Families

With more than 500 acres of gardens, woodlands and a nature reserve, there are plenty of things for families to do at Wakehurst — and kids go free!

A family outdoors in front of a pink magnolia tree in full bloom

Many places to explore

  • Children run through the Labyrinth at Wakehurst

    Natural play spaces

    Natural play spaces are scattered across Wakehurst for kids to explore. Find your way through the Labyrinth, seek out wooden carvings in our woodlands and play along the mown pathways in our summer meadows.

  • Yellow leaved trees

    Woodlands of the world

    On a family day out, walk beneath the sweet gum trees of North America or search for the Wollemi pine, a 'living fossil' that is as old as dinosaurs, in Coates Wood. 

  • A group of people in a garden looking at plants

    The Children's Walled Garden and Mud Kitchen

    Go beyond the Walled Garden to explore this enchanting place, where flowers, herbs and vegetables grow alongside each other. Open seasonally.

  • A child in a red coat jumps in a forest

    Tree Trunk Trek

    We've given our champion play space for young adventurers a new look.

  • A trio of deer sculptures made from willow

    Wild Wood

    Delight your senses by exploring our new Wild Wood trail with the whole family.

Explorer rucksacks

Wakehurst Explorer Rucksacks

Pull on one of our Explorer Rucksacks and prepare for an intrepid journey through Wakehurst. Each rucksack is jam-packed with creative goodies.

What's on

  • Thumbnail image
    Colourful cartoon characters with text reading Nature Heroes: Nature Olympics
    Family friendly | Included with entry

    Nature Heroes: Nature Olympics

    25 May to 2 June 2024
  • Thumbnail image
    An colourful illustrated banner for Meadowland
    Accessible | Exhibitions | Family friendly

    Meadowland

    14 June to 10 September 2024
  • back on sale this summer
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    Moon and stars, deer, bee and flower lanterns
    Family friendly | Evenings | Food and drink

    Glow Wild

    Custom date
    Selected evenings, 28 November 2024 to 1 January 2025

Planning your visit

  • Two girls climb across a wooden activity trail.

    Tickets – Children go free

    Children (16 and under)*: free 

    Young persons (17 – 25): £8.25 — after 3.30pm: £4

    Adult tickets from £1

    * An adult must accompany any child 16 or under.  

  • A restaurant kitchen with people and a wide range of food

    Eating and drinking

    Enjoy tasty food and delicious treats from our cafés and restaurants.

    You can also bring your own picnic! The best places to picnic are in Coates Wood on one of the numerous picnic benches dotted around; or on the Mansion Lawn between the high prairie grasses of the American Prairie in summer.

  • Colourful rhododendrons in spring at Wakehurst

    Facilities and access for families

    Map – we will give you a map when you arrive, this shows all toilets, baby changing facilities and suitable routes for buggies.

    Access – most buildings have level or ramped access. Around the Mansion and Visitor Centre there are gravel and hard surfaced paths. The remaining garden and woodland areas have steep slopes, steps or paths that may be uneven.