Botanical Watercolour Illustration at the Walled Garden

About

This event is organised by and was submitted by The Walled Garden Helen's Bay

Part of the Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down 2026 programme

Join us for a full day, botanical watercolour illustration workshop and be inspired by the beauty of summer at the Walled Garden.

Guided by talented local botanical artist Alison Walker, a member of the Irish Society of Botanical Artists, this workshop provides a beautiful introduction to botanical illustration.

Throughout the day, you will learn how to observe closely, draw with confidence, and bring your subject to life using pencil and watercolour. By the end of the session, you will have created your own botanical watercolour study, inspired directly by the garden.

The workshop is on Saturday 19th September 2026 10.30am– 4.00pm

Tickets: £100 per person
 

Your full day workshop includes:
A leisurely tour of the garden
Expert tuition and individual guidance by talented Botanical Illustrator, Alison Walker
All materials including pencils, watercolours, brushes, and specialist papers
Homemade morning & afternoon tea with fresh scones and our famous lemon drizzle cake
A delicious seasonal lunch

We may spend some time outdoors during the workshop so please come prepared.

This workshop is designed to be a relaxed, welcoming and enjoyable experience, with plenty of support throughout.

It is suitable for adults of all skill levels. No previous experience is needed, just a love of painting and nature.

Come on your own or bring a friend and enjoy a creative, relaxed day at our Botanical Watercolour Illustration workshop in our beautiful heritage setting .

Finding Us
Access the Craigdarragh Road from the A2 Belfast–Bangor carriageway. Follow the signs for Helen's Bay.

Continue along Craigdarragh Road for approximately 0.8 miles, where you will see the Walled Garden on your left.

Proceed towards the 30mph speed limit before the railway bridge.

Turn left and drive down the temporary driveway – this will be clearly signposted at the entrance.

Follow the lane straight ahead to reach the car park located directly outside the Walled Garden.

Dietary requirements

Please ensure that you check with all members of your party regarding food allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements prior to booking tickets. It is the responsibility of the ticketholder to inform a member of staff at the host venue about food allergies, intolerances and specific dietary requirements.  This must be done at least 1 week before the experience, but preferably at the time of booking, by contacting the provider direct.
 

Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down Programme 

This event is taking place during Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down, during which local providers are running lots of fabulous foodie activities. Find out more about everything happening across the Borough as part of this celebration of local food and drink, view Taste Autumn Programme.