Our Guide to the Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair 2025
As the UK’s gardening season transitions into autumn, the Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair at Audley End House & Gardens (29–31 August 2025) offers a treasure trove of inspiration and expertise for both seasoned green thumbs and garden-design lovers. Here’s your go-to guide for what to see, learn, and shop—plus tips for using it to elevate your own garden design.
1. Design Inspiration Everywhere
- Beautiful Borders & Showcase Gardens
Find boundless inspiration in the imaginative Beautiful Borders for compact spaces and vibrant Showcase Gardens professionally curated to spark creative ideas (BBC Gardeners’ World Live, hortweek.com). - APL Skills Competition & Design Clinic
For insight into current trends, watch landscaping teams build stunning gardens in real time—and bring your ideas to the APL Design & Landscaping Clinic for personalised advice (BBC Gardeners’ World Live).
2. Hands-On Workshops & Tours
- Autumn Table, Wreaths & Bouquet Making
Get hands-on with the season: try flower arranging for autumn centrepieces, wreath-making, or seasonal table styling (BBC Gardeners’ World Live, BBC Gardeners World Magazine). - Unique Workshops
Learn mushroom cultivation, build a bug hotel, or step into a plant expert’s shoes during guided tours of the organic Kitchen Gardens—workshops like these offer practical design skills with a twist (BBC Gardeners’ World Live, LOCAL GARDENER NEWSPAPER).
3. Expert Talks from Gardening Pros
- BBC Magazine Stage & ‘In Conversation’ Sessions
Attend live sessions hosted by presenters like Adam Frost, Rachel de Thame, and Frances Tophill. These offer essential tips for autumn-ready garden design (BBC Gardeners’ World Live, BBC Gardeners World Magazine). - Meet More Experts
Join informal strolls and talks with garden gurus—including Lucy Chamberlain, Saul Walker, and the English Heritage garden team—plus advice on vegetable, design, and planting projects (LOCAL GARDENER NEWSPAPER, BBC Gardeners World Magazine).
4. Shop Your Style
- Plant Village & Specialist Nurseries
Dive into over 60 specialist nurseries and designers offering unique plants, bulbs, tools, and décor to elevate your garden design (LOCAL GARDENER NEWSPAPER). - Plant Crèche & Good Food Market
Shop with ease—drop off your plant purchases securely in the crèche, then explore artisan street eats and seasonal treats at the food market (BBC Gardeners’ World Live, LOCAL GARDENER NEWSPAPER).
5. Enjoy the Atmosphere & Venue
- Historic Audley End House & Gardens
Experience the grandeur of Audley End as part of your visit—tour the State Rooms, stables, Victorian kitchen garden, and play areas, all included in your ticket (LOCAL GARDENER NEWSPAPER). - Entertainment & Seasonal Delights
Enjoy live music, afternoon tea, demonstration zones, and activities for families—this event delivers both inspiration and enjoyment in style (BBC Gardeners’ World Live, LOCAL GARDENER NEWSPAPER). - Member Perks
English Heritage members enjoy anytime entry, free parking, discounted tickets, and a complimentary BBC Magazine (English Heritage).
Your Garden Design Takeaways
| What to Explore | How It Inspires Your Garden Design |
|---|---|
| Showcase Gardens / Beautiful Borders | Ideas for layout, planting styles, and textures |
| Design Clinic & Expert Talks | Personalised advice for your garden challenges |
| Workshops (e.g. wreaths, bug hotel) | Hands-on creativity you can replicate at home |
| Specialist shops & plants | Unique specimens and design elements to buy |
| Historic estate backdrop | Inspiration from architectural and garden features |
Final Thoughts
The Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair offers more than just seasonal beauty—it’s a rich resource for garden design ideas, practical workshops, expert guidance, plant shopping, and immersive storytelling—all set within a historic jewel of horticultural elegance. Whether designing a small courtyard or refining a border palette, there’s something here to spark your vision.
Don’t miss out—book your tickets now and let your autumn garden design come to life!