The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) oversees a network of five owned gardens and more than 220 partner gardens across the United Kingdom. While the five flagship RHS Gardens are open to all, the Partner Garden scheme offers free entry to RHS members at selected times, making it a valuable benefit for regular visitors. In 2025, the RHS confirmed that the scheme includes more than 230 gardens, with 15 new additions joining from January 2025.
The RHS Partner Gardens are independently operated sites that have agreed to welcome RHS members free of charge during specific periods. This arrangement allows members to explore a diverse range of gardens, from historic estates to modern landscapes, without paying admission fees at the gate. The scheme has grown steadily over the past two decades and now covers gardens in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and even a few overseas locations.
For anyone planning garden visits in 2025, understanding the difference between the five RHS-owned gardens and the RHS Partner Gardens network is essential. The owned gardens offer unlimited free entry for members and their guests, while Partner Gardens set their own rules for member access, guest policies, and peak season restrictions. The RHS provides a dedicated online directory to help members find and verify participating gardens.
What Are the RHS Gardens and RHS Partner Gardens?
5 RHS Owned Gardens
Bridgewater, Harlow Carr, Hyde Hall, Rosemoor, Wisley
RHS Partner Gardens
220+ across England, Scotland, Wales & NI
Member Free Entry
Free to all 5 owned gardens + Partner Gardens
Non-Member Ticket
Typically £10–£18 per adult (varies by garden)
Key Insights
- RHS membership pays for itself after 2–3 visits to Partner Gardens alone.
- Not all Partner Gardens are free for members – some offer reciprocal entry only at certain times.
- The most-visited Partner Gardens (Trebah, Hillier) are often confused with RHS-owned gardens but are independently operated.
- An interactive map is the most requested resource missing from the official RHS site.
- The Partner Gardens list is updated annually; members should check before visiting.
- Joint RHS members: only the primary member (marked with an asterisk) gets free entry; the second joint member pays the garden’s normal fee.
- Guests of members always pay the full entry price at Partner Gardens.
Key Facts: RHS Gardens Network
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Total RHS Gardens (owned) | 5 |
| Total RHS Partner Gardens | Approx. 220 |
| Free entry for members at owned gardens | Yes – unlimited |
| Free entry for members at Partner Gardens | Yes – usually, but check individual garden rules |
| Average adult non-member ticket | £12–£16 |
| RHS membership starting price (2025) | ~£49/year (individual) |
| Downloadable Partner Garden list | Not available as PDF on official site |
Is Entry to RHS Partner Gardens Free for RHS Members?
According to the RHS, individual RHS members can visit RHS Partner Gardens for free at the times set by each garden. The scheme is described as covering more than 240 gardens overall in later updates, including UK and overseas gardens, so totals can vary by date and by whether newly added gardens are counted.
What Is Included in an RHS Membership?
An RHS membership provides unlimited free entry to all five RHS-owned gardens for the member and a family guest or two children. At Partner Gardens, entry is free for the member only, and guest policies vary. The membership also includes a subscription to The Garden magazine, access to a members’ advice line, and free tickets to RHS flower shows.
Do RHS Members Get Free Entry for Guests?
At the five RHS-owned gardens, a member can bring one adult guest or two children free of charge. However, at Partner Gardens, guests of members pay the full entry price. The RHS makes this clear on its scheme page: “Guests of members also pay the full entry price.”
For Joint RHS Members, only the primary member (marked with an asterisk on the card) gets free entry; the second joint member pays the garden’s normal fee. This applies to both RHS-owned and Partner Gardens.
Are There Any RHS Gardens With Free Entry for Everyone?
No RHS gardens offer completely free entry to the general public. Free entry is a benefit exclusive to RHS members. Individual gardens may occasionally run their own free events, but there is no permanent free admission policy at any RHS-owned or Partner Garden.
How Much Are RHS Garden Tickets for Non-Members?
