Ryton Gardens demonstrates a wide range of organic gardening methods, where young people will see a thriving site where vegetables, flowers, shrubs and trees live in harmony with wildlife.
The site is attractive, informative and inspirational and offers visitors the opportunity to experience and engage with the outdoors and nature.
The gardens are a place where many aspects of school learning (science, geography, maths) are brought to life in the natural environment. School projects in most disciplines can be greatly enhanced by physically experiencing the topic in the great outdoors.
Combining a tour of the gardens with a visit to the Vegetable Kingdom (our interactive educational display) provides visitors with an understanding of how food is produced, where different vegetables originate from and the vast range of vegetables that are available.
The site is suitable for visits by children of all ages and we welcome visits from voluntary organisations. We have an indoor seating area for school groups to use as a base for the day.
Guided Tours
A guided tour is included in the entrance ticket, but if you want to “do it yourself” that’s fine.
We want the tour to fit the needs of your group, so please discuss any specific curriculum needs with a member of the Education Team who will endeavour to match the tour to your requirements.
Prices
Entry to the garden is £3.50 per child; all accompanying adults are free. The teacher or adult in charge of the group is entitled to free entry to the gardens in order to carry out planning and risk assessment prior to the visit.
Risk Assessments
Each school or establishment should make a pre-visit and carry out a risk assessment for a visit to the site.
Clothing
We suggest that visitors bring appropriate clothing, as this is an open site. Even in the summer we may get a cool breeze. It can also be hot, so hats, glasses and sunscreen are recommended.
Toilets
The toilet block on site is located outside the shop, so you may need to use this before you enter the gardens via the Vegetable Kingdom.
Shop
Educational visits are an opportunity for children to experience handling money in a real situation. We welcome children in the shop, but would ask for them to be supervised at all times.
Responsibility
Whilst we take every care to provide a safe environment, schools will need to provide adult support as appropriate.
Guides and Garden Organic members of staff do not contribute to the adult to child ratio.
Access
Many areas of the gardens and Vegetable kingdom are accessible by wheelchair. We have a number of wheelchairs that are available for use by visitors. Please discuss any individual needs with the Education Team when making your booking.
Booking Procedure
- Contact the education team on 024 7630 8209 to check that your preferred date is available, giving at least 6 weeks’ notice where possible.
- Discuss the booking on the phone with a member of staff, and confirm your booking by phone or email at bookings@gardenorganic.org.uk.
- We will send a confirmation letter with further details about the day, and a payment form which will need to be handed in on the day of your visit.
- If you need to change or cancel your booking please give us as much notice as possible.
Case Study
One school brought their Plant Hunter project to life at Ryton Gardens, by setting the children the task of being an explorer discovering new plants for the first time. They were encouraged to use their senses to discover and describe each new plant they encountered, to classify them, paint them and give them names. They were able to take their experiences back to the classroom where they enthusiastically continued the topic through role play, drama, literacy, art and science based activities.
Teachers’ Quotes
“Had a great day, thank you!”
“The children had a wonderful time and have been very enthused by your input”
“A brilliant day – very informative/fun. We will return next year!”
Educational Visits Enquiry Form
If you would like to ask a question, or have a quick enquiry, please fill out the form below.
