OPEN GARDENS 2026 – PENSIONER WEEKEND PASS

Description

Helderberg Hospice Open Gardens 2026

Every October, a collection of remarkable private gardens across the Helderberg opens its gates to the public for one special weekend. Open Gardens is one of the region’s most beloved annual events and one of Helderberg Hospice’s most important fundraisers of the year.

Every ticket sold goes directly towards funding the hospice and palliative care services our organisation provides to people living with life-limiting illnesses in the Helderberg community.

What is Open Gardens?

Each year, up to 12 generous garden owners in and around Somerset West, Strand, and the wider Helderberg basin open their private gardens to visitors. These are not show gardens or public parks. They are personal, lived-in spaces, cared for by the people who call them home, and shared with the public as a meaningful act of community support. From sweeping indigenous landscapes and formal topiaries to intimate cottage gardens and waterwise urban sanctuaries, no two gardens on the route are alike.

One weekend access ticket gives you entry to all gardens across all three days. You choose your own pace, your own route, and how long you spend in each space.

What to expect

The gardens are spread across the Helderberg area. For security reasons, a full garden map with addresses is only available from Helderberg Hospice at 21 Old Stellenbosch Road, Somerset West, from 09h00 on Friday 23 October 2026. Maps can be collected on any of the three days during open hours. At the Helderberg Hospice garden itself, you will find plant sales, refreshments, and the tranquil Garden of Remembrance (which is celebrating its 10-year birthday this year!). The Helderberg Hospice garden is a beautiful place to begin or end your day.

Why it matters

Helderberg Hospice has been providing hospice and palliative care to the people of this community for 40 years. Our care is available to everyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay. Events like Open Gardens make that possible. When you buy a ticket, you are not just spending a beautiful day outdoors. You are helping us reach more families at some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Event details

• Dates: Friday 23, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026
• Times: 09h00 to 16h00 daily
• Tickets: Available online at helderberghospice.org.za/shop or in person from Helderberg Hospice at 21 Old Stellenbosch Road, Somerset West

Ticket pricing

• Adults: R140
• Pensioners: R120
• Children and teenagers (0 to 18): Free (complimentary ticket required at checkout)

All prices are VAT inclusive. Tickets are valid for all three days.

Good to know before you go

• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Many gardens include uneven paths, slopes, and steps.
• Garden maps are only released from 09h00 on 23 October at Helderberg Hospice, and not before, for the security and privacy of the garden owners.
• No pets are permitted on any of the properties.
• Gardens are visited at your own risk. Helderberg Hospice and the garden owners are indemnified against injury or loss during visits.
• Tickets are non-refundable.
• For enquiries, please contact eventsteam@helderberghospice.org.za | 021 852 4608