Courses and workshops FAQs

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about adult learning courses and workshops at our RHS Gardens

Do I need to book a garden admission ticket separately?
RHS Garden admission is free for RHS Members. For non-RHS Members, as long as you have booked and paid for a non-member ticket, Garden Entry is included in the ticket price that you have paid.
 
From February 2025, we are going to be waiving the extra amount paid by non RHS Members for Garden Entry and you will not need a separate admission ticket. We appreciate that workshop timings often do not permit attendees to spend much time in the Garden, and that the reason for your visit is to attend the workshop, therefore we will no longer be including the additional amount in course and workshop tickets for Garden Entry.
Do I need to bring my membership card?

For workshops up to the end of January 2025, you will need to bring your RHS Membership card in order to qualify for the RHS Member workshop price.
 
From February 2025, you do not need to bring an RHS membership card to attend a course or workshop, but if you are an RHS Member, we would normally still scan your membership card at the Garden entrance so that we have an accurate record of RHS Member and Non-Member visitors. 

How soon before the course starts should I arrive?

Please arrive at the course venue 15 minutes before the course start time as the workshop will start promptly at the advertised time.

Can I arrive early or stay in the garden after my course?

Yes, you may spend time in the garden on either side of your course or during lunchtime, within normal garden opening times.

If I am unable to come to the course, can I swap to another course, or cancel and have a refund?

Course fees are non-refundable and non-transferable beyond a 48-hour cooling-off period.

Where can I find out about accessibility information at the garden?

All RHS Gardens are keen to support you with mobility and accessibility needs.

See our accessibility information

Please contact the specific RHS Garden directly using the emails in the ‘How do I contact the RHS’ section, if you have any mobility or accessibility needs.

Can I book for someone under 16 years?

To attend a course or workshop, you need to be over 16 years of age unless the advertised course information specifically states otherwise. Learners of age 16 and 17 may attend courses and workshops if accompanied by an adult. The accompanying adult can attend for free as a non-participant.

What equipment do I need to bring?

Unless specified in the course information sent to you following your booking, you will not need to bring any equipment. We recommend bringing a notebook and pen or pencil for taking notes, and a digital camera if you wish to take pictures.

Can I purchase a course as a present for someone else?

Please get in touch with the individual RHS Garden if you wish to purchase a place on a course or workshop as a gift.

Can I book a ticket on behalf of someone else?

Yes, however, please ensure you book the correct ticket type for the person attending. From February 2025, there is only one workshop ticket price which will make this easier. You are advised to get in touch with the individual RHS Garden if you wish to purchase a place on a course or workshop as a gift, as the process for doing this varies at each site.

Do RHS members get a discount on RHS courses and workshops?

RHS Members do not get a discount on courses and workshops. Historically there has been a Member and Non-Member price to reflect that RHS Members do not need to pay Garden Entry. However, following feedback from course attendees, for courses from February 2025 onwards, we are going to be waiving the extra amount paid by non RHS Members for Garden Entry.
 
We appreciate that workshop timings often do not permit attendees to spend much time in the Garden, and that the reason for your visit is to attend the workshop. In addition, since launching the RHS strategy and as a horticultural charity supporting your lifelong adventure in Gardening, it felt important to revisit our pricing at this point in time. 

Can I buy an RHS membership on the day of my visit?

For courses up to the end of January 2025, if you choose to buy an RHS membership on the day of your visit, the extra amount you have paid for your course as a non-member will be taken off the price of the RHS membership, as your membership will cover the garden entry element of your course or workshop ticket price. You can also sign up online at any time before your visit. This will not apply for courses attended from February 2025 onwards.

In severe weather, will the courses still go ahead?

Courses would normally go ahead whatever the weather providing the RHS Garden is open and it is safe to do so. In the event of the site closing due to severe weather, courses will not run. We would do our best to contact you via the email address provided when booking, but would advise that you check the relevant RHS Garden page on the RHS website, or social media, or contact the RHS Garden directly before setting out.

Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?

No, our courses and workshops are for leisure and pleasure and are not accredited.

Can I book by phone?

Not all our sites are set up to enable phone bookings. To book a course or workshop, please go via our RHS website Courses and Workshops page, and select the relevant RHS Garden to see the courses available.

Do you have a waiting list for courses that are sold out?

Some RHS Gardens may operate a waiting list. Please get in touch with the specific RHS Garden for more information.

Can I specify my dietary requirements?

If refreshments are included as part of your course and not selected during the booking process, please contact the relevant RHS Garden seven days in advance of your course to ensure we can accommodate your requirements.

Do you have a printed brochure you could send me?

We do not have a printed brochure. All currently available courses are listed on the RHS website.

See our courses and workshops

How do I contact the RHS about courses and workshops?

Please email the specific RHS Garden about a course or workshop:

Can’t find an answer to your question?

If your question or issue is not listed, please feel free to talk to us with any additional queries, and we will be happy to help.

Speak to the team

For all contact emails, please see the ‘How do I contact the RHS’ question.

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.