USK OPEN GARDENS WEEKEND 2004

For the 10^th year, some of the gardens of the town of Usk will be opened to visitors on the weekend of the 26^th and 27^th June 2004, to raise money for local charities and good causes.

Usk is a small picturesque town just over the Welsh border in Monmouthshire, which has achieved phenomenal success in recent years with its Open Gardens Weekend. From very small beginnings, the weekend, always held at the end of June, now attracts over 3,000 visitors (more than the population of the whole town), who can visit 20 or more gardens.  The event, has, so far, raised over £75,000.

There will also be a plant sale, which has become as big an attraction as the gardens themselves. Visitors should be able to find plants to suit them whatever their preference.

Underlying all of this is a true sense of Welsh hospitality and a desire on everyone’s part for visitors to enjoy their visit to this unique town nestling on the banks of the River Usk.  There are numerous places to eat and drink, with fare ranging from traditional ‘pub grub’ to locally caught trout and salmon. We are not aware that there is any other place in Britain where an event of this nature has become a whole town experience.

Also this is the 25^th year that Usk in Bloom has weaved its magic in the town and to mark the occasion the town has been chosen by the Wales Tourist Board to host the presentations of the Wales in Bloom awards in October. With their pots, tubs and baskets, wherever you turn throughout the town, the atmosphere during the Open Gardens Weekend will be akin to the flower festivals encountered in some continental towns. As usual the town should look spectacular and this will be an event not to be missed.

The gardens will be open from 10am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday: admission is £5.00 for one day and £7.50 for both (Children 14 and under are free) There is ample free parking. For coach bookings contact Margaret Capel on 01291-673592.  

The tickets are on sale in the car parks and in the town square, on the day. There is no need to advance book (unless you are a coach party). There is room for everyone.  When you buy your ticket you will be given a "Garden Passport" which shows the location of all the gardens, and an admission badge.

See  the pictures of the gardens last year, and a map of how to get to Usk.

Further information is available from Margaret Evans

        Telephone   01291-672466                            Fax   01291-671349
        Ty Cryr,  Chepstow Road, USK, Monmouthshire NP15 1HN                            margaretusk@simplehappy.co.uk

  USK OPEN GARDENS
Winner of the Norman Stewart Memorial Cup for Tourism in Wales 2003

home