Get the Glow in Somerset
October 31st, 2024“Peering from some high window, at the gold of November sunset and feeling that if day has to become night, this is a beautiful way.” – EE Cummings
The season for fire, light and the heady scent of woodsmoke, get the rosy-cheeked glow in Somerset this month. We’re celebrating traditional rural crafts practised for centuries – hedge laying to cooking over coals – and keeping you warm with hearty braises, Sunday roasts and spiced mulled cyder in the lead up to Christmas.
Breathe in the beauty of the great outdoors: on woodland walks, willow weaving workshops and the last of our half term Newtlings sessions for little ones. As we lean into shorter days and longer nights, the gardens are open from 9am-4.30pm, according to our Winter Opening Hours.
See What’s On
Renew Newt Membership
What’s on in November
Pumpkin Carving
Until 3 November / Included in Membership
Get creative with pumpkin carving for a chance to celebrate the season, alongside our inspiring and educational interactive exhibits. It’s the perfect hands-on activity to keep youngsters entertained on any visit.
Newtlings Workshops
1 November, 9am – 12pm / £25pp
Join experienced leader, Kevin Button, for a half-day session on green woodworking for children aged 6+ to discover the joy of crafting. Learn traditional carving and shaping techniques to create woodland tools or crafts, from wands to spatulas!
Cooking Over Coals
6, 13 November, 9.30am – 3pm / £150
Our elemental cooking masterclass is led by Garden Café chef, Beth Hopkinson, our expert in cooking over open fire. Beth will lead you through preparing your ingredients, selecting cuts and how to get the most out of different areas of heat, culminating in an indulgent feast.
Dawn Walk: Woodlands
7 November, 7.15 – 10am / £45
21 November, 7.30am – 10am / £45
Start your day in nature, with a tour through the trees with Head of Programmes, Arthur Cole. You’ll gain insight into how we manage these ancient parts of the estate and learn about the web of interconnected life found within this fascinating ecosystem, before a seasonal breakfast.
Hort Course: Hedge Laying
20, 27 November, 9.30am – 3pm / £150
An immensely satisfying skill to learn, hedge laying is practical, promotes wildlife conservation and mindfulness. With an introduction by a master West Country hedge layer, you’ll come away understanding the benefits, processes and maintenance required to rediscover the rural craft.
Christmas Creatures in Willow
12, 19, 26 November, 9.30am – 5pm / £150
Learn the creative, practical and beautiful artform of willow weaving with our expert, Stefan Jennings. You’ll be guided through your materials and equipment and create your own unique willow creature to take home. The day includes coffee, pastries and an indulgent picnic lunch.
Pressed Flower Bauble Workshop
29 November, 11am – 2.30pm / £115
Join flower artist Beth Kendall of Wilder & Wren, to create ceramic baubles adorned with pressed Cottage Garden botanicals and wildflowers. You’ll create three personalised baubles, perfectly packaged to gift or keep, ready to decorate the Christmas tree.
Winter Wonderment
That festive feeling is sweeping through the estate, with abundant decorations, groceries and gifts popping up in our Farm Shops, Threshing Barn and online. Soak up the joyful spirit of the season as you arrive in our Somerset wonderland.
