Hidden Gardens and Courtyards of Wirksworth

Loving gardens, sharing gardens
27th & 28th June, 2026

Known as the Gem of the Peak, this ancient Derbyshire town has a wide variety of intriguing courtyards and gardens that are usually hidden from view but which offer glimpses of delight as you wander around the streets and alleyways. The open gardens weekend gives a unique opportunity for visitors to look behind the walls and enjoy our private spaces where every size and type of garden and courtyard is to be found - formal gardens and wild spaces, wooded wonders and tranquil hideaways, with epic views and works-of-art to take in along the way.

It takes place in the last weekend of June each year, see section below for a note of the next dates, ticket information and further details about the event.

Approximately 25 - 30 gardens open each year, however the total may vary from day to day - please contact us if you need exact numbers. Visitors follow a garden trail map around the town centre of Wirksworth, with home made cakes and teas en-route.

All proceeds will go to local organisations and charities linked to Wirksworth Town and our International Charity, Study Guatemala. See our 'Fundraising' page for details.

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2026 EVENT

Welcome back! We are delighted that Wirksworth Hidden Courtyards and Gardens will be opening again this year, looking better than ever!

The gardens will be open for two days across the weekend, with many old gardens and courtyards looking better than ever, and some new gardens and courtyards never before seen. Follow a garden trail around the town centre of Wirksworth, with home made cakes and teas en-route.

This year the gardens are open between 11.00am and 4.00pm on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2026.

NEW this year - on Saturday evening at 4.30pm, the Feather Star pub will host a 'Gardener's Question Time'-type event with a panel of local gardening experts! A chance to ask questions, meet other gardeners, share top tips & discuss your garden experiences with a drink from the bar! Seed bomb making for children from 12noon each day in the beer garden too.

Ticket Sales

Tickets will be sold at three locations in the Town.

If you arrive by train, you will find Tickets for Sale at Green Gates, Coldwell Street, as you walk into the town.

In the centre of the town tickets will be sold at Marsdens shop with a flag outside to mark the spot.

Or opposite the Memorial Gardens in front of Waltham House, again marked by a flag.

Ticket Prices

Tickets will be £5.
Under 16's go free if accompanied by an adult.

Location

Wirksworth, Matlock, UK
County: Derbyshire
Postcode for Sat Nav: DE4 4DS (please verify before travelling)

FUNDRAISING DONATIONS

We have raised a huge amount of money – starting in 2009 with £1000, and in the last few years raising between £5000 and £7000, all of which is donated to good causes.

A significant amount of the money raised has been by the efforts of all those who bake tirelessly to meet our desire for great home baking!

Over the years donations have been made to:

Aquabox
Danceability – Learning through Arts
St Mary's Church for a bench in their grounds
Wirksworth Colts football club
Wirksworth Skate Park
Wirksworth Youth Cricket
Wirksworth pre-school playgroup boiler fund
Wirksworth Young Futures Mental Health Initiative
Jigsaw Food Bank
Wirksworth Meadows
Friends of Waltham House
Wirksworth Community Swimming Pool
Study Guatemala - our international charity
And more!

Location

Wirksworth, Matlock, UK
County: Derbyshire
Postcode for Sat Nav: DE4 4DS (please verify before travelling)

Tickets, prices & timings

This year the gardens are open between 11.00am and 4.00pm on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2026.

Tickets will be sold at three locations in the Town: Green Gates on Coldwell Street; Marsdens shop; and opposite the Memorial Gardens in front of Waltham House, look out for our flags!

Tickets will be £5.
Under 16's go free if accompanied by an adult.

Places to eat & drink

There are cakes and teas available en route in several of the garden locations to raise funds for selected charities.

There are also many places to stop for a bite to eat or a drink along the way... links to follow soon.

Plant Sales

Plant sales will be taking place at the Secret Orchard Nursery on Saturday of the trail event: https://discoverwirksworth.co.uk/business/secret-orchard-nursery/

There are usually some plants for sale in gardens along the trail to raise funds for selected charities too!

Are dogs welcome?

Well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome in most garden venues; any not able to welcome dogs are marked on the Trail Guide. Just ask if unsure!

Parking & public transport

Information about where to park and transport links can be found on the 'Discover Wirksworth' website: https://discoverwirksworth.co.uk/visit/

Toilets

There are public toilets in Wirksworth, situated in the Market Place Barmote Croft car park. Toilets are also available at a number of venues, which are marked on the Trail Map.

If you arrive by train, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, DE4 4FB have toilets open to the public. There is also a toilet available at Green Gates where tickets are being sold.

Other local events you may be interested in

- Charity plant sale in May
- Wirksworth Horticultural Show takes place in September