Middleton Hall and Gardens will host its Summer Plant Hunters’ Fair on Sunday, August 16, offering visitors access to a curated selection of plants, historic grounds, and garden inspiration at a reduced entry price. Admission is set at £4 per person, with under 16s admitted free, making it a budget-friendly day out for families and gardening enthusiasts alike.
Event Details and Ticket Information
The fair will run from 9am to 4pm, bringing together independent nurseries from across the region. Organisers have confirmed that this is a strictly pre-booked ticket event, with no tickets available at the gate on the day. Tickets are limited, so visitors are advised to secure their places in advance via the Plant Hunters’ Fair website.
Free parking is available, and dogs on leads are welcome. Refreshments will be on site, and visitors may also bring picnics to enjoy in the 42 acres of tranquil grounds, which include a walled garden and a lake sidewalk.
What to Expect at the Fair
The event will feature a wide range of plants, including bee-friendly perennials, roses, clematis, shrubs, shade-loving plants, alpines, wildflowers, herbs, grasses, and variegated foliage plants. In addition, there will be garden accessories, décor items, and renovated vintage garden tools on offer.
Organiser Martin Blow expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating: “We are really thrilled to be able to return to Middleton Hall and Gardens for what promises to be a special date in plant lovers' diaries. It’s certainly been the weather to enjoy our gardens and at this time of year we all need something to brighten our borders and perk up our pots and patios.”
He added: “The event has a line-up of the best independent plant nurseries from near and far and you are sure to find something to create a blooming brilliant garden with thousands of wonderful plants to choose from. The enthusiastic and friendly nursery folk are on hand with top tips for planting and can help you choose the best plants for your own unique garden.”
Background on Plant Hunters’ Fairs
Plant Hunters’ Fairs, founded in 2007 by Janet and Martin Blow from Hankelow, Cheshire, now operates the country’s largest line-up of plant fairs, with 30 events held between March and September. The fairs are known for keeping entry costs low; many are free, and most others are priced below standard admission, often at half price. Where an entrance fee is charged, all proceeds go to the hosting garden, often charitable trusts, helping to maintain these gardens for the future.
All nurseries and artisans are personally selected based on the quality of their plants and their knowledge. The nurseries are small family-run businesses, including several RHS medallists and National Plant Collection holders.
For more information, visitors can call 0771 699 0695, email janet@planthunterfairs.co.uk, or visit the Plant Hunters’ Fairs website for a list of attending nurseries. The event takes place at Middleton Hall, Tamworth, Staffordshire, and promises a day of floral discovery for all ages.
