27 April 2023

New adventures for little explorers

Discover a host of new activities for families to enjoy this summer at Wakehurst.

By Jessica Hayne

A man is carrying a child into a meadow, a girl is running ahead.

If you’re planning a visit to Wakehurst with little ones this summer, there are plenty of new delights across our 535-acre landscape.

Burn off some energy, mess about with mud or relax with a picnic in a unique setting. 

Explore our Wild Wood 

Embark on our new sculpture trail that weaves through Pearcelands Wood.

This native, coppiced landscape will be transformed into a natural gallery of hand-woven structures, from oversized chairs to deer and badgers.  

The Wild Wood trail takes inspiration from the intricate relationship between plants, wildlife and us – it's a true celebration of all life on Earth.  

Two children walk through a gateway made of logs
Wild Wood at Wakehurst, Jim Holden © RBG Kew
A trio of deer sculptures made from willow
Wild Wood at Wakehurst, Jim Holden © RBG Kew

Conquer Tree Trunk Trek  

In the heart of Coates Wood, our natural log trail has recently got a new look for the summer.

Tree Trunk Trek is the perfect space to burn off some energy. Jump, climb and balance your way across the course, and feel connected with Wakehurst’s trees.  

Two young boys climb across a log trail climbing course.
Wakehurst's Tree Trunk Trek, James Ratchford © RBG Kew

A picnic with a difference 

Bring the family together for lunch with a backdrop of botanical blooms.  

Fuel up for the adventure ahead at Seeds Café in the Visitor Centre, stop for a fresh salad or kid’s lunchbox at Stables Kitchen, or enjoy grab-and-go pastries from Stables Pantry.  

Explore our catering outlets

A family sit at a table in a cafe, a child is eating a pastry.
Seeds Café, Jim Holden © RBG Kew

If you’re bringing your own food, a picnic overlooking Mansion Pond is a sure-fire way to unwind, or venture further afield and find a sheltered glade under the branches of delicate British birches or dramatic North American redwoods.

Two parents and two children sit on the grass. They are eating and drinking
Wakehurst picnic, Jim Holden © RBG Kew

Messy play at the Children’s Walled Garden 

Our Children’s Walled Garden is a space for children to get dirty in the Mud Kitchen, or practice planting in the Potting Shed.  

These family areas will now be open all year round, so roll up your sleeves, whatever the weather, and get stuck in! 

Three children dig up soil in the Children's Walled Garden
Children's Walled Garden, Jim Holden © RBG Kew
Children play in the mud kitchen at the Children's Heritage Garden
Children play in the mud kitchen at the Children's Heritage Garden, Jim Holden © RBG Kew

Stroll through Coronation Meadow  

Initially created in 2015 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation, this dramatic grassland boasts native flowers and meadow grasses.  

Our Coronation Meadow is a joy for the senses in the summer months, overlooking stunning views of the Sussex High Weald.  

The sun sets over a meadow
Coronation Meadow, Claire Takacs © RBG Kew

Become a Habitat Hero 

Have you joined our Nature Heroes squad?  

Our team of planet-protecting superheroes are assembling for their next mission, and you’re invited to join them.

Take part in the Habitat Hero mission to find out what a healthy habitat needs to thrive and gain the next badge for your Nature Heroes cape. 

Close up of a blue and green embroidered badge featuring a smiling planet Earth and the words Habitat Hero
Habitat hero badge © RBG Kew
A child wearing a cape is on a woman's shoulders. They are walking past a tree.
Nature Heroes at Wakehurst, Jim Holden © RBG Kew

Everyone is welcome 

Wakehurst promises to be a truly inclusive haven for everyone.  

Whilst children 16 and under go free, we also have free entry for Corporate Members and National Trust members* 

If you’re a recipient of Universal or Pension Credit, make sure you take advantage of our £1 ticket. 

With pathways suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs, there are plenty of corners of our incredible landscape for everyone to explore.  

Book your ticket

A child with a guide cane stands next to a lady in a wheelchair
Accessibility at Wakehurst © RBG Kew
An illustrated banner with the words Nature Heroes and colourful super hero characters

Nature Heroes

Join our superhero squad, learn a new skill every half term and become a hero for the natural world.

Become a Nature Hero

Read & watch

*Please note, a parking charge applies for National Trust members. Parking contributions help us research and protect nature, prevent biodiversity loss, and build a better future. We can’t do it without you.