Posted on 24th April 2026

Plant lovers, families and anyone in search of a charming day out are invited to explore the beautiful grounds of Severn Hospice as our much-loved Open Gardens events return this summer.

Taking place on Sunday 24 May at Apley Castle and Sunday 7 June at Bicton Heath (10am–4pm), the events offer a rare opportunity to wander through our carefully tended gardens.

This year’s Bicton Heath event coincides with the reopening of the site’s Perry Ward following a major £3 million refurbishment. Visitors will be among the first to see the gardens as we welcome patients back to our Bicton site after a year.

Reflective

Our hospice gardens are designed to offer a calm, restful and reflective environment, with nature playing an important role in supporting the wellbeing of patients and visitors during difficult times.

Joel Richards, our head gardener, said: “Our gardens are here for everyone – patients, families, staff – and they’re a really important part of the calm and comforting environment of the whole hospice. Opening them up to the public is a lovely way to share that space with more people.

“We have a wonderful team of gardening staff and volunteers who play a huge part in keeping everything looking so vibrant throughout the year.

“This year feels especially meaningful at Bicton, as we will have just reopened the new-look ward to patients. We’ve worked hard to make sure the gardens are looking their absolute best after a year when it’s felt very much like a building site!”

Family-friendly

Throughout both days, visitors can enjoy more than just the gardens. There will be a range of plants for sale, many propagated by our own gardening team and volunteers, as well as BBQ food, homemade treats and refreshments from the Refresh café team.

A craft fayre will also take place at the Bicton Heath event.

Entry is £3.50, with under-16s going free. The events are family-friendly, and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Severn Hospice provides care and support to thousands of people across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and North Powys. All services are offered free of charge, but this is not without cost – the hospice must raise £2 of every £3 it spends, and this is done through fundraising, donations, and legacies.