EHOD 2026 Guided Walled Garden Tour

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European Heritage Open Day 2026

This European Heritage Open Day 2026, discover a secret garden where history, craft, and nature come alive. This year’s theme, “Heritage at Risk – Revive, Resist, Reimagine,” shines a light on the stories behind spaces rarely open to the public, and The Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay is the perfect example.

Guided Garden Tour

Join us for a short guided garden tour led by owners James and Lorraine Small. Hear the story of the garden’s past, explore the restoration work in progress, and discover their vision for the future. The tour provides a fascinating insight into the care, craft, and dedication required to preserve this historic space.

Tea, coffee, and traybakes will be available, along with our tempting range of homemade Walled Garden jams, chutneys, and award-winning fudge, with all proceeds supporting the garden’s upkeep. With ongoing restoration, Wi-Fi may not be available and the phone signal can be limited, so we recommend bringing cash to avoid disappointment.

Entry free

Dogs on leads welcome

Onsite parking available

Finding Us

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. Take the left-hand turn at the sign and drive down the temporary driveway. This which will be clearly signposted.

Follow the lane straight ahead to reach the car park located directly outside the Walled Garden.

For more information about our other events and workshops CLICK HERE