Open Studios 2026
Join us for an exciting programme of open studios as the Mulberry Gardens in 2026
The magical Mulberry Gardens is opening again for a great line up of artists and activities in 2026. But this time we’re opening not just once but for an amazing NINE different events.
Entry to all events is free but donations towards the cost of materials and the upkeep of the gardens and the exhibits will be welcomed.
Planning your journey
- Address: 225 Whitworth Road, Rodbourne Cheney, Swindon, SN25 3BX. Enter via the Dalek Gate!
- Dates: See below
- Opening Hours: 2:00pm to 7:00pm
- Disabled parking only at the venue. On street parking opposite in Whitworth Road (3 spaces) or further along Whitworth Road, outside the cemetery (five minute walk). There is also on street parking in adjacent roads. Please park legally and respect our neighbours.
- By public transport, the nearest bus stops are: Number 11 0r 12 – Larchmore Close (2 minute walk), number 15 – Northern Road, Cunningham Road (10 minute walk), number 5 – The Broadway (6 minute walk).
Facilities available:
Cafe, selling hot and cold drinks, cakes and a selection of snacks. Allergies catered for.
Toilets
Extensive gardens but with uneven paths, gravel and open ponds. Please wear sensible shoes and keep children close. We can only allow assistance dogs in harness in the garden due to the presence of livestock.
Events
Zozo Thomas
Friday 22nd May
All Things 3D
2pm - 7pm
Join us for a relaxed afternoon of creativity in the magical Mulberry Gardens. In May we will be talking everything 3-dimensional. Master Maker will answer your questions and give you hints and tips on 3d model making, 3d printing and the use of perspective in drawing.
Zozo Thomas will be in the potting shed offering a chance to have a go at origami and making boxes, baskets and pop up cards.
Nick Pavone Creations
Nick will be displaying his unique dioramas made for role player games and displaying models.
Theresa Dowdeswell of Salamander Arts Ceramics
Theresa works with slipcast porcelain, creating tealight holders, lamps, vases and bowls, which are illustrated and decorated in a variety of finishes.
Will Jinks’ Fantabulous Creations.
With a rich background in carpentry and craftsmanship, Will Jinks channels his passion into creating bespoke 3D Retro, Wood Carvings and Historical Props. His work blends vintage elements with modern creativity, crafting pieces that inspire and captivate. Each creation is a unique statement, designed to evoke emotion and transform spaces into realms of imagination.
Jan and Geoff Arts
Jan and Geoff are mainly inspired by nature, plants and animals. Geoff creates sculptures in metal for both indoors and out, often using recycled materials. Jan uses acrylics, pastels, pencils and gel pens to create pictures of ravens, horses, hares and anything else that takes her fancy!
Friday 26th June
Words on Whitworth
2pm - 7pm
Join us for a relaxed afternoon of creativity in the magical Mulberry Gardens. In June we will be focussing on Words. Our poet in residence, Peter Pod, will be leading a poetry writing class followed by an open mic to share your work.
Zozo Thomas will be in the potting shed offering a chance to have a go at calligraphy, or try illuminating some letters.
We will be joined by author, Judith Cranswick. Judith writes cosy travel mysteries which all take place during a holiday. Her books will take you on a vicarious journey to foreign parts, either by coach to various European countries, by air to more exotic places such as Morocco, Japan and Persia and by sea to places such as Greenland.
2:30pm – Judith will be talking about her writing life. From short stories to travel mysteries, how she became a published novelist.
3:30pm – Judith will be running a writing workshop – Everyone Can Write.
There is no charge for the workshop but donations towards the upkeep of the garden will be gratefully accepted.
Artists Helen Savin and Komic have been incorporating their own haiku verses in handmade and hand-altered books. They are using themes that are personal to them individually as inspiration for the poetry, and are exploring different methods in their art practices to make the books.
A selection of snacks and hot and cold drinks will be available in the Potting Shed Cafe for a small donation.
Friday 24th July
Materials Mayhem
2pm - 7pm
Join us for a relaxed afternoon of creativity in the magical Mulberry Gardens. In July we’ll be hosting Materials Mayhem. Play around with making things from a variety of different materials. Mr Maker will be on hand with practical advice and guidance.
Zozo Thomas will be in the potting shed giving you the chance to try lots of different art materials, from coloured pencils to alcohol inks, acrylics to charcoal.
Watercolour artist, Stuart Malaure will be on hand with some hints and tips.
A selection of snacks and hot and cold drinks will be available in the Potting Shed Cafe.
Stuart works in watercolours. He experiments with different scenes and often get inspiration from Youtube artists. Stuart likes the challenge of showing textures and using wet on wet, wet on damp and other techniques for watercolour painting. He has his own style which shows through his choice of subjects to paint.
Friday 21st August
Garden Party
2pm - 7pm
Join us for a relaxed afternoon of creativity in the magical Mulberry Gardens. Our August garden party will feature creative garden crafts, make a hat or decorate a wreath.
If the weather is fine, bring a picnic and spread your blanket out on the lawn to enjoy a lazy afternoon in the garden. A selection of snacks and hot and cold drinks will be available in the Potting Shed Cafe.
