised by St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery - returns on Sunday 24 May 2026 (2-6pm). It is also an important fundraiser for the museum, an independent charity; we aim to put the community at the heart of everything we do.
This year’s 14 gardens showcase the breadth of Lymington’s green spaces including:
* one of the town’s original historic gardens, offering a glimpse into Lymington’s past
* a peaceful oasis created by church volunteers just off the High Street
* a newly designed garden for care home residents
* a tranquil space behind a GP practice
* cottage gardens with traditional planting and seasonal colour
* sensory gardens designed to support wellbeing
* modern gardens featuring water elements, specimen plants and structured planting
Garden owners will be available throughout the afternoon to share planting ideas and the stories behind their spaces.
With many gardens located close together, visitors can enjoy a relaxed, self-guided route through Lymington’s streets and lanes. Teas and homemade cakes will be served at the United Reformed Church on the High Street, while St Barbe’s Old School Café will also be open for light lunches, coffee and cake. And enjoy a special Open Gardens cocktail at Stanwell House Hotel! Plant stalls offer the chance to take home a favourite variety spotted during the afternoon or a plant recommended by one of the garden owners.
Open Gardens is more than a pleasant day out. Every ticket sold helps St Barbe continue its work preserving local heritage, delivering exhibitions and running creative workshops and educational opportunities for families and schools. The event is supported by lead sponsor Knight Frank, with additional support from Lymington & Pennington Town Council and Colten Care.
This year’s 14 gardens showcase the breadth of Lymington’s green spaces including:
* one of the town’s original historic gardens, offering a glimpse into Lymington’s past
* a peaceful oasis created by church volunteers just off the High Street
* a newly designed garden for care home residents
* a tranquil space behind a GP practice
* cottage gardens with traditional planting and seasonal colour
* sensory gardens designed to support wellbeing
* modern gardens featuring water elements, specimen plants and structured planting
Garden owners will be available throughout the afternoon to share planting ideas and the stories behind their spaces.
With many gardens located close together, visitors can enjoy a relaxed, self-guided route through Lymington’s streets and lanes. Teas and homemade cakes will be served at the United Reformed Church on the High Street, while St Barbe’s Old School Café will also be open for light lunches, coffee and cake. And enjoy a special Open Gardens cocktail at Stanwell House Hotel! Plant stalls offer the chance to take home a favourite variety spotted during the afternoon or a plant recommended by one of the garden owners.
Open Gardens is more than a pleasant day out. Every ticket sold helps St Barbe continue its work preserving local heritage, delivering exhibitions and running creative workshops and educational opportunities for families and schools. The event is supported by lead sponsor Knight Frank, with additional support from Lymington & Pennington Town Council and Colten Care.
Sunday 24 May
St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery, New Street, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 9BH
Sunday 24 May 2026, 2-6pmEarly bird online tickets: £8 per person; on the day tickets: £10 per person
Entry to all 14 gardens included
Tickets can be booked online at www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk/events/st-barbe-open-gardens-2026/ with printed brochures — including a map, garden descriptions and suggested walking routes — available for collection during May or on the day. Alternatively buy direct from the museum's welcome desk (St Barbe Museum open Mon-Sat 10-4).
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