Image credits Jim Holden © RBG Kew
- Roald Dahl’s much-loved children’s book brought to life through a trail at Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden
- Experience the mischievous tricks of The Twits through interactive activities
- Children can earn a new Nature Heroes badge in ‘Don’t be a Twit’ mission
- Early openings for members over the Easter weekend (18 – 21 April), and a quiet day on Tuesday 8 April
This Easter, Wakehurst will be celebrating one of the most-read books in UK primary schools, as Roald Dahl’s iconic story The Twits is brought to life with an activity trail through the stunning springtime landscapes. At Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, families will be tasked with outwitting Mr and Mrs Twit, combatting the mischievous pair’s nasty tricks and rotten behaviour with passion and care for the natural world.
Stepping into the chaotic and colourful world of The Twits, families will embark on a journey of discovery, with a 2-metre high book photo opportunity setting the scene, and the magnificent Roly-Poly Bird leading the way through the bold spring colours. Families will rummage through Mr Twit’s beard, help worms to escape wormy spaghetti, guide the ‘Giant Skillywiggler’ frog back home and get their hands dirty making mud pies in the Mud Kitchen. Through each activity, children will discover how to be a force for good, overcoming the Twit’s treacherous tricks.
On completion of the activity sheet, children can take home their ‘Don’t Be a Twit’ Nature Heroes badge to add to their collection. Now a must-do during school holidays, