20 January 2023
Family things to do at Wakehurst this winter
Make the most of your visit with our handy tips.
There’s plenty on offer for families across Wakehurst this season as you embark on a winter adventure, surrounded by botanical highlights across our wild landscape.
Start the new year with woodland walks, stunning viewpoints and an exciting new mission for children.
Take in the winter views
Ever played ‘I Spy’ across 535 acres?
Pick up our Arrival Guide from the Visitor Centre and follow our winter views guided route for the best viewpoints Wakehurst has to offer. Stop for a rest, a snack and see what you can spot across the horizon.
Become a Nature Hero
We’ve launched our brand-new family programme – Nature Heroes! With a new mission every school holiday, gain a badge to wear proudly on your very own superhero cape.
Learn practical skills to help protect our natural world, from the smallest creatures to the tallest trees.
Spread your wings
Your first mission? Become a Bird Buddy.
Taking place over the February Half Term, our Bird Buddy quest is suitable for children of all ages. There’ll be the main mission to gain your Bird Buddy badge, a drop-in session to make bird feeders, and a pre-bookable birdsong workshop. To top it off, we’re welcoming Huxley’s Birds of Prey Centre for some very special flying displays.
 (1).jpg.webp?itok=TkGWKoBU "Bird © Unsplash")
Treat your senses in the Winter Garden
Our Winter Garden is at its peak in late winter. Weave through towering grasses and tune into the different colours, smells and sounds around you.
Spot fiery red dogwood, listen out for the rustle of wind through swathes of towering grasses, and tune your nose to the delicious smell of witch hazel.
.jpg.webp?itok=LcDMLthP "Wakehurst Winter Garden, Jim Holden © RBG Kew")
Roam wild for free
Kids aged 16 and under get free entry to the gardens, so kick off the year with a breath of fresh air.
Brush off the Christmas cobwebs and take on our natural log trail Tree Trunk Trek, conquer the labyrinth or roam wild in our woodlands.
Where will your adventure take you?
.jpg.webp?itok=mPQrRxdU "A family walking at Wakehurst, Visual Air © RBG Kew")
Re-fuel with winter warmers
No visit to Wakehurst is complete without a pit stop in one of our cafés. Grab a pastry and hot drink from Seeds Café to take on your walk, or stop by Stables Kitchen for a hearty meal.
There are plenty of treats for little ones too!
.jpg.webp?itok=3cRU8DEa "Pastries at Stables Kitchen, Jim Holden © RBG Kew")
Explore pioneering science
There’s plenty to do at Wakehurst on a rainy day, so step inside the Atrium of our Millennium Seed Bank.
Here you can discover the journey of a seed, from oversees collections to precise cleaning and finally being banked in our Noah’s Ark for plants.
Drop by our specially curated exhibition, Surviving or Thriving, to discover the fascinating roles of plants and fungi.
Try something new in 2023
Spend leftover Christmas pocket money in the Wakehurst shop and treat yourself to a range of beautiful artisan and sustainable products to fuel your new year’s resolutions.
Pick up a new bedtime story or some essential tools for your garden.
Set yourself up for a year of adventures
Experience Wakehurst through the changing seasons by becoming a member! Enjoy unlimited visits, early access to events and play a vital role in supporting Wakehurst’s wider mission.
Become a member on your next visit and start exploring.
