- Pollinator-protecting fun for children on Octonauts: Above and Beyond trail
- Dazzling carpet of bluebells in Wakehurst’s woodlands
- Visitors can take part in the free Trees for Bees trail, contributing to scientific research
- Book now for outdoor cinema, Community Festival and summer workshops
Ticket information
Opening times: 10am to 6pm (last entry 5.30pm)
Tickets: Wakehurst and Kew members: Free / Adult £18.50 / Young person: £9.25 / Children 16 & under: Free / National Trust members: Free (parking charges apply) / £1 concession ticket available
Spring highlights at Wakehurst
Throughout April, the Water Gardens bloom into a spectrum of vibrant hues, most notably from an outstanding rhododendron collection throughout the landscape. The Iris Dell becomes an unmissable spectacle, with a bright pink ‘Hatsugiri’ creating the perfect photo backdrop. Harder to spot is the last of the Snake’s head fritillaries (Fritillaria meleagris), flowering slightly earlier this year with their delicate checkerboard pattern, lining the banks of the Water Garden and around the Millennium Seed Bank. Later in the month, visitors venturing into the Bethlehem or Horsebridge Woods will be greeted by a dazzling carpet of bluebells, offering a striking balance to the shimmering silver of the National Birch (Betula) Collection and towering giant redwoods.
Events
Octonauts: Above and Beyond | 28 March to 12 April | Members: £5, Non-members: £7
Over the Easter holidays, the Octonauts: Above and Beyond family trail celebrates biodiversity in the natural world, as brave explorers discover the challenges facing plant life and global ecosystems, reflecting the daring crew’s mission of explore, rescue, protect! Budding young Octonauts will join the squad to help protect plants and wildlife, with plenty of puzzles and photo opportunities along the way.
Trees for Bees trail | March to September | All day, free with entry
Visitors can play a role in vital pollinator science by carrying out pollinator safaris on Wakehurst’s trees. Grab a free guide, download the app, and follow our trail to help our scientists understand our bee population. Community groups can also sign up for Engagement Sessions to hear from our scientists and enjoy a guided tour.
Guided tours | Every day 11.30am and Tues to Fri at 2pm | 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.
Dog walks at Wakehurst | Every day | Standard entry applies
Brush off the winter cobwebs and bring your four-legged friend out on a dog walk with a difference. Explore woodlands of the world, let energetic pups run free in the secure off-lead area, and enjoy dog-friendly treats at the onsite cafes.
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.
Coming Soon: Wellbeing Walks | 26, 27 and 28 May | Pay what you can
As part of Wakehurst’s ‘year of connecting with nature’, join our nature connection experts on this guided walk, exploring the wonder of Wakehurst. Take time to tune in to your senses and appreciate nature’s beauty. Perfect for all, these interactive and immersive guided walks invite you to experience the power of nature and are backed by Wakehurst’s groundbreaking Nature Connectedness research.
Coming Soon: Henry Moore and more | Opens 5 June, included with entry
From summer 2026, sculpture meets the beauty of the natural world as we showcase four of Henry Moore’s iconic sculptures, alongside bold new commissions from contemporary artists, set across the gardens. Organised in partnership with the Henry Moore Foundation, this remarkable exhibition will invite visitors to explore the evolving conversation between art and nature.
Coming Soon: Outdoor Cinema at Wakehurst | 12 to 14 June | Various ticket prices available
Experience the magic of outdoor cinema at Wakehurst this summer! Adventure Cinema is bringing the UK’s No.1 outdoor cinema experience to Wakehurst, with an unforgettable lineup of classic films, musicals, blockbusters, and family favourites – all set beneath the open sky. Simply grab your tickets, pack a picnic, bring a blanket or camping chairs, and settle in for an evening of movie magic. Premium deck chairs are also available.
Discovery and Access at Wakehurst
Explore the gardens, science, and horticulture taking place at Wakehurst through a variety of supported group activities. Events connect participants with nature in an accessible way, through tours and workshops tailored to individuals’ needs. Wakehurst also offers a Community Access Scheme (CAS), an annual group membership for organisations that provide services directly to people who face physical, sensory, psychological, or social barriers to visiting Wakehurst independently. Throughout the seasons, there are a variety of CAS engagement days for participants of all ages and backgrounds, providing opportunities to socialise and connect with nature. To register for any of the events below, please contact [email protected].
Sow and Grow: monthly gardening group | Monday 20 April | 10.30am to 1pm
Build confidence in the garden and create friendships in this monthly hands-on gardening workshop.
Nature Natters | Monday 27 April | 11am to 12pm and 1pm to 2pm
Join expert volunteer guides for a wellbeing boost, supported by Mid Sussex NHS social prescribers.
Dementia friendly walks | Tuesday 28 April | 11am to 12pm
Led by our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers and guides, these one-hour walks offer time to slow down and connect with nature – taking in the gardens through sight, scent, and touch.
Coming Soon: Community Festival | 9 May SOLD OUT, tickets available for 8 May | Free
A two-day festival of free workshops and activities co-designed and delivered with Community Access Scheme Members, aimed at charities, community groups and individuals who experience barriers to visiting. Ignite your creativity at Wakehurst’s Community Festival celebrating Art in Nature.
Education at Wakehurst
Wakehurst works with schools, colleges, and universities from across the Southeast and beyond, welcoming over 11,000 students each year to bring science alive as we use the landscape as a living laboratory. The dedicated team of teachers offer exciting curriculum-linked, hands-on education sessions, planned to meet the needs of pupils of all ages and abilities. Wakehurst invites educators to book a school visit to discover the perfect place for curious minds and interactive learning.
Carbon Literacy Training | Flexible Two-hour live online sessions | Discounts available for eligible high pupil premium schools
The Department for Education requires every school to appoint a designated sustainability lead and write a sustainability plan by the end of 2025. Wakehurst helps educators develop the confidence, knowledge, and language to guide your school, colleagues, and pupils towards a more sustainable future. The sessions are tailored to the needs of teaching professionals and include resources and ideas to empower pupils to enact positive change. To discuss bookings and discounts, please email [email protected].
Nature Connectedness Wellbeing Training | Flexible two-hour training sessions at Wakehurst or your school
Connecting to nature helps young people feel happier and fulfilled. Learn how to lead nature connectedness sessions for your pupils, designed to improve wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and empower young people to take positive action for themselves and the natural world. Training is informed by ground-breaking Nature Connectedness research conducted with the Royal Holloway University London at Wakehurst.
Uniformed Groups: Twilight and Saturday sessions | £170 per group of up to 30 young people
Wakehurst’s twilight and Saturday sessions are aimed at Cubs, Brownies, Scouts, Guides, and eco/extracurricular clubs. Led by a qualified teacher, groups can work towards conservation, nature connectedness, exploration, or activity badges in extensive outdoor learning facilities or simply explore the stunning landscapes with fun and engaging activities.
Exhibitions
Bank a Seed | Daily, 10am – 5.30pm | Millennium Seed Bank Atrium | Free
Step into the Millennium Seed Bank, where the real scientists are hard at work, for an exciting interactive exhibit: Bank a Seed. Step into the shoes of a seed scientist and bank your own seed! Follow your seed on its banking journey – from drying to x-raying, before it is finally weighed, counted, and banked.
Surviving or Thriving: An exhibition on plants and us | Daily, 10am – 5.30pm | Millennium Seed Bank Atrium | Free
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.
