Great Garden Escape

Plot your escape for 2023 now on this unique day trip. Boarding again Fridays and Saturdays from May-September 2023, we will be whisking guests on a First Class adventure from London Paddington to the heart of the West Country to experience all things Somerset. Explore picturesque gardens and ancient woodland, discover the art of cyder making and enjoy the finest fare plucked from the soil beneath your feet. Finally, relax back into your seat and savour a picturesque afternoon tea, as the miles fly by and we return you to the city.

Book your escape

HERE AND BACK AGAIN

Book Your Escape

What's Included?

Tickets:

Running Fridays and Saturdays from 5 May to 23 September 2023

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 £335pp for adults, £260pp 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 at 1050hrs
Garden Tour at 1055hrs
Lunch in The Garden Café at 1215hrs
Exploration & Shopping at 1330hrs
Cyder Tour & Tasting at 1445hrs
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.

Dig In

Arrive hungry! Your ticket to escape includes all meals, drinks and experiences throughout the day. From a fresh estate breakfast when you set foot on the train, to lunch in the glass-walled Garden Café overlooking the gardens, and a private tasting in our Cyder Cellar. For the return journey to London, our bakers have prepared an afternoon tea complete with lashings of West Country clotted cream. Find out more about what's included in your ticket.

Find Out More

Seasonal Specials

Digging deeper into some of the areas which inspire and shape almost everything that we do, the Great Garden Escape Seasonal Specials programme offers a unique opportunity to explore the estate with our experts, and dive into the history and traditions of Somerset. Enjoying bespoke itineraries and menus, as well as a few surprises along the way. A highlight for 2023 includes the opportunity to unearth life in Roman Somerset, with a visit to our new Roman Villa Experience.

Bees & Honey: Friday 7 & Saturday 8 July

Four Seasons: Friday 28 & Saturday 29 July

Roman Somerset: Friday 11 & Saturday 12 August

Four Seasons: Friday 25 & Saturday 26 August

Harvest: Friday 22 & Saturday 23 September

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.