Driftwood Garden
Driftwood Garden
5
About
The garden has now closed for 2023. See website for full details of 2024 opening plans. Over 500 visitors in 10 weeks for 2023. Next year entry will be £6.00 or £8.50 including talk by owner, with all monies from private visits going to Macmillan Cancer Support, for whom we’ve raised over £112K. Garden owner named one of the 500 Coronation Champions in 2023 for charity fundraising. Multi award winning seaside garden with over 23000 visitors to date & almost £170K raised for all charities. Featured on BBC Gardeners' World in both 2016 & 2023, ITV/BBC national & local news, Sunday Telegraph & many national & local newspapers & magazines. Garden art/decorations for sale, in addition to fabulous home-made tea & cakes, served on vintage china in beach garden overlooking sea or amongst the dense planting at rear. Prices start £5.00 for beverage & slice of owner baked cake. Other refreshments by arrangement.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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5.0
204 reviews
Excellent
195
Very good
7
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Helen M M
Beaconsfield15 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We visited Driftwood garden yesterday, short notice decision to have a day at the coast and discovered it was the last day of opening this year, how lucky were we!
We love this area but this is a real hidden gem, smiles per square foot amazing !
Beautifully presented garden, interesting quirky mix of curios, art and craft blended with the fabulous planting, not to mention the yummy cake with coffee in the cosy summer house.
Geoff was so welcoming and interesting brightening even the cloudy day we had chosen to come! Will be back next year, intend to bring some friends and can’t wait to re enjoy it on a sunny day, sure it will be even more lovely!
We love this area but this is a real hidden gem, smiles per square foot amazing !
Beautifully presented garden, interesting quirky mix of curios, art and craft blended with the fabulous planting, not to mention the yummy cake with coffee in the cosy summer house.
Geoff was so welcoming and interesting brightening even the cloudy day we had chosen to come! Will be back next year, intend to bring some friends and can’t wait to re enjoy it on a sunny day, sure it will be even more lovely!
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heh Helen, what a lovely review, probably the last one of 2023, so going out on a bang! So pleased you made it and look forward to seeing you again in 2024.
Written 12 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DickDastardly90
Ditchling2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
This garden was an absolute gem. It's small but perfectly formed. Packed with plants, water features and nooks and crannies, plus lots of seating areas. We had fantastic tea and cake in proper china cups and saucers. Fabulous welcome too from Geoff.
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes! So pleased you had a great visit, and I really appreciate you taking time to post your review! It makes all the difference! Thank you.
Written 11 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellen W
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
The garden was well-thought out, and beautifully stunning! Bees and butterflies everywhere, we even saw pretty jewel beetles sucking up nectar. Hydrangeas and daisies and lots of other flowers I didn't know the name of....so many colours and textures everywhere!
We sat down in a cosy tea corner of the garden to an invigiorating tea and cake for two. It really helped me relax. My husband loved it so much he wandered around delighted by everything and wanting to show it all to me. Hahaha. Unexpected delight watching his joy.
P.s. Catching a bus not recommended, seats are so hard!
We sat down in a cosy tea corner of the garden to an invigiorating tea and cake for two. It really helped me relax. My husband loved it so much he wandered around delighted by everything and wanting to show it all to me. Hahaha. Unexpected delight watching his joy.
P.s. Catching a bus not recommended, seats are so hard!
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Agh Ellen, thank you so very much for your beautifully worded review following your visit yesterday! Lovely to meet you both, enjoy the rest of your say in the UK. Thank you!
Written 11 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
668maureend
Rottingdean, UK4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
A coastal but Mediterranean feel garden beautiful layout and full of surprises. Wonderful tea and cake also
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wonderful, thank you so very much for taking the time to post your review after visiting this afternoon, it is really appreciated! Hope to see you again in 2024.
Written 10 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carol N
East Sussex, UK1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Friends
We were blown away with this delightful garden. Paked full of beautiful plants and surprises. Geoff is the perfect host serving delicious cake and tea. Thank you.
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so very much for this 200th 5* review, much appreciate the time taken to post and so pleased you enjoyed your visit to Driftwood.
Written 9 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Philippa C
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
A warm welcome from our host Geoff, and what a magic garden, this is. Meandering along the little pathways, with a myriad of places to sit to enjoy and discover at every turn. Thoroughly enjoyed the quirkiness of this beautiful garden, somuch to see and opportunity to buy artworks too...The tea and cake were
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so very much for posting your wonderful review following your visit yesterday! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the garden, the cake and made some lovely purchases! Thanks again.
