Horticultural Highlights
The Wakehurst Mansion doors open once again this summer, inviting visitors to explore a place where history, science, and nature intertwine. Two new immersive exhibition spaces invite visitors to delve in to the stories that shape Wakehurst. Discover the humble beginnings of the Millenium Seed Bank and our ongoing scientific mission to protect nature in the Mansion’s Chapel or visit the Billiard Room to uncover the history of the Wakehurst site and importance of our living collections and our relationship with the National Trust. The newly restored library offers a lounge space for visitors to pause and soak in the Mansion’s unique atmosphere whilst exploring the botanic gardens.
Events
Seedscapes | Until 14 September | All day, free with entry
An exhibition of art, sculpture, and sound set throughout the gardens, inspired by the science of seeds, and the groundbreaking research carried out daily at the Millennium Seed Bank, now celebrating its 25th anniversary. Discover the work of six international artists, whose installations highlight the urgency and beauty of global seed conservation. Through sculpture, light, colour and sound, each artwork aims to inspire, engage and reconnect visitors with the role of seeds in culture, science and conservation.
Wanderwild | 17, 18 and 19 July | Entry from 5.30pm | Member discounts available
Wakehurst’s landscape comes alive with the sound of music, the mesmerising sight of aerial performers and dancers, and the scent of mouth-watering street food. Accompanied by the setting sun, this is an evening not to miss, forming the perfect date night or friends get-together.
Nature Heroes: Globe Trotter | 21 July to 5 September | All day | Mission and badge: £4
Join us in celebrating 25 years of Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, with nearly 2.5 billion seeds from 40,000 wild plant species safely stored. Set off on your own Nature Heroes mission across the globe, from Asia to Australia, South America to the Caribbean and beyond – you’ll be walking the world, all without leaving the gardens! Grab your map and discover amazing plants from around the world.
Trees for Bees | Free with entry to the gardens
Scientists at Wakehurst are undertaking a pioneering project to discover which trees prove most popular with our buzzing pollinators. With this vital data, they can help boost populations of critical bees, wasps and more across the country, particularly in urban areas. And now, visitors have a chance to be part of it. 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 to an Engagement Session to hear from our scientists and enjoy a guided tour.
Summer Evening Meadow Walks | 2 and 26 July | 6.30pm to 8.30pm | Members: £30, non-members: £35
Discover the beauty of Wakehurst’s meadows on a guided walk through some of its most iconic landscapes, including Bloomers Valley, Hanging Meadow and the Coronation Meadow. This scenic two-mile route offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in vibrant wildflower displays while learning from our expert guide and head of landscape and horticulture, Iain, about the rich ecology, fascinating history and wildlife that thrive in these spaces. You’ll also gain practical tips on how to create your own meadow at home.
Summer forest bathing | 20 July | 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm | Member £25, non-member £40
Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing invites you to slow down and fully immerse yourself in the calming forest environment at Wakehurst. Guided by Swedish teacher and workshop leader Helena Skoog, you’ll learn how to engage all your senses to connect deeply with your surroundings.
Willow weaving – frame basket | 11 July | 10.30am to 5pm | Wakehurst and Kew members £88, Non-members £98
Join us to discover the traditional art of willow weaving and create your own willow frame basket. Guided by Dominic Parrette you’ll be introduced to the techniques of weaving with willow coppiced right here at Wakehurst. Dominic will lead you through each step of the process to create a strong, beautiful frame basket that will last.
Create a wildflower meadow | 19 July | 10am to 3.30pm | Wakehurst and Kew members £50, Non-members £60
Step into the world of wildflowers, pollinators and natural beauty with this immersive meadow-making workshop. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or a curious nature lover, this hands-on experience will guide you through the fascinating principles of meadow ecology and show you how to create your very own meadow from scratch.
Bat walk | every Thursday, 24 July to 28 August | 8pm to 10pm | Wakehurst and Kew members £22, Non-members £25
Choose between two immersive experiences: the woodland bat walk, which takes you down to serene Westwood Lake, or the shorter, accessible garden bat walk, centred around the peaceful Mansion Pond. The woodland walk covers approximately 4 km on a steady path, with an uphill return for those who enjoy a bit of a climb.
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.