From: 10:30 - 16:00

Join us for a full day, botanical watercolour illustration workshop and be inspired by the beauty of summer at the Walled Garden. 🎨
Guided by talented local botanical artist Alison Walker, a member of the Irish Society of Botanical Artists, whose work is exhibited both locally and internationally and held in public collections including the National Gallery of Ireland, this workshop offers a wonderful introduction to botanical illustration.
Throughout the day, you will learn how to observe closely, draw with confidence, and bring your subject to life using pencil and watercolour. By the end of the session, you will have created your own botanical watercolour study, inspired directly by the garden.
The workshop is on Saturday 8th August 2026 10.30am– 4.00pm
🎫Tickets: £100 per person
Your full day workshop includes:
A leisurely tour of the garden
Expert tuition and individual guidance by talented Botanical Illustrator, Alison Walker
All materials including pencils, watercolours, brushes, and specialist papers
Homemade morning & afternoon tea with fresh scones and our famous lemon drizzle cake
A delicious seasonal lunch
We may spend some time outdoors during the workshop so please come prepared.
This workshop is designed to be a relaxed, welcoming and enjoyable experience, with plenty of support throughout.
It is suitable for adults of all skill levels. No previous experience is needed, just a love of painting and nature.
💚 Come on your own or bring a friend and enjoy a creative, relaxed day at our Botanical Watercolour Illustration workshop in our beautiful heritage setting .
Access the Craigdarragh Road from the A2 Belfast–Bangor carriageway. Follow the signs for Helen’s Bay.
Continue along Craigdarragh Road for approximately 0.8 miles, where you will see the Walled Garden on your left.
Proceed towards the 30mph speed limit before the railway bridge.
Turn left and drive down the temporary driveway – this will be clearly signposted at the entrance.
Follow the lane straight ahead to reach the car park located directly outside the Walled Garden.
Please see our current diary of upcoming events