Open Gardens

Open Gardens is the village's biggest fundraising event of the year. Each July, about ten gardens across Holme-next-the-Sea open to the public for the day, with every penny raised going towards the upkeep of St. Mary's Church.

The day has, deservedly, become one of the most popular events of its kind in north west Norfolk. It is managed by the Help Holme Church Group under the direction of the current organiser, Nell Butler, together with the help of a large team of 'workers', most of whom live in the village. We are also most fortunate that friends from further afield freely give their time to assist with the variety of jobs that keep the day running smoothly.

For more information please email opengardens@holme-next-the-sea.co.uk

This year's Open Gardens day took place on Sunday 5th July 2026. Thank you to everyone who visited, opened their garden, baked, served, drove the bus or helped on the day — we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

We want to thank local businesses for donating prizes for our raffle, your support is much appreciated.

We also want to thank everyone who came. It was such a friendly atmosphere, with visitors coming from far and wide, and lots of familiar faces who love our event (and our cakes!). Our Open Gardens would be nothing without our visitors - it's such a pleasure to see you.

The total raised for St. Mary's will be announced here soon.

The winner of the first-ever Best Garden Photo competition has been announced — see the winning photo and highly commended entries on the Best Garden Photo 2026 page.

See photos from the day

A "Gardens Passport" admits you to every open garden and features an easy-to-follow map to help you find your way around. Children are admitted free — and parking is free too, with a free bus service running around the village, dropping off and picking up at the Village Hall and all of the gardens.

Many of the gardens feature stalls, including plants, books, and homemade chutney and marmalade — and there is usually a moth trap set up in one of the gardens, with an expert nearby to talk about the moths and answer questions. The style of each garden varies enormously; there really is something for everyone.

The Plant Stall at Berkeley House is a regular feature of Open Gardens day with many visitors returning each year. There is always a wide selection of plants to choose from - and very competitively priced. If you call in early any plants purchased can be held until you leave. All part of the service!

Refreshments are served in the Village Hall on Kirkgate throughout the day, usually from 11am until 4.30pm.

All of the proceeds from the day are used by the Help Holme Church Group to help maintain the fabric of St. Mary's Church. Past projects funded by the group include the replacement of the main south side windows, the replacement of the wall heaters and the provision of toilet and kitchenette facilities. The Group has also funded the underpinning and redecoration of the Vestry and the redecoration of the inner and outer porches and in 2014 the limewash finish to the whole of the interior of the church was re-painted.

So why not come along next July for a super day out and, at the same time, help us to keep our Church in good order? The low admission fee entitles you to access all of the gardens on show and to view the floral displays in the Church. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has visited the village on Open Gardens Day over the years — we enjoyed your company and very much look forward to seeing you all again next year!

Take a look back at Open Gardens days from years gone by.