ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
FESTIVAL SEASON 2026
DELPHINIUM FESTIVAL: THE KING’ S FAVOURITE
The UK’ s only annual Delphinium Festival takes place at Godinton House & Gardens from June 13 to 28- and this year is expected to attract plenty of interest following His Majesty the King leading the love for these majestic plants at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The King is Patron of The Delphinium Society and will be including a prominent display of delphiniums in The RHS and The King’ s Foundation Curious Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show( May 19-23).
“ While not everyone can get to RHS Chelsea, our two-week Delphinium Festival offers a long window of opportunity to see these spectacular plants,” says Pippa Batt, events and marketing officer at Godinton House & Gardens.“ Delphiniums really stand out in borders because they have such height and rich, vivid colours.”
Spires of delphiniums grace the Walled Garden and this year’ s display is expected to be exceptional, with new borders and the 80 plants added in 2023 to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III are now firmly bedded in. These younger delphinium plants have begun to flourish against the eastern wall, opposite the existing collection.
Visitors who need advice on growing delphiniums can visit The Delphinium Society stand in the Walled Garden where members share their expert knowledge and sell plants. As well as the Walled Garden, visitors can also enjoy exploring the 12-acre formal garden, laid out to Victorian architect Sir Reginald Blomfield’ s 1896 design with terraces, borders and ponds, an Italian Garden, Rose Garden and Pan Garden.
Visitors can also visit Godinton House by booking a guided tour on Fridays or Saturdays between 1pm and 3.30pm; the unique property has a fascinating 600-year history and showcases an eclectic collection of porcelain, furniture and art. For more information, dates, prices and tickets, please head to the website.
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