Non-member ticket prices vary by garden. The five RHS-owned gardens typically charge between £12 and £16 per adult, with concessions for seniors and children. Partner Gardens set their own admission fees, which can range from £8 to £18 depending on the site and season. The RHS does not sell a single ticket that covers all gardens; each garden manages its own ticketing.
Can I Get a Discount on RHS Garden Admission?
Non-members have limited discount options. Some gardens offer reduced rates for advance online bookings, group visits, or combined tickets with nearby attractions. The National Garden Scheme (NGS) occasionally provides entry to certain gardens on open days, but this is separate from the RHS network. The most substantial saving comes from purchasing an RHS membership, which pays for itself after two or three visits.
What Are the Opening Times for RHS Gardens?
Opening times vary by garden and season. The RHS website provides specific opening hours for each of its five owned gardens. Partner Gardens also set their own schedules, and the RHS directory directs visitors to each garden’s own page for accurate times. Many gardens close during winter months or have reduced hours, so checking in advance is advised.
Some popular Partner Gardens, such as Trebah and Hillier, require pre-booking during summer months. Members should book early to guarantee free entry, as capacity may be limited even for members.
Where Can I Find the Official RHS Partner Gardens List and Map?
The most reliable source for the full 2025 list is the RHS’s own Find a Partner Garden page, together with the RHS Partner Gardens scheme page. These are the authoritative directories for current locations, opening times, and any access conditions.
Is There a Map of All RHS Partner Gardens?
The RHS provides a garden finder that lets users filter to “Partner Gardens (free for RHS members)” and view results on a map. This is the best way to browse the current network by region. Third-party sites like Britain Express also maintain alphabetical lists with county flags, but the official RHS map is the most up-to-date.
Can I Download the RHS Partner Gardens List as a PDF?
Currently, the RHS does not offer a downloadable PDF of the Partner Gardens list. The information is available only as a web page. Users have requested this feature, but the RHS has not yet provided it. For offline reference, independent directory sites like Britain Express offer printable lists, but they may not be fully current.
Use the RHS garden finder at Find a Partner Garden and enter your postcode or region. Filter by “Partner Gardens (free for RHS members)” to see the nearest options. This is the only official way to get a live, location-based list.
What Are the Best RHS Gardens to Visit Near Me?
Popular Partner Gardens include Trebah Garden in Cornwall, Hillier Gardens in Hampshire, Ness Botanic Gardens in Cheshire, and Furzey Gardens in Dorset. Each offers a distinct landscape and seasonal highlights. The RHS garden finder is the best tool for discovering gardens near a given postcode, as it updates in real time.
How Has the RHS Garden Network Grown Over Time?
- 1804 – RHS founded in London.
- 1903 – RHS Garden Wisley acquired.
- 1950s–1990s – Partner Garden scheme established, growing to 50+.
- 2001 – RHS Garden Harlow Carr opened.
- 2010–2020 – Partner Gardens network expanded to 200+.
- 2021 – RHS Garden Bridgewater opened (fifth owned garden).
- 2025 – Network now includes 220+ Partner Gardens across UK, with 15 new additions in 2025.
The 15 new RHS Partner Gardens for 2025 include Holkham Walled Garden (Norfolk), Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden (Bedfordshire), Springfields Outlet Shopping and Festival Gardens (Lincolnshire), Moors Meadow Gardens (Hertfordshire), Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park (North Yorkshire), Eyrignac et ses Jardins (France), Giardini di Villa della Pergola (Italy), Abbotsford (Roxburghshire), Ashridge House Gardens (Hertfordshire), Chawton House (Hampshire), Doddington Place Gardens (Kent), Staunton Country Park (Hampshire), West Green House Gardens (Hampshire), Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens (Wales), and Canonteign Falls (Devon).
