Glimpse behind the gates and walls of St Andrews with return of Hidden Gardens event
There’s a rare chance to glimpse behind the gates and garden walls of St Andrews this week as the popular Hidden Gardens event returns.
Organised by St Andrews Preservation Trust, the annual event – now in its 28th year – is an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to discover secret places lurking behind the facades of the historic town.
The 2026 event takes place on Sunday, June 28 from 11am with last entry at 4pm.
Sixteen gardens will be opening their gates this year, including old favourites and some which have not opened in over 10 years.
Most of the gardens are within short walking distance of each other within the heart of the town.
The Hidden Gardens even is the trust’s biggest fundraiser of the year with hundreds of visitors expected to attend. Tickets are available in advance online or at the Trust’s Heritage Museum. They will also be available to buy online throughout the day of the event, or from the museum and the trust’s headquarters at 46 South Street.
From ducks to doocots there is something to delight everyone. Refreshment highlights include Tea on the Terrace with homemade shortbreads.
With lots of nooks and crannies, visitors can explore bee boles, pottery mosaics, ancient pear tree avenues and more.
There will be live music at the doocot throughout the afternoon.
The Heritage Museum in North Street will be open with discounted entry for Hidden Garden ticket holders and there will be a host of craft stalls and activities, strawberries and cream and storytelling.
Trust members will be on hand for a chat about their gardening passion, with a variety of community stalls offering goods for sale, including Fife Beekeepers’ own honey, and the St Andrew’s Men’s Shed woodwork. There will be homemade textiles and preserves, and East Neuk Perennials’ Plant Sale.
Trust Coordinator, Giselle Glackmeyer said: “Hidden Gardens is about so much more than gardens. It explores hidden aspects of St Andrews built heritage and social history, in an environment full of colour and life. Expect to be delighted, to discover something new, and be awed by the very human urge to make things more beautiful than they need to be.”
It promises to be a great day out for families and friends of all ages. Brochures and map will be available on the trust’s website.
Tickets are £12 for adults; £9 for Trust members and students and under 16s free with accompanying adult.