What's On
We have a varied programme of Exhibitions and Events throughout the year
Garden Room Café is open Thursdays & Fridays 10am-4pm; Saturdays & Sundays 1pm-4pm
Mon
24 Aug 2026
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Mon
31 Aug 2026
Exhibition: The Places We Carry
11am to 5pm
Thomson's Tower, FREE ENTRY
Discover a curated collection of drawings, paintings and handwoven tapestries by a multi-generational family of artists gathering in Edinburgh this summer.
Inspired by their experiences of diverse physical and cultural landscapes, the works in this show speak to the ever-changing moods of nature (and to the profound impact of these encounters) and what they mean for each artist’s individual and collective place in the world.
Featuring works by Edinburgh-based artist, Anuschka Barlas; Highlands-based artist and weaver, Ayesha Barlas; US-based painter and photographer, Sulemaan Bokhari; and Pakistan-based painter, Yasmin Riaz Shah.
For more information about the show or enquiries about prices for works, please contact the artists on anuschka.barlas@gmail.com


Sat
29 Aug 2026
Workshop: Drawing & Tapestry Weaving
10.30am to 4.30pm
The Glass Shelter, £135 (incl. all materials & refreshments)
Join Edinburgh-based artist Anushka Barlas for a mixed media drawing and tapestry weaving workshop in Dr Neil's Garden, inspired by the Garden and Duddingston Loch.
Learn to draw and weave an abstract garden landscape.
> For more information or to book, email:


Fri
11 Sept 2026
Workshop: A Gently Guided Day of Pause
10:30am to 4pm
The Garden & Glass Shelter, £170 (incl refreshments, all materials)
Christina is a qualified, accredited and experienced coach and facilitator who partners with nature, to tap into its wisdom and healing powers. This reflective day in nature is for all professionals – perhaps coaches, leaders, therapists or others - who want a supported and friendly space for reflection. We will spend the day intentionally (re)connecting with nature through a mix of grounding, noticing and reflection practices to help us deepen and align our connection with self, our work, and nature, through exploration of the different spaces in the garden. There will also be the invitation to take part in a creative crafting exercise with a late summer theme, in the afternoon.
This is a space to reflect on yourself, your work, your life or simply to just take some much needed time out. Through meaningful conversation, laughter, time outdoors, guided reflective practice, and the restorative power of nature, you can find greater clarity, renewed energy and fresh insight on whatever you are navigating - change, challenges, ideas, direction or simply the need to recalibrate.
> Special rate until 30th August - just 2 places left! For more information and to book please visit: Orange Cedar Coaching - Reflective Retreats in Nature




Sat
19 Sept 2026
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Sun
20 Sept 2026
Workshop: Botanical Embroidery
1pm to 5pm
The Glass Shelter, £75pp (all materials provided)
You are invited to join this botanical embroidery class for a relaxing afternoon in the Garden where you will create a beautiful botanically inspired piece of embroidery. During the workshop, you will master colour blending and learn how to use different stitches to create depth and realism while bringing botanical details to life with vibrant textures.
Everything you need will be set up and waiting for you and no experience is necessary, so just show up and switch off!
> Spaces limited - book your place here:
https://www.edinburghsewingclasses.uk/copy-of-botanical-embroidery


Fri
9 Oct 2026
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Sat
10 Oct 2026
Workshop: Talking Trees - Paper Art & Stories
2pm to 4pm
Garden & The Glass Shelter, FREE ENTRY
A first for Dr Neil's Garden, this unique creative workshop will combine Scottish storytelling and Polish papercutting (wycinanki). Through these two traditional art forms, this free session, run by Beetroots Collective CIC, invites participants to explore trees, belonging and intercultural connection.
The workshop will begin with a storytelling walk led by Stephen McCabe, who’ll share tales inspired by the Garden’s trees and landscapes. His stories open a reflective space to think about nature, heritage - and how landscapes shape our sense of home.
After the walk, artist Robert Motyka will lead a hands‑on Polish paper cut‑out workshop, introducing participants to the colourful folk tradition of wycinanki. You’ll learn simple techniques, create your own nature‑inspired designs and experience how craft can connect cultures and communities.
This workshop is suitable for adults curious about traditional arts. No previous experience is needed. All materials will be provided.
> Book free ticket on Eventbrite
Talking Trees: paper art and stories Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite


