Immerse yourself in the fragrance and spectacle of thousands of roses in bud and bloom, in two dedicated rose gardens during the Festival of Roses, Saturday 15 June–Sunday 14 July 2024, supported by Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management.
There’s no better place to admire the breadth of colour, shape and habit of these national favourites in early summer. Boasting one of the UK’s largest collections of roses, RHS Rosemoor is home to more than 200 different varieties and over 2,000 specimens.
Ranging from traditional cottage garden climbers to modern varieties, the roses are planted in different settings and combinations in the heart of the garden. The vast collection even includes cultivars classified as ‘endangered’ and ‘vulnerable,’ so it’s well worth a visit.
Festival highlights
Rose Weekend
Friday 21–Sunday 23 June 2024
Explore the rose-themed artisan craft and food market in the airy Garden Room where beautiful handmade items created by some of the best crafters and producers in the West Country will be available to buy to take home. Browse for clothing, jewellery, homeware, cosmetics, and edibles from exhibitors ranging from fine artists and craft specialists to soap and candle makers and local delicacy producers.
Go for a wander through the gardens to admire the roses then kick back and let their scent wash over you, as you listen to some live music and birdsong on the Winter Garden lawn (you can even grab a takeaway picnic to enjoy).
Performers include:
- Friday 21 June: Darren Sturgess, 11am–12noon and 2pm–3pm
- Saturday 22 June: Rosanna Ball, 11am–12noon and 2pm–3pm
- Sunday 23 June: Della Dunkley, 11am–11.45am and 2pm–2.45pm
Join taster sessions of garden painting and drawing with North Devon Arts in the Cottage Garden, running from 10am–4pm each day that weekend.
Learn more about these charismatic plants by taking in a rose walk and talk, scheduled for 12noon and 2pm on the Friday and Saturday and 2pm on Sunday. Or, get your thorny questions answered at the special Rose Advisory Service between 12noon–2pm on each day of Rose Weekend.
Stop and smell the roses
Join one of the weekly tours scheduled for every Tuesday at 12pm throughout the festival to learn more about these beautiful blooms or a general garden tour starting at 11am every day (places allocated on a first-come-first-served basis).
You can also speak to the friendly RHS Advisory team every Thursday to get expert advice on how to care for your own roses at home.
Paul Harvey Sculpture Exhibition
Saturday 15 June–Sunday 1 September 2024
Enjoy the beautiful works of British sculptor Paul Harvey, inspired by his love of birds and Art Deco design, set in the beautiful
Cool Garden designed by Chelsea Gold Medallist Jo Thompson.
Try a workshop
Combine your visit with a workshop and learn a new skill.
Please book your place in advance:
Needlefelting summer lilies
Saturday 29 June 2024, 10.30am–4.30pm
Learn how to create beautiful needle-felted lilies using British wool.
Herbal Plants for wellbeing
Sunday 30 June 2024, 2pm–5.30pm
Join experienced medical herbalist Roberta Hutchins to learn how herbs can help to support mental and emotional wellbeing.
Willow cut flower basket
Friday 12 July 2024, 9.15am–5.45pm
Spend a day working with West Country willow, learning some traditional English techniques to create an attractive and highly functional cut flower basket.
Take the festival home
If you are considering adding a rose to your garden, this certainly is the place to do some window shopping to help you choose, with many varieties in stock in the
Garden Centre. Take advantage of our free potting-up service – you can get your favourite rose in a beautiful pot of your choice, ready to position in your garden.
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