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
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Secret Garden closing?
The Walled Garden is not closing. We have made the decision to close the animal experience following a detailed review. It has become increasingly difficult to maintain the offer to a standard we feel reflects our values, visitor expectations, and the long-term sustainability of Powderham.
When will the closure happen?
The garden has now closed whilst we prioritise the rehoming of the animals, which will be managed gradually, with all animals expected to be rehomed by early August. The space will reopen for public enjoyment from August, in time for the summer holidays.
Why now?
Rising operational costs, licensing obligations, and changing visitors’ needs made it clear that continuing the animal offer in its current form was no longer viable. Rather than compromise on standards, we’ve chosen to act decisively but with integrity and care, both for the animals and for our community.
What will happen to the animals?
All animals will be responsibly rehomed to trusted farms, sanctuaries, or private homes as appropriate. Each rehoming is being overseen by our Animal Welfare Manager with support from veterinary partners to ensure a safe and caring transition.
Will I still be able to visit the Secret Garden?
Yes, we plan to keep the garden open through the summer, with family features such as trails, quiet seating areas, and sensory offers. Our aim is to maintain it as a peaceful, welcoming space whilst we define and build for a future attraction.
What are the future plans for the garden?
This closure offers an opportunity to reimagine the garden’s purpose. We’ll be exploring new ideas that reflect Powderham’s values. We welcome the community’s thoughts and ideas throughout this process and are developing new groups and panels to be able to feed in to this directly.
Is this permanent?
The animal experience is closing permanently, but the garden itself will remain an important part of the Powderham estate. What comes next is something we’ll shape with care, creativity and the community.
Can I adopt or support an animal?
If you’re interested in supporting the rehoming of animals or offering a home, please email castle@powderham.co.uk and our team will be happy to share opportunities where appropriate.
Help Shape the Future of the Walled Garden at Powderham
We’re launching a new initiative to reimagine the Walled Garden at Powderham, and we want to do it with you.
As part of this exciting new chapter, we’re inviting local people to join one of five panels, each made up of 10 members, to help shape the garden’s future through community-led conversations, creativity, and collaboration.
Who can get involved?
We’re forming five panels, each focused on different voices from our community:
- Youth Panel – for young people aged 16-25
- SEN Panel – for people with or supporting those with additional needs and disabilities
- Volunteer Panel – for those who have supported Powderham or other local causes
- Community Panel – open to local residents, families, group leaders, and visitors
- Education Panel – for teachers, group leaders, and those in the education sector
Each panel will reflect different experiences, interests, and perspectives because we believe great spaces are shaped by the people who use them.
What’s involved?
Each panel will meet up to 3 times over the next 3-6 months to:
- Explore what matters most in the garden now
- Share ideas and priorities for future use of the space
- Give feedback on emerging plans
- Help shape a garden that is welcoming, inclusive, and imaginative
Meetings will be a mix of in-person and online sessions, designed to be accessible, creative, and supportive. Everyone will have the chance to contribute in a way that works for them, whether that’s talking, drawing, writing, or just listening and giving feedback.
Why are we doing this?
The Walled Garden (including the animal experience offering) is a much-loved space at Powderham, but as we look to its future, we want to make sure it reflects the needs, hopes, and creativity of our whole community.
Whether you’re passionate about nature, play, learning, calm spaces, or community, we want your voice to help shape what comes next.
How to apply
To express your interest in joining a panel, simply complete the relevant short form (Youth, SEN, Volunteer, Education or Community), available online or in print.
If you need help filing it in, we’re happy to assist.
Let’s grow something together
This is more than just a consultation, it’s an invitation to co-create a space for everyone. Whether you’ve never visited before or you’ve been coming for years, your perspective matters.
We can wait to hear your ideas.
Refund Request
We understand that changes to the Secret Garden may affect your visit plans, and we’re here to assist. If you would like to request a refund due to the closure of the animal experience, please complete the form below. A member of the team will review your request and respond as soon as possible.
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