RHS Chelsea Flower Show may be the hot ticket event of the season for gardening enthusiasts, but this year there's a new horticultural spectacle in town: The Great Garden Show at The Newt in Somerset. This month, the 250-year-old working estate - encompassing farmland, orchards, a luxury hotel and a cyder cellar - invites the public to its own garden festival.
The Newt was the headline sponsor of RHS Chelsea Flower Show for four consecutive years until last spring, so is this new Great Garden Show - running from 9th May to the 17th, just as Chelsea is gearing up for its opening day - a daring attempt to take on Chelsea at its own game?
I visited The Great Garden Show to find out all about it.
The Great Garden Show - it's not what you might expect
According to The Newt, the show draws on the estate's previous partnership with RHS Chelsea, bringing the iconic flower show's spirit to rural Somerset. Having passed on the baton to a new sponsor, The Newt has set itself a fresh challenge: "to teach people useful things about gardening in nine days".
It only takes a few moments at The Newt's Great Garden Show to see the event is a completely different offering to Chelsea. With expert talks, workshops and a variety of unusual, pre-bookable activities, this is a nine-day programme of fun and fascinating events.
While some workshops have an extra cost, entry to The Great Garden Show for non-members is cheaper than other shows, at £25 per person, and under-16s go free.
There are no show gardens here; instead, there's the chance to explore The Newt's expansive gardens at leisure - a privilege usually reserved for those with membership. That's not to say there's nothing new to see if you're already a member; there's a fresh 'Symphony of Colour' planting scheme across the Victorian Beds, Scented Gardens and Colour Gardens.
To celebrate the launch of The Newt's new rosé wine on Thursday, the gardeners have refreshed the Cottage Garden with pastel pink planting too.
The Great Garden Show puts its focus on learning and crafts, and there's no shortage of interesting workshops to join. Visitors can try their hand at flower hammering, join a fermentation class and take an ancient tree walk. Mid-week, learn how to espalier, make compost or craft natural plant supports.
Read more:
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- Big changes for RHS Flower Shows in 2026: here's what's different
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Across the nine days, The Newt is also welcoming a host of famous horticultural faces to share their expert insight. On Saturday 16th, TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh, no-dig expert Charles Dowding, landscape architect Marian Boswall and others will lend their advice at a Newt Question Time.
Festival feel
Despite the many visitors - even on a Monday morning - the Great Garden Show has a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of spaces to explore. Dotted around are live musicians and pop-up refreshment opportunities like barbecues - plus tractor and cyder tours. Book ahead and you can collect your very own Cyder Bar picnic to enjoy on the day.
Towards the end of the show, on Saturday 16th, The Newt has lined up a day of celebrations, featuring country crafts and traditions. We're told there will be Maypole and Morris dancing, and a communal art project to get involved with, as well as a plant fair.
Festival within a festival
On top of the many activities, workshops and talks taking place in the show programme, there are even smaller 'festivals' happening within the show. Visitors to the estate's Roman Villa can watch gladiatorial reenactments, make flower crowns and sample Roman food, and later on, see bowl turning, spinning and weaving demos and have a go at archery - all part of the Floralia Festival.
Sunday 17th, the final day of the show, is The Big Newt BioBlitz, highlighting the local flora and fauna. There's the chance to get ideas on creating an eco-friendly garden, watch wildlife from across the estate and take part in wildlife counts.
A unique new show for the horticultural calendar
With such a variety of workshops, tours and talks taking place, it may be tempting to return every day of the show to discover something new. This may be a different event to RHS Chelsea Flower Show, but it's likely to become a must-visit occasion for gardeners, foodies and anyone who appreciates country crafts and the natural world.
The Great Garden Show runs until Sunday 17th May.
Entry to the show is free for members, while non-members can book a day pass online for £25. Children under 16 can enter for free but must book in advance.
