There are barrowfuls of family fun to be had at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, which is now fewer than three weeks away.
The event, which takes place between July 17th and 21st, is free for up to two 16-and-under kids with each paying adult.
Highlights this year include a dedicated family Green Fields area, or you can make some creepy crawly friends in the Bug Hub, get stuck in at the Potting Up workshop and let your creativity bloom in the Colouring Garden.
For the grown-ups, there are over 200 talks and workshops to choose from, as well of course as the stunning Show Gardens and floral features.
There’s also the Floral Marquee, Plant Village or Country Living Pavilion for some retail therapy, and you can round off the perfect summer’s day out with delicious artisan food and drink, and live entertainment.
We caught up with Isobel Coulter, the Show Manager, for the lowdown on the event:
ALTRINCHAM TODAY: For anyone that isn’t familiar with the RHS Show at Tatton – how would you describe it?
ISOBEL COULTER: The Show is a fun, colourful and flowery celebration of summer. Experience the best day out surrounded by beautiful displays, fun interactive features, plants to make your heart swoon, delicious food and plenty of inspiration for your garden.
AT: What do you have going on for families this year? We hear rumours of a Bug Hub, a Slug Survey and a giant and Very Hungry Caterpillar?
IC: There’s plenty at the Show for a proper good family day out. Our Green Fields area of the Show is the hub of family friendly activities including mini pond making with Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Plant up a pollinator activity with Chris Collins, a colouring garden, face painting & clay bug making with Secret Adventurers.
We’re also celebrating the Very Hungry Caterpillars 50th Anniversary with a fun giant caterpillar and fruit trail around the show. Around the show there’s also The Bug Hub with microscopes, giant bugs and the chance to have a selfie with a slug. Kids go free so it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a great family day out.
Find out more about our family activities here.
AT: What else is new at the show for 2019?
IC: As well as the usual favaourites of plant stands, gardens and experts we have some exciting new features for 2019 Show including:
- The Field of Dahlias: Step in to a rainbow of colour and walk amongst our Field Of Dahlias – over 5000 of them in 5 different colours, a rainbow experience and a feel good photo moment to look out for at the Show.
- Mow Town: The humble lawn is finally getting it’s turn in the spotlight with this new area at the Show. Featuring live demos and top advice on lawn care, machinery and more. Plus you won’t want to miss a vintage lawnmower display from the British Lawnmower Museum.
- Bug Hub: We’ve gone creepy crawly crazy this year! The bug hub offers visitors the chance to find out more about some of the good and slightly less popular creatures that live in our garden. Expect giant insect models, microscopes, bug hotels and more. Plus advice on how gardeners can live in harmony and encourage more life in to their gardens. Plus the Bug Hub Theatre next door (hosted by Mr Plant Geek) will be buzzing with live talks about insects and wildlife. There’s more about this here
- Dig In area: This new area of the show is a hub of edible and grow your own delights. From Edible nurseries and allotments, Dig In Live theatre with live cookery and gardening demos, fruit & veg summer competition, vintage tractors and much more.
AT: How do visitors book onto the various activities at the show?
IC: All of our over 200 talks, demos and workshops are free at the Show and no need to book. So drop in and learn something new, or simply be entertained by our great range of speakers. Full timetables are available on the website here.
For more information about the RHS Show at Tatton Park, see here.
