Merriments Gardens Opens with Magical Tulip Display
A vibrant burst of spring colour awaits visitors at Merriments Gardens in East Sussex, which has now reopened to showcase a spectacular tulip display. Last year 20,000 tulip bulbs were planted to ensure this season’s show is among the most beautiful in the region.
Highlights of the Gardens
Set within four acres of tranquil grounds, Merriments Gardens offers not only dazzling tulip borders but also meadows filled with white and purple fritillaria and vivid blue Camassia. Visitors will find plenty of seating throughout the gardens, perfect for admiring the flower beds, water features, waterfalls, and ponds. Pathways wind through the holistic garden and lead to a wild bird area and hide, providing a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts.
Head gardener Dan Warne said: “The combination of sunshine and spring temperatures over Easter has caused many flowers around the gardens to open at once, transforming Merriments into a glorious landscape of colour.
“This burst of blooms has created a vivid tapestry throughout the gardens, marking the arrival of spring and providing visitors with a remarkable display of nature’s beauty.”
Merriments Café
After exploring the gardens, guests can relax at the Merriments Café, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The café is renowned for its great coffee, delicious treats, and warm hospitality. In addition to Sunday lunches, the café serves Afternoon Teas that can be enjoyed in the gardens -simply bring a picnic rug and let the staff take care of the rest. There is also the option to enjoy Afternoon Tea in the comfortable café seating area or snug. Afternoon Tea in the Garden is priced at £30 per person, while Afternoon Tea in the Café is £25 per person.
Special Events
Pollinating Walk at Merriments
On Thursday, 28 May 2026, visitors can join the Merriments Head Gardener, Dan, for an afternoon devoted to native pollinators. For those enjoying lunch, the event begins at 1pm, followed by a talk at 2pm and a guided walk at 3pm, concluding at 4pm. Guests will have the opportunity to observe pollinators up close before they are released back into their habitat. Dan will also share advice on the best plants to introduce into home gardens to attract and support pollinators.
An optional two-course lunch ticket includes Rosemary focaccia and roast chicken, whipped feta, lemon zest, thyme, hot honey & rocket. The vegetarian alternative is roasted aubergine & peppers, pesto & rocket, followed by an apple & honey puff pastry tart. There are 20 spaces available at £59 including lunch, or £39 for walk and talk only.
Booking is essential due to limited availability. To reserve a place, call 01580 860666 or email merriments@caravantech.co.uk
Themed Evenings at Merriments Café
Merriments Café hosts special themed evenings, celebrating cuisines from around the world, including Italian, Malaysian, Spanish, and Brazilian nights. Each event features a unique menu and a lively atmosphere, perfect for an enjoyable night out. From vibrant spring Italian dishes to small-plate Tapas and comforting French bistro classics, every evening is thoughtfully curated by the chefs for a memorable dining experience.
Upcoming Café events: Italian Primavera on 24 April, Modern Mediterranean on 8 May, Tapas on 22 May, and a Relaxed French Bistro evening on 5 June. Booking is now open for these occasions.
Visitor Information
Merriments Gardens and Café are open seven days a week. Admission is £8 for adults, with children under 15 admitted free. Opening hours are Monday-Saturday, 08:30–16:30, and Sunday, 9:30 -16:30. An adult season ticket is available for £35, granting year-round entry.
The gardens are easy to find, signposted off the A21 just before Hurst Green, with plenty of free parking provided. Merriments Café and Gardens are located at Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green, Etchingham TN19 7RA.
Dogs are allowed in the garden and café but must be kept on a lead.
Further Information
For more details about Merriments, visit www.caravantech.co.uk/merriments.
Merriments Gardens Opens for Spring with a Magical Tulip Display
A vibrant burst of spring colour awaits visitors at Merriments Gardens in East Sussex, which has now reopened to showcase a spectacular tulip display. Last year 20,000 tulip bulbs were planted to ensure this season’s show is among the most beautiful in the region.
Highlights of the Gardens
Set within four acres of tranquil grounds, Merriments Gardens offers not only dazzling tulip borders but also meadows filled with white and purple fritillaria and vivid blue Camassia. Visitors will find plenty of seating throughout the gardens, perfect for admiring the flower beds, water features, waterfalls, and ponds. Pathways wind through the holistic garden and lead to a wild bird area and hide, providing a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts.
Head gardener Dan Warne said: “The combination of sunshine and spring temperatures over Easter has caused many flowers around the gardens to open at once, transforming Merriments into a glorious landscape of colour.
“This burst of blooms has created a vivid tapestry throughout the gardens, marking the arrival of spring and providing visitors with a remarkable display of nature’s beauty.”
Merriments Café
After exploring the gardens, guests can relax at the Merriments Café, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The café is renowned for its great coffee, delicious treats, and warm hospitality. In addition to Sunday lunches, the café serves Afternoon Teas that can be enjoyed in the gardens -simply bring a picnic rug and let the staff take care of the rest. There is also the option to enjoy Afternoon Tea in the comfortable café seating area or snug. Afternoon Tea in the Garden is priced at £30 per person, while Afternoon Tea in the Café is £25 per person.
Special Events
Pollinating Walk at Merriments
On Thursday, 28 May 2026, visitors can join the Merriments Head Gardener, Dan, for an afternoon devoted to native pollinators. For those enjoying lunch, the event begins at 1pm, followed by a talk at 2pm and a guided walk at 3pm, concluding at 4pm. Guests will have the opportunity to observe pollinators up close before they are released back into their habitat. Dan will also share advice on the best plants to introduce into home gardens to attract and support pollinators.
An optional two-course lunch ticket includes Rosemary focaccia and roast chicken, whipped feta, lemon zest, thyme, hot honey & rocket. The vegetarian alternative is roasted aubergine & peppers, pesto & rocket, followed by an apple & honey puff pastry tart. There are 20 spaces available at £59 including lunch, or £39 for walk and talk only.
Booking is essential due to limited availability. To reserve a place, call 01580 860666 or email merriments@caravantech.co.uk
Themed Evenings at Merriments Café
Merriments Café hosts special themed evenings, celebrating cuisines from around the world, including Italian, Malaysian, Spanish, and Brazilian nights. Each event features a unique menu and a lively atmosphere, perfect for an enjoyable night out. From vibrant spring Italian dishes to small-plate Tapas and comforting French bistro classics, every evening is thoughtfully curated by the chefs for a memorable dining experience.
Upcoming Café events: Italian Primavera on 24 April, Modern Mediterranean on 8 May, Tapas on 22 May, and a Relaxed French Bistro evening on 5 June. Booking is now open for these occasions.
Visitor Information
Merriments Gardens and Café are open seven days a week. Admission is £8 for adults, with children under 15 admitted free. Opening hours are Monday-Saturday, 08:30–16:30, and Sunday, 9:30 -16:30. An adult season ticket is available for £35, granting year-round entry.
The gardens are easy to find, signposted off the A21 just before Hurst Green, with plenty of free parking provided. Merriments Café and Gardens are located at Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green, Etchingham TN19 7RA.
Dogs are allowed in the garden and café but must be kept on a lead.
Further Information
For more details about Merriments, visit www.caravantech.co.uk/merriments
