Victorian fern fever is coming to town! Discover the forgotten history of the fern craze through family-friendly activities and exhibits in an original Victorian glasshouse. Explore the passion for ferns that inspired ordinary Victorians, the challenges faced by city gardeners and the stories that captured a nation’s imagination. Drop in for exhibitions, crafts or to spot the fern fairies and be sure to join one of the family planting sessions to help create a permanent new fernery.

Throughout the day you can visit the exhibition, craft stations, children’s corner and book display supported by the British Association for Victorian Studies.

Drinks/treats available to purchase from café. All welcome!

You can also pop along to the following timed sessions:

10:30–11:30 –  Fernery planting for visitors with young children, including crafts and children’s activities.

15:45–16:45 –  ‘Twilight planting’ session for visitors with primary school-age children, inspired by Victorian associations between ferns and supernatural worlds. Planting until sunset, or until there are no ferns left! Includes crafts and children’s activities.

If you can’t make it along on 14 November, a smaller exhibition on the topic will be on display from 18-22 November.