FAQs

Have a question? We have answers.

When are the gardens open to the public?
  • Wethersfield Estate & Garden is open from early June through September on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
  • Ours is a small garden, designed to create an intimate experience with limited foot traffic, and a respect for the privacy of our rural neighbors.
What are your rates and do you have a Senior Discount?
  • Our rates are $15.00 per adult visitor.
  • We offer a senior discount of $10 for ages 62 and older
  • Children 12 and under are admitted for free.
  • Members are admitted for free.
  • At Wethersfield & Garden we will not turn away visitors because of financial hardship. Please contact info@wethersfield.org for more information.
Is Wethersfield Estate & Garden handicapped accessible?
  • While our bathrooms are handicapped accessible, the terrain of our garden may be difficult to navigate for those with mobility challenges.
  • Those with devices to help with mobility (i.e. wheelchairs) may well be able to enjoy parts of our garden, but we do ask that those considering making the trip remember that there are steps, uneven ground, and lawns to navigate. We are happy to answer specific questions on these points. Please contact us at info@wethersfield.org
  • The view at the very top of the hill is lovely, however, and there is a picnic table. We invite you or a loved one to experience the garden in this way, should that serve.
Is the Wethersfield House open for tours?
  • Yes, house tours run twice weekly on select Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m during the season (June to mid-October). House Tour Reservations are required, and space is limited.  Each tour can accommodate up to 10 people.
  • Admission is $10 (plus processing fees) per person for non-members. Wethersfield Members enjoy one free house tour per season and unlimited visits to Wethersfield Estate & Garden.
  • Visit the House Tours page HERE for more information.
  • Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up to receive our newsletter for updates as they are available. We look forward to sharing Wethersfield with you.
Is the Carriage House Museum open for tours?
  • At the present time, we plan to resume scheduled tours of the Carriage House in the Summer of 2023.
  • Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up to receive our newsletter for updates as they are available. We look forward to sharing Wethersfield with you.
May I bring my dog to Wethersfield?
  • While we at Wethersfield love dogs, we are, unfortunately, not able to permit them in Garden.
  • Dogs are allowed on the trails only, and they must be leashed at all times. (The leash rule is a matter of safety – please remember that hikers and equestrians share the trails.) An unleashed dog may dart, causing a horse to be startled.
  • We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation as we strive to create a positive experience for all our visitors.
May I bring a picnic to Wethersfield?
  • Yes. By all means. Do. We love picnics.
  • There are picnic tables in a shaded area, from which you will see sweeping vistas of the surrounding valley.
  • We ask only that you observe our carry in/carry out policy, and thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation.
Do you have public restrooms?
  • We do have handicapped accessible public restrooms located near the public parking area.
Do I need a reservation to visit the Wethersfield Estate & Garden?
  • Reservations are highly recommended.
  • While every effort will be made to accommodate guests who have traveled to enjoy a garden visit, reservations are the best way to be certain that you will easily gain entry without delay.
  • When you arrive at the Main Gate you will be directed by our friendly staff up the hill and to the parking area.
  • Here, if you are a member, you will be admitted free (even though reservations are still recommended.)
  • If you have a reservation as a non-member you will be checked in.
  • Space permitting, you may also pay upon arrival.
Do I need to be a member to make a reservation?
  • No. You do not need to be a member of Wethersfield Estate & Garden to make a reservation.
  • However, there are many benefits to becoming a member
  • In addition to the perks we list, the sustaining support you provide by building our membership program enables us to create accessible cultural programming for members of our rural community.
  • We thank you for your consideration.
    How can I become a member of Wethersfield Garden & Estate? How do I prove my membership when applying my membership benefits?
    • In order to become a member of Wethersfield Garden & Estate, click here  to see our levels of membership and decide which is right for you.
    • When you have submitted your request and payment (online or by check) you will receive a membership card.
    • When signing up for events, you will be provided an individual or members only code in order to be charged a lower member rate. (A set number of free passes also accompany membership levels.)
    • Should you have any difficulty in accessing the reservations portal, in making reservations for special events, or need assistance in any way, please contact us at info@wethersfield.org.
    I already have a membership to the garden. Do I need to purchase a separate hiking pass to access the trails for hiking or cross-country skiing?
    Thank you for your support.
    • No. If you have a garden membership you do not need to purchase a separate hiking/cross-country skiing membership. Your garden membership includes access to trails on foot or on skis.
    • Equestrian memberships must be purchased separately. Day passes are also available. These may be purchased here.
    • You may purchase a seasonal garden membership by clicking here.
    • You may purchase a day pass by clicking here.
    • Upon purchase of either seasonal offering, you will receive either a membership card or a decal, respectively.
