Explore West Oxfordshire’s vineyard and mental health recovery garden

Wander the walled garden and vineyard at Bridewell Gardens in West Oxfordshire, enjoy homegrown produce, and discover the mental health recovery work happening behind its ancient walls during its Open Days in 2026.

Tucked away in a peaceful corner of West Oxfordshire, behind ancient walls and rolling vineyard rows, Bridewell Gardens is preparing to welcome visitors once again for its Open Days in 2026.

Taking place from 11am to 4pm on Sunday 19 April, 17 May, 14 June and 6 September, these special days offer a rare chance to explore a beautiful working garden and vineyard while learning about the life-changing work that happens within its walls.

Bridewell Gardens is a mental health recovery service supporting people in West Oxfordshire who have experienced serious mental ill health. Set within a walled garden and vineyard at Wilcote, Bridewell provides a creative, compassionate environment where recovery is nurtured through gardening and working with nature.

As one former gardener puts it, Bridewell is “a small mental-health charity with muddy paths, patient people, growing things — and absolutely no pressure to pretend everything’s fine when it isn’t.”

Open Days invite visitors to wander freely through the walled garden, vineyard and surrounding spaces, discovering fruit, vegetables, flowers and vines grown as part of Bridewell’s day-to-day work.

Plants propagated on site will be available to buy, alongside home-produced jams and chutneys and Bridewell’s acclaimed organic sparkling wine, made from grapes grown right there in the vineyard.

A pop-up café will be serving tea and cake, while those keen to linger are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and relax among the vines. Families and children are welcome to explore, spot dragonflies by the pond, and count the chickens roaming the vineyard, while dogs on leads are also very welcome.

Open Days are not just about enjoying a beautiful place. They offer an opportunity to meet Bridewell staff and volunteers, hear about the recovery service, and understand how working outdoors can help people rebuild confidence, develop skills and reconnect with their community.

For many, Bridewell provides structure, kindness and hope at a time when it is most needed. As one participant reflects: “Bridewell has been my parachute. It got me out of the house, gave me routine, and helped me find confidence again.”

Entrance is by suggested donation of £5 per person, with no booking required.

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