Merriments Gardens and Café in East Sussex will welcome visitors to a free Summer Open Day on Sunday 23 August 2026, offering complimentary garden admission, guided tours, family activities, seasonal food, special offers and the chance to enjoy the gardens at one of the best times of year for butterflies.
Merriments is a dog-friendly destination, with dogs on leads welcome in both the gardens and café. Water bowls are available near the garden seating areas, many of which are set in shaded spots, making it a comfortable place for visitors and their four-legged companions to relax.
Garden lovers, families and anyone looking for an inspiring summer day out are invited to discover Merriments Gardens in Hurst Green, near Etchingham, when the gardens offer complimentary admission from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
What’s New in the Gardens
The August Open Day will showcase the continuing revival of Merriments, giving visitors the chance to explore recent improvements and enjoy fresh seasonal planting across the gardens.
- New seating areas where visitors can pause and take in the surroundings.
- A refreshed visitor route through newly restored and expanded areas of the garden.
- A selection of divided plants from the gardens and wildflower seeds available to buy on the day from Head Gardener Dan Warne and the gardening team.
Visitors can make a day of it with garden tours, a free prize draw, a children’s ‘Find the Word’ trail and an all-day BBQ served inside the garden. Merriments Café will also be open with a limited menu, refreshments and relaxed indoor and outdoor seating.
As an extra incentive for regular visitors, Merriments will offer £5 off all season garden tickets purchased on the day.
Set just off the A21 before the village of Hurst Green, Merriments is an easy-to-reach countryside escape and a hidden gem for anyone who loves gardens, food, wildlife and relaxed family-friendly days out.
The gardens are now owned by Caravan Tech, a well-established family-run business which relocated from their previous site in Hurst Green to this idyllic countryside location.
Since Caravan Tech acquired the site, Merriments has undergone extensive renovation and improvement, including the opening of a welcoming new café. The result is a relaxed destination where visitors can combine a walk through the gardens with freshly prepared food and drink.
There is also a new children’s play area tucked away behind the new café.
Head Gardener Dan Warne, together with his team and dedicated volunteers, has helped bring renewed energy to the four-acre gardens, restoring water features, refreshing planting and creating inviting new places to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
Guided Tours and Garden Highlights
Throughout the day, guided tours will be led by Head Gardener Dan, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the latest improvements, planting schemes and future plans for the gardens. Highlights include the bee hives, restored water features, summer borders and fragrant herbs in the medicinal garden.
Merriments Café
Merriments chefs will be serving an all-day BBQ in the garden, while the café will offer a limited menu alongside drinks, cakes and refreshments.
Introducing Merriments Gin
The event will also mark the launch of Merriments Gin, crafted using botanicals sourced from the gardens. Visitors can enjoy a glass with a mixer or purchase a bottle for £25 to take home. The gin is produced by local brand Scream Retail, known for their Thunder Vodka.
Family Activities and Prize Draws
Families can take part in the children’s ‘Find the Word’ trail, while all visitors can enter a free prize draw with the chance to win tea and cake in the café, a Sunday roast for two, or an annual garden ticket.
Season tickets can be purchased from the café, offering free entry to the gardens throughout the year. Prices are £35 for a single ticket and £55 for a joint ticket, with £5 off all season tickets bought during the Open Day.
Dogs are welcome in both the gardens and café. The paths are accessible and wheelchair friendly, ensuring the gardens can be enjoyed by all.
Location
Merriments Gardens is situated at Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green, Etchingham, East Sussex, TN19 7RA.
Find out more here.
