Festival of Roses returns to RHS Garden Rosemoor

There’s something truly special about rose season, and this year RHS Garden Rosemoor is giving visitors even more reason to celebrate.

The much-loved Festival of Roses has returned, running until 12th July, showcasing stunning displays, exciting garden improvements and even a unique rose-inspired gin.

Over the past six months, Rosemoor’s horticultural team has been hard at work reviving the garden’s beautiful Shrub Rose Garden. The first major renovation of this garden since 2004 has seen new support structures installed and over 40 new rose varieties added to the central beds.

The old wooden supports had reached the end of their life, so they have been replaced with elegant metal structures designed by Rosemoor’s Garden Team Leader and rose specialist, Sally Newbrook, working alongside local company Dolton Designs. The striking cylindrical frames are not only practical, helping roses grow naturally without damaging their stems, but they also open up views across the garden, creating an even more enjoyable experience for visitors.

Alongside the new structures, Sally and fellow horticulturist Emma McFarline carefully selected a range of modern and heritage roses to add to the collection. The new additions have been chosen for their beauty, fragrance and resilience, with many offering strong disease resistance and the ability to cope with changing weather conditions. There’s also a focus on biodiversity, with plenty of single-flowered varieties and colourful hips that help support pollinators and wildlife.

The refurbished Shrub Rose garden, one of two dedicated gardens at RHS Rosemoor in North Devon, is part of the largest collection in the Southwest and can viewed in its prime during the Festival of Roses from 13 June – 12 July 2026. A highlight of the festival includes a Rose Weekend (supported by Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management) where visitors can enjoy a themed craft fair, rose walks and talks and live music between Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June 2026.

And if admiring the roses isn’t enough, visitors can also take a little taste of Rosemoor home. Available from the gift shop is a specially created RHS Rose Petal Infused Gin, produced by West Country distillers Still Sisters using botanicals grown in the garden. With delicate citrus notes balanced by soft juniper flavours, it’s the perfect summer treat whether enjoyed over ice, paired with a light tonic or mixed into a refreshing cocktail.

Whether you're a keen gardener, a rose enthusiast or simply looking for a lovely summer day out, the Festival of Roses at RHS Garden Rosemoor promises colourful displays, fragrant gardens and plenty of inspiration along the way.