Written 5 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
spannarich
Bury St. Edmunds, UK13 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Although the guide said that Driftwood is a small garden the experience of visiting was anything but small. Geoff filled us in on the story of the garden and for a while we (4 adults and Willow the dog) had it to ourselves! Lots of ideas for how to enhance our own small garden - and the best cappuccino cake ever. We will certainly visit again - and I can’t wait to see it on Gardener’s World!
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to post your review, I really appreciate it. So glad you enjoyed the visit and the cappucinno cake! It was lovley to meet you all. Thanks again.
Written 4 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christine S
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Friends
What an amazing, beautiful garden!
Despite visiting in the rain it didn’t dampen our afternoon at all. There was so much to see - all beautifully and skilfully put together - and to end our visit delicious tea and homemade cakes served in Geoffs cosy summerhouse
Thankyou Geoff, we had a great time
Despite visiting in the rain it didn’t dampen our afternoon at all. There was so much to see - all beautifully and skilfully put together - and to end our visit delicious tea and homemade cakes served in Geoffs cosy summerhouse
Thankyou Geoff, we had a great time
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Agh, that's wonderful, so very pleased you enjoyed the garden desite the drizzle! Kind words indeed, many thanks for posting.
Written 1 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deji Bamkole
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
It was the weekend of my engagement to my fiancee, and I wanted to do something special, but intimate at the same time, and the idea of a garden visit sounded perfect - but was I wrong. It was BEYOND perfect. First off, prior to our visit, Geoff was incredibly communicative, and responded to all emails in quick time. He warmly greeted us on the day, gave us a super informative talk on the history of the garden, and we had several opportunities to take lots of photos.
Now onto the garden itself - It felt like we were carried into a time capsule, and transported to somewhere magical. The garden (both front and back) was incredibly well looked after, lots of beautiful plants, greenery, within an eclectic mix of unique ornaments, and handmade local gifts. My fiancee and I took lots of beautiful photos, and also enjoyed slices of delicious home baked cakes by Geoff. He also put a special touch with a 'Just Engaged' cake topper in my fiancee's cake, which was a simple but genuinely lovely gesture.
P.S. The front garden is lovely, but the back garden really takes it up a few notches, so if you visit, take your time, and make sure to see it all and take it all in.
All to say, for the price we paid for this, we had a brilliant morning, lovely tour, super attentive host, and wonderful memories.
Highly, highly, highly recommend. We will be back, undoubtedly. Thanks, Geoff!
Now onto the garden itself - It felt like we were carried into a time capsule, and transported to somewhere magical. The garden (both front and back) was incredibly well looked after, lots of beautiful plants, greenery, within an eclectic mix of unique ornaments, and handmade local gifts. My fiancee and I took lots of beautiful photos, and also enjoyed slices of delicious home baked cakes by Geoff. He also put a special touch with a 'Just Engaged' cake topper in my fiancee's cake, which was a simple but genuinely lovely gesture.
P.S. The front garden is lovely, but the back garden really takes it up a few notches, so if you visit, take your time, and make sure to see it all and take it all in.
All to say, for the price we paid for this, we had a brilliant morning, lovely tour, super attentive host, and wonderful memories.
Highly, highly, highly recommend. We will be back, undoubtedly. Thanks, Geoff!
Written 29 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This has to be the most magical review ever completed on a garden visit Sylvester! It was a pleasure to welcome both you and Emily to the garden and so very pleased you both enjoyed the visit. Congratulations on your engagement and sincerely hope you enjoy your lives together. Best wishes, Geoff
Written 30 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary L
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Friends
What a delight, amazed. Geoff has worked wonders with the size and space.
Surprise round every corner. I will be going back.
Home made cake delicious, far to generous Geoff.
Thankyou for a wonderful couple of hours.
Very artistic, plants and view amazing.
VISIT 28th July 2023
Well done Geoff.
Mary
Surprise round every corner. I will be going back.
Home made cake delicious, far to generous Geoff.
Thankyou for a wonderful couple of hours.
Very artistic, plants and view amazing.
VISIT 28th July 2023
Well done Geoff.
Mary
Written 29 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Agh, Mary how very kind of you to post this fab review of your visit yesterday! I really appreciate you taking ther time to do so and so pleased you enjoyed the visit and the cakes!
Written 29 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can we get afternoon tea(including sandwiches) here?
geoff s
Bishopstone, UK45 contributions
Most certainly if you book ahead. No problem
Can we get afternoon tea(including sandwiches) here?
geoff s
Bishopstone, UK45 contributions
Thought I'd answered this sincere apologies, if you book in advance you can get sandwiches too!
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