Horticultural Highlights
For beauty lovers, Wakehurst’s autumn highlights include sweeping vistas reflecting off tranquil waters, and a tapestry of golden leaves putting on a display throughout the woodlands. Adventurers are rewarded with the very best of autumn, with golden British birches in Bethlehem Wood, and bronze Japanese maples around the Water Gardens and Mansion Pond. In the Winter Garden, November brings the vibrant red of dogwood and glistening silver of the birches, carefully planted to create an immersive experience.
As Autumn draws in, we start preparations for Glow Wild, and this year our award-winning winter light trail returns with a new seed-inspired chapter featuring audio vignettes from Wakehurst Ambassador Cate Blanchett. Now in its twelfth year and celebrating 25 years of Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, Glow Wild weaves science with storytelling across a trail of newly commissioned, handcrafted installations from award-winning artists and local makers, including our biggest installation ever.
Bank a Seed in the Millennium Seed Bank | All day, free with entry
Experience the journey of a seed first-hand with a brand-new interactive installation in the Millennium Seed Bank Atrium. Children can step into the shoes of scientists who are working to bank the world’s wild seeds, sparking curiosity and discovery.
Events
Christmas wreath making workshops | 28, 29 and 30 November | 10am to 12.30pm, 1.30pm to 4pm | £55 for Wakehurst/Kew members, £60 for non-members
Get into the festive spirit and learn a new skill by creating a traditional Christmas wreath adorned with seasonal decorations, ensuring your door is the best dressed in town. Lindfield-based florist Gemma from The Chestnut Flower Company will lead this relaxed and enjoyable workshop, guiding you step-by-step to craft your own unique wreath. Draw inspiration from Wakehurst’s wild, wintry landscapes, using hand-picked foliage from the gardens.
Glow Wild | Selected evenings, 27 November 2025 to 3 January 2026 | 4pm to 10pm | Flexible ticket options available
Glow Wild returns to Wakehurst with a bold new theme: Seed Safari – A Walk on the Wild Side. From 27 November 2025 to 3 January 2026, Sussex’s award-winning lantern trail invites visitors of all ages to wander into a radiant reimagining of the natural world, where seeds spark stories and the wild glows after dark. Book ticket for the trail now, featuring brand-new bespoke installations, an enhanced street food offering and Wakehurst’s iconic Christmas tree. Glow Wild guests can also add on an exclusive Mansion VIP experience, with a welcome drink, seasonal mezze-style sharing platter and a fully stocked bar.
Crafting for Conection | 24 November | 11am to 12pm, 1pm to 2pm | Free, designed for those who face barriers to visiting
Together, we’ll explore our relationship with the natural world and create a show-stopping artwork to be unveiled at Wakehurst’s Community Festival on 8th and 9th May. No experience needed — just curiosity, creativity, and an openness to try something new.
Nature Natters Walks | November 2025 to March 2026 | Free, designed for those who face barriers to visiting
Our 1 hour community well-being walks provide an opportunity for individuals to enjoy nature in a supportive and welcoming environment. Participants can explore Wakehurst alongside our trained guides, with opportunities to meet new people and chat with our friendly volunteers.
Parkrun at Wakehurst | Every Saturday from 9am | Free
Pace yourself through our scenic landscape as Parkrun is now at Wakehurst. Every Saturday morning, embark on a fun, free and friendly 5K. Participants must register with Parkrun before their first event.
Guided tours | Tues to Thurs, 11.30am and 2pm | Fri – Mon, 11.30am | Free, subject to availability
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a regular to the gardens wanting to learn more, join a volunteer-led tour to discover seasonal areas of interest, learn about the history of the landscape and discover behind-the-scenes stories of the gardens.
Millennium Seed Bank Atrium Guided Tours | Mondays 2pm | Free, subject to availability
Step inside the most biodiverse place on earth and enjoy a guided tour of the MSB Atrium. Trained volunteer guides will take you through the journey of a seed from collection to banking and point out areas of interest through the laboratory windows. Launched in celebration of the Millennium Seed Bank’s 25th anniversary.
Dog walks at Wakehurst | Daily | Dedicated dog walking route
Enjoy Wakehurst’s wintery woodlands and captivating views with your four-legged friend in tow. Wakehurst’s dedicated dog walking route takes you through woodlands of the world, offering a dog walk with a difference. Excitable pups can burn off energy in the secure off-lead area and enjoy some downtime in Wakehurst’s dog-friendly cafes.
Uniformed group visits | Evenings and Saturdays | £170 per group of up to 30 young people
Twilight and Saturday sessions ideal for groups such as Cubs, Beavers, Brownies, Scouts, Guides or for eco/extracurricular clubs. Led by a qualified teacher, work towards conservation learning, nature connectedness, exploration or activity badges in our vast landscape and outdoor learning facilities.
Exhibitions
Surviving or Thriving: An exhibition on plants and us | Daily, 10am – 3.30pm | Millennium Seed Bank | Included with entry
This exhibition brings Kew’s State of the World’s Plants reports to life, telling the story of why some plants are only surviving, while others are thriving. Through film, audio, models, and a futuristic garden, explore
the challenges that plants face and discover the vital role of fungi.
