The du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival Secret Gardens 2026
This year, your opportunity to explore some beautiful private gardens in Fowey will come a little later than in previous years. This time the gardens will be open during the May Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th May 2026, from 10am to 5pm. Imagine how beautiful the early-summer gardens will look and what a fine array of flowers will be blooming then.
Six gardens will be open, so follow the trail to uncover a glorious mix of vibrant gardens with diverse planting, offering secluded havens, walled gardens, spectacular views, and hidden terraces, plus refreshments, a book stall, live opera, and summer jazz.
Secret Gardens is delighted to welcome back Thomas Martyn, who will perform four operatic interludes at Broadstairs Garden on North Street and at Daglands House. People who have attended his performances in the past will remember that he is an impressive tenor and graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, under the tutelage of Adrian Thompson. Thomas now performs at charity events around the country and has taken on various roles in amateur theatre productions, including R.E.N.T., Les Misérables and Carmen. Thomas will perform a series of four twenty-minute sets over Monday and Tuesday. Access will be capacity-controlled on a first-arrivals basis.
The Secret Gardens map and garden details will be available from the Festival box office at the Royal Fowey Yacht Club during the Festival (May 2nd – 9th), at events during the Festival, and at participating gardens on 25th and 26th May. You can also download the information from the du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival website, here: https://www.foweyfestival.com/secret-gardens/
Tickets for the event are available for purchase now. The cost is £7.00 for a two-day open ticket that allows you to visit all the gardens on either or both days. There is no charge for tickets for children aged 12 years and under. However, children must be accompanied by an adult. To book your tickets, please click here: https://www.foweyfestival.com/event/secret-gardens-explore-beautiful-private-gardens-2026-05-26-and-26/
All funds raised through Secret Gardens support The du Maurier Festival Society (Reg Charity no. 1143916), which stages The du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival.
PLEASE NOTE:
Due to the steep nature of the area, some gardens may have difficult access. Visitors may also encounter a range of hazards, e.g. steps, slippery and/or uneven ground, and other trip hazards. Neither the Festival nor the garden owner can accept any liability in the unlikely event of an accident. Please make a risk assessment of your and your group's capability to safely manage these risks before deciding to enter a garden. Thank you.
The proud sponsor of The du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival Secret Gardens 2026.