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About RHS Gardens?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| RHS members get free entry to all 5 RHS-owned gardens (certain, per RHS official website). | Whether all Partner Gardens offer free entry without restrictions is mostly certain but requires checking individual garden policies. |
| RHS members get free entry to most Partner Gardens (certain for the scheme, but times vary). | Whether a downloadable PDF of the Partner Gardens list exists is certain – it does not currently exist. |
| RHS membership includes a guest at owned gardens (certain, one adult or two children). | Guest policies at Partner Gardens vary and are not uniformly defined by RHS. |
| The network totals more than 230 gardens in 2025 (certain from RHS materials). | Exact totals fluctuate as new gardens join; the RHS later described the scheme as covering more than 240 gardens. |
Why Does the RHS Garden Network Matter for Garden Visitors?
For frequent garden visitors, RHS membership offers substantial savings. The geographic spread of Partner Gardens across all UK nations increases accessibility, allowing members to explore diverse horticultural styles without additional costs. However, confusion remains: many users mistake “RHS Partner Gardens” for “RHS-owned gardens”, leading to false expectations about entry rules and guest policies. The absence of an official interactive map or downloadable list is a clear UX weakness that the RHS has yet to address. Independent sites like Britain Express partially fill this gap, but they lack real-time updates and official verification.
What Do Official Sources Say About RHS Gardens?
“Visit the beautiful RHS gardens throughout the UK for fun days out for all the family. Free to all RHS members.”
RHS.org.uk/gardens
“Membership benefits: Unlimited entry to our 5 RHS Gardens for the member and a family guest or 2 children.”
RHS.org.uk/join
“The following gardens throughout England, Scotland, and Wales offer free access to members of the Royal Horticultural Society.”
Britain Express – RHS Partner Gardens List
What Should You Keep in Mind When Visiting RHS Gardens?
Before visiting, check the RHS Partner Gardens page for the most current list and any 2025 changes. Consider purchasing a joint membership if you visit with family regularly. Use the RHS garden finder to locate gardens near you and always verify opening times and booking requirements directly with the garden. Remember that popular Partner Gardens like Trebah may require advance booking during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download the RHS Partner Gardens list as a PDF?
Currently, the RHS does not offer a downloadable PDF. You can view the full list on their website or use independent directory sites like Britain Express.
Do RHS members get free entry for guests?
Yes, at the 5 RHS-owned gardens, members can bring one adult guest or two children. At Partner Gardens, guest policies vary – check with the individual garden.
Are there any RHS gardens with free entry for everyone?
No RHS gardens offer completely free entry to the general public. Free entry is a benefit exclusive to RHS members.
What are the opening times for RHS Gardens?
Opening times vary by garden and season. Check the specific garden’s page on the RHS website for accurate times.
How many RHS Partner Gardens are there in 2025?
The RHS says the scheme includes more than 230 gardens, with later updates mentioning more than 240. The exact number fluctuates as new gardens join.
What are the 15 new RHS Partner Gardens for 2025?
They include Holkham Walled Garden, Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden, Springfields Festival Gardens, Moors Meadow Gardens, Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, Eyrignac et ses Jardins (France), Giardini di Villa della Pergola (Italy), Abbotsford, Ashridge House Gardens, Chawton House, Doddington Place Gardens, Staunton Country Park, West Green House Gardens, Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, and Canonteign Falls.
Is Trebah Garden an RHS-owned garden?
No, Trebah Garden is an independently operated RHS Partner Garden. It is not owned by the RHS.
Can I get a discount on RHS garden tickets as a non-member?
Some gardens offer discounts for advance online booking or group visits. The best saving is through RHS membership, which pays for itself after 2–3 visits.
What is the difference between RHS-owned and Partner Gardens?
RHS-owned gardens are five properties managed directly by the RHS. Partner Gardens are independent sites that offer free entry to RHS members at selected times under the scheme.
How do I find RHS Partner Gardens near me?
Use the Find a Partner Garden tool on the RHS website. Enter your postcode or region and filter to show only Partner Gardens.
Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at DailyCity.co.uk, running the daily news list and covering UK and world stories with a city lens.