Go along to Farringford Gardens and gather at the searching station to collect your tools and bug hunting guide. See what you can find and record your discoveries in our logbook! While you’re here why not explore the meadow and parkland walk, complete the nature spotting trail, there is plenty of space to enjoy.

On during opening hours on the 27th and 30th June, 1st , 2nd, 3rd & 4th July at Farringford, which is open from 10-4.30pm

‍ From 1853 until his death in 1892, Farringford was the main home of the renowned Victorian poet, Alfred, Lord Tennyson and his family.  Alfred had unconventional ideas about educating his children: he hated Maths, for example, and much preferred them to explore the natural world, from the plants at Farringford to the fossils on the island’s shore. We invite you to enjoy the sense that you too are welcome visitors to Farringford and invite you to explore the natural world as his children Hallam & Lionel once did. 

We will provide a quadrat to place randomly within the sampling area, to see what species you can find.  We will provide a log book and a reference guide for you to identify the sorts of bugs that are hiding in the grass.  We also offer a nature trail which you can follow to explore some of the regular birds, bees and butterflies that you can spot on the wider estate.

‍Please wear suitable footwear for exploring through long grass and the meadow.  We welcome you to take photographs of your findings and if you would like to you can share them with us on our contact@farringord.co.uk email address.

Admission Prices: Adult £4.50, Child 5 -17yrs £2.00, Children under 5 years Free

Tickets  are available to purchase from the ticket office -  there is no need to pre book

At Farringford Estate ( Meadow)  - look for the Nature Station: access via the Walled Garden Ticket Office, Bedbury Lane. Freshwater, Isle of Wight PO40 9PE. 01983 752 500

Parking is available – there is a 250m walk to the Nature Station which will take you up through the walled garden along the gravel paths towards the Restoration Exhibition.  Look out for the tent provided for the Big Bug Hunt.