The Great Garden Escape
Book yourself on a unique and immersive day trip. In partnership with Great Western Railway, we’re whisking guests on a First Class adventure from London Paddington to The Newt in Somerset - a country estate reimagined - nestled in the heart of the West Country.
Hosted from start to finish by our expert team, enjoy in-depth tours, experiences and tastings, with free time to soak in the beauty of the estate at its peak. Get hands on, stop to pick, taste, smell and touch the plentiful produce that we grow - all in one day.
Explore our 2025 dates below or
email/call on [email protected]/ 01963 577777 for any questions regarding corporate bookings.
Plot Your 2025 Escape
The Finest Food from the Land
Throughout the day, guests will enjoy the bounty of our Somerset estate. From croissants baked that morning to a freshly prepared lunch at the glass-walled Garden Café, plucked from the soil beneath your feet. We celebrate the tradition of growing apples and making cyder with a private tasting at our Cyder Cellar, before serving an estate baked afternoon tea picnic for the return journey to Paddington.
What's Included?
Tickets:
Running Fridays and Saturdays from May to September 2025
The Great Garden Escape ticket includes First Class return travel from London Paddington to The Newt in Somerset; guided tours, talks and tastings; meals from breakfast through to afternoon tea; plus 12-month Newt Membership (for a return visit under one’s own steam!)
Ticket price £375pp for adults, £325pp for children (ages 5-15)
Group bookings and exclusive use are available, with the option to tailor your escape with bespoke experiences.
Example Itinerary:
- Meet & Greet at Paddington Station, First-Class Lounge, Platform 1 at 0830hrs
- Train departs from Paddington Station at 0904hrs
- Breakfast on board at leisure
- Train arrives at Castle Cary Station at 1029hrs/1026hrs*
- Transfer to The Newt in Somerset
- Welcome and refreshments on arrival
- Garden Tour at 1100hrs
- Lunch in The Garden Café at 1215hrs
- Exploration & Shopping at 1400hrs
- Cyder Tour & Tasting at 1500hrs
- Transfer to Castle Cary Station
- Train departs Castle Cary Station at 1602hrs/1628hrs*
- Afternoon Tea onboard at leisure
- Train arrives at Paddington Station 1729hrs/1806hrs*
- Fond farewells
*Friday/Saturday times. Please note, Great Garden Escape operates within the constraints of the National Rail network and timings may be subject to change.
If you're not the planning type, The Newt in Somerset's Great Garden Escape is a fun-filled pre-organised day trip that shows off the best of the British countryside.
Explore the Gardens
Mixing ornamental and productive elements, our gardens are a feast for the eyes and stomach. We share the land with a host of wildlife; you may spot native deer promenading in the woods or Great Crested newts bathing in the ponds.