    • Please display your pass or decal on the dashboard of your vehicle if you are parking at the trailhead. This is located on Pugsley Hill Road, across from the barns – in front of a three-sided red barn. 
    I already have a membership to the garden. Do I need to purchase a separate equestrian pass in order to ride on the trails at Wethersfield?
    • Thank you for asking. Yes, equestrian passes are necessary for individual riders and are separate from purchases of a Garden membership.
    • Funds generated with these passes enable us to keep the trails pristine for your riding pleasure.
    • You may purchase both seasonal and day passes by clicking here.
    • You will receive a membership card for equestrian use.
    • Please put your membership card or your day pass on the windshield of your car.
    • In order to enter the trails, drive on Pugsley Hill Road until you come to the Barnyard.
    • Across the road, near the pond and the water fowl, you will see a three sided red barn. Follow signs directing you to park.
    • At the trailhead, there are maps available for your use.
    • Please note that weather may sometimes force closure of the trails, as the safety of our visitors is always top of mind. In the event of high winds, heavy snow, excessive rainfall, etc. please check our website and social media feeds prior to making the trip to ensure that the trials are open.
        May I buy a membership as a gift for a friend?
        • Yes please!
        • Gift memberships can be purchased easily at all levels. 
        • When you have made your purchase, your recipient will be notified and will receive a membership card in the mail, together with a description of the perks memberships include.
        • Your support of our membership program, enables us, as well, to create accessible cultural programming for those in our rural community. For this, we thank you.
        I can’t remember if my membership is still valid. How can I tell when I need to renew?
        • Thank you for considering the continuation of your support. You will be notified when it is time to renew your membership.
        My plans have changed and I will not be in the area on the day I originally booked. Is it possible to change my reservation?
        • Yes. Please contact info@wethersfield.org and a staff member will be happy to assist you in making any necessary adjustments.
        If I am running late and miss my reservation time will I still be allowed in?
        • Yes. At Wethersfield, we strive to accommodate as much as possible.
        • The purpose of our reservations system is merely to enable us to be good neighbors and stagger traffic on our rural backroads.
        • If you are running late, there is no need to contact us – and we encourage you to take your time in the garden once you arrive
        What if it’s going to rain? Do you have a rain date policy?
        • If rain is forecast, you are welcome to change your reservation date.
        • Simply contact info@wethersfield.org.  In the event that thunderstorms are forecast, visitors will not be allowed to enjoy the garden and will be asked to return to their cars until a threat of lightning has passed.
        • If you are traveling a distance, or would rather avoid the chance of poor weather, you may certainly change your reservation – and we look forward to seeing you when the skies brighten.
        Does Wethersfield Estate & Garden accept gifts in memory of a loved one?
        • Thank you for thinking of us, and yes, all memorial gifts go to support the splendor of the Wethersfield Garden.
        • These gifts are used towards flowers and plantings for all to enjoy.
        • We publish a list annually of memorial donations on our website. Here, we indicate the person offering support and the person being remembered.
        • We have very often been told that gifts such as these are a unique comfort to the bereaved.
        • Should you wish your gift to be anonymous, please contact us at info@wethersfield.org.
        I would love to make a tribute gift in honor of someone important in my life. Does Wethersfield Garden and Estate have a way to accept a donation in his honor?
        • Thank you for thinking of us. And yes, all tribute gifts go to support the splendor of the Wethersfield Garden.
        • These gifts are used towards flowers and plantings for all to enjoy.
        • Should you wish to have your gift recognized (we are mindful of privacy), we publish a list annually of tribute donations on our website.
        • Here, we indicate the person offering support and the person being celebrated.
        Is it possible to rent Wethersfield for a wedding or a private event?
        • Unfortunately, Wethersfield does not rent the space for weddings or other private/celebratory events. (Although we do, of course, congratulate you and yours on any happy occasion you seek to mark.)
        • As much as we appreciate your interest, we seek to retain a small footprint in an effort to maintain the tranquility our founder intended the Wethersfield Estate & Garden to project.
        Is it possible for me to pay a fee to have a photographer take photographs in the garden?
        • Unfortunately, Wethersfield does not permit professional photography shoots of any kind.
        • As much as we appreciate your interest, we seek to retain a small footprint in an effort to maintain the tranquility our founder intended the Wethersfield Estate & Garden to project.
        May I ride a bike to the Garden & Estate when I tour?
        • Unfortunately, we do not permit bikes on the property for reasons of safety.
        May I use an ATV on the trails?
        • Unfortunately, we do not permit the use of ATVs on trails or anywhere on the property for reasons of safety and in an effort to protect the trails, and those who use the trails for equestrian and hiking purposes.