9 March 2023
Best things to do at Wakehurst this spring
In springtime, our wild botanic garden in Sussex is bursting with new life and vibrant colours.
Get your walking boots and cameras ready to enjoy Wakehurst this Spring.
Stroll among a sea of bluebells
The stunning spectacle of these UK native wildflowers is best in April and May, with great swathes of blossoming English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) carpeting the woodland floors.
Spending most of the year as bulbs underground, the delicate bell-shaped violet-blue flowers emerge in spring.
Don’t miss the bluebell hotspots of Bethlehem Wood, Westwood Valley and Horsebridge Wood.
.jpg19e4.webp "Bluebells in Bethlehem wood at Wakehurst, Jim Holden © RBG Kew")
Spot our rhododendrons
Blooming throughout March and April, our rhododendron collection transforms the spring landscape into a canvas of colour, from pretty pink to ravishing red.
Head to our new Westwood View Point in the Water Gardens overlooking Westwood Valley or visit the Himalayan Glade for the best floral shows.
Did you know? We have the second most important conservation collection of rhododendrons in a botanic garden in the world!
.jpg7cf7.webp "Rhododendron at Wakehurst, James Ratchford © RBG Kew")
Enjoy the spring blooms
From bright yellows to soft pinks, our gardens are overflowing with colour during springtime.
Spot spring favourites such as daffodils on the lawns near Mansion Pond, magnolia arching over our new boardwalk through The Slips, and butter-yellow cowslips around the Millennium Seed Bank.
Stop by the Iris Dell to capture our spring showstopper – a stunning pink azalea shrub, situated in a peaceful oasis in the heart of the gardens.
.jpg94e0.webp "Wakehurst Iris Dell, Visual Air © RBG Kew")
.jpg003e.webp "Daffodils at Wakehurst, Jim Holden © RBG Kew")
Go on a dog walk with a difference
Bring your four-legged friend to Wakehurst and explore our dedicated dog-walking route that winds through woodlands, water gardens and more.
Stop by our secure off-lead zone, overlooking the Millennium Seed Bank, to let energetic pups roam free, and refuel at our dog-friendly Seeds Café before heading home.
Grab a dog walking map at the entrance, and read our Canine Code so you’re fully prepared for your visit.
.jpga03b.webp "Dog walking at Wakehurst")
Take part in a Wakehurst workshop
Reconnect with nature or channel your creativity this spring by joining one of our workshops.
You can unwind from the stresses of everyday life on one of our forest bathing days, surrounded by the natural beauty of our woodlands, or tune into the melodies of Wakehurst with a birdsong walk.
.jpg795c.webp "Forest bathing at Wakehurst, Visual Air © RBG Kew")
Picnic in nature
As the weather starts to get warmer, it's the perfect time to enjoy a picnic in our gardens.
Be sure to check out our delicious new menu at Stables Pantry on your next visit, including items such as indulgent, filled croissants, locally-sourced sweet treats, stuffed savoury focaccia and grab-and-go salads.
With picnic season approaching, look out for our new picnic boxes that are available to pre-order from Seeds Café and enjoy a lunch al fresco.
With the launch of dog walking at Wakehurst, we're introducing a ‘dog-friendly’ menu in both the Seeds Café and The Pantry which will include a selection of dog ice cream – the perfect treat for your four-legged friend.
Bon appetit!
Take part of Wakehurst home with you
If you’ve been inspired whilst walking around the gardens, take a little piece of Wakehurst home by visiting our newly expanded Plant Centre.
Open daily, our shop houses seasonal plants inspired by our world-class collections.
Don’t forget, if you’re a Wakehurst or Kew member, you get 10% off all items.
%20(1).jpg24cd.webp "Wakehurst Iris Dell, Visual Air © RBG Kew")