Changes to the Secret Garden at Powderham

Over the years, the Secret Garden at Powderham Castle has brought joy to thousands of families – with its gentle animal encounters, tucked away charm, and playful spirit.

After careful consideration, we have made the decision to close the animal experience in the Walled Garden. This step follows a detailed review of the space’s long-term sustainability and welfare responsibilities, as well as the operational challenges of maintaining the offer at the standard we believe our visitors deserve.

This decision allows us to begin reimagining the future of the garden – with fresh potential for experiences that reflect Powderham’s values, principles, landscape and evolving visitor needs.

We would like to reassure you that:

• All animals will be safely and responsibly re-homed, with veterinary support and support from trusted partners;
• The garden will remain open where possible this summer, with alternative seasonal programming for visitors to enjoy;
• The next chapter for this space will be shaped creatively, with care and community in mind.

We are grateful to everyone – staff, volunteers, and visitors – who have supported the Secret Garden over the years. While one chapter closes, another begins.

Thank you for your continued support.

The Powderham Team

To share your thoughts or memories of the Secret Garden, please email castle@powderham.co.uk

Venue

Powderham is one of the busiest green-field event sites in the South West. We’ve hosted the biggest celebrities in the world, the likes of Sir Elton John, Sir Tom Jones, Coldplay and Little Mix. For the last 5 decades Powderham has opened the gates for Classic Car Shows, Family Adventure Festivals, Garden Festivals, Food Festivals, Dog Shows and Sporting Events… We love nothing more than crowds of smiling faces, and being that place that people are making memories.

Have a look at our What’s On pages to see what’s coming up in the months ahead, or get in touch with our events team if you’re looking for somewhere to host an event of your own.