Rowcroft’s Open Gardens programme is back for 2025

Rowcroft Hospice’s much-loved Open Gardens programme returns for 2025, inviting the community to explore beautiful gardens across South Devon in support of local end-of-life care.

From April to September, gardeners will be opening their gates and welcoming visitors to enjoy their outdoor spaces while raising vital funds for Rowcroft, ensuring that patients and families living with life-limiting illness receive compassionate care when they need it most.

To celebrate the launch of the programme, Rowcroft is inviting people on a guided tour of Ella’s Gardens at Rowcroft Hospice on Sunday 6 April at 2.30pm. Visitors will be taken on a tour of the grounds and will learn about the interesting history of the estate, while experiencing firsthand how the outdoor space provides comfort to patients and their loved ones. There is a suggested minimum donation of £4 for the tour to help support Rowcroft’s vital services.

Katie Webber, fundraising coordinator at Rowcroft Hospice said:

"Our Open Gardens programme is a celebration of community and nature. Every garden that opens its gates plays a vital role in raising funds, helping us provide compassionate care to local families when they need it most. Whether you're opening your garden or visiting one, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who makes this programme such a success. We’d also like to say a special thank you to Majestic Tours for their generous sponsorship once again this year. You are all making a real difference to local end-of-life care. Thank you."

Mark Wright, owner of Majestic Tours, commented: “Here at Majestic Tours we are so proud to support such an important charity in our local community.  We know what a special role they play in helping patients and their families at the end of life and it is wonderful to play our part and sponsor the Open gardens once again in 2025.”

With a range of gardens taking part in the programme, each offers something unique. Highlights include The Italian Gardens at Great Ambrook, The Osborne Hotel, Oldway Mansion Gardens and Thorn Alpaca Farm, along with many other hidden gems.

Among those featuring in the 2025 Open Gardens Programme is Gleam Tor in Bovey Tracey. Owner Gill Liddy said: “We've decided to open our garden this year in memory of a dear friend and much-loved Torquay butcher, Terry Prentice, who received wonderful care from Rowcroft in the latter stages of his life. Our aim is to raise much needed funds to assist Rowcroft with the vital work and support that they provide. We're inviting you to come along, enjoy our garden and relax in this beautiful space. If gardening is not your passion, then maybe tea and cake is!”

Money raised from the events will be used to fund the specialist care that Rowcroft provides each year to 2,500 patients and families living with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon.

If you have a garden that you would love to share, there’s still time to be part of this year’s Open Gardens programme and help make a difference. Participation is free and you can choose a date that works for you. To sign up or find out more, email katie.webber@rowcrofthospice.org.uk or call 01803 210821.

Visit rowcrofthospice.org.uk/open-gardens to find a garden near you and full details on refreshments, dog-friendly locations, parking, facilities and admission donations/fees.