We would like to inform our valued visitors that from 1st April 2025, The Walled Garden will be introducing a small entry fee (for over 18s only) to help support the maintenance of our site. Many of you will be aware that The Walled Garden not only functions as a visitor attraction, but also as a vibrant campus for the education and training of our students at Employ My Ability (EMA).

Previously, we have asked for a suggested admission of £3. From 1st April, this £3 will become a required entry fee to access the gardens, play park, and animal area. The café will not require an entry fee.

This entry fee will only apply 1st April – 31st October.

We are also introducing a ‘season ticket’ for regular visitors, which offers unlimited visits at a discounted price, plus additional incentives.

We appreciate that the introduction of an entry fee may raise a few questions, and we hope to answer some of them here.

How will it work?
From 1st April 2025, we will have a new entry hut, which will be staffed during peak times, where visitors can pay their entry fee and be given an entry sticker. During off-peak times, visitors will be directed to the café to pay their garden entry. Visitors just going to the café do not need to pay entry to the gardens.

Pricing
Under 18s: FREE
Adults: £3

Season Ticket
If you are a regular visitor, you can purchase a season ticket for £10.50, which will grant unlimited visits to the gardens for the Apr-Oct season plus extra incentives. This ticket will be unique to you.

Season Ticket Includes:

• Unlimited visits to gardens / play park / animal area
• 2 x Maps per year for garden trails (our trails take place during half-terms and holidays)
• Entry to regular prize draws to win café vouchers
• New incentives and rewards as we expand the offer

Season tickets can be purchased from our website today via our Season Ticket page.

How will this affect garden trails?
Our garden trails will still take place every half-term and holiday. The maps will remain £3, with every map including a prize. These can be purchased on arrival at the hut, shop, or in the café (when hut and shop are closed). We will also be introducing new activities to make your family visit even more exciting.

How will this affect other events?
Events such as our Plant Fair, Dog Show, and Christmas Market (plus new events we’re planning) will have entry determined on a case-by-case basis. However, most will be included in your £3 entry fee or season ticket unless stated otherwise. The upcoming Plant Fair ticket (whether it’s early bird or on the gate) includes your garden entry.

Attendees of our regular Bug and Animal Experiences will have separate tickets purchasable online, and garden entry will be included.

Can I still have picnics in the garden?
Yes, we welcome picnics in the gardens. Traditionally, we have asked for a £5 fee per picnic, but this has not been widely adopted. With the introduction of the entry fee, we will no longer be asking for picnic fees.

I visit every week and have been for years – do I really need to pay?
We hope our regular visitors will take advantage of the season ticket. To confirm, if your visit is solely for the Dovecote Café, there is no entrance fee to pay.

Where does my entry fee go?

• Support our garden team as they maintain and develop the formal gardens all year round.
• Every pound we save on the upkeep of the gardens allows EMA to develop its curriculum and facilities, enabling the college to support more young people in reaching their potential.
• Support the costs of animal feed and the maintenance of our enclosures.
• Helps with the upkeep of the car park and keeps parking on-site FREE.

Our Promise
More developments. More events. More reasons to visit!

We believe that we remain one of the most accessible and value-for-money days out in Dorset, appealing to all ages – from garden enthusiasts, cyclists, families, walkers and explorers.

• Parking will remain free (the £3 entry helps with the upkeep of the car park and keeps it free)
• The Dovecote Café will continue to offer a diverse menu and cosy setting all year round – (no entry fee is required to use the café)
• The site is fully dog-friendly.
• We will continue to add to our calendar to make The Walled Garden a destination you’re excited to visit.

To reiterate, the new entry fee will be £3 per adult, with children under 18 continuing to enjoy free entry. The Dovecote Café will remain accessible to everyone without the need to pay an entry fee – the charge applies only to the gardens, play park, and animal area.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to welcoming you to the gardens for the new season and hope you continue to support our journey as we grow for both our visitors and our students.

For any further questions, please contact info@walledgardenmoreton.co.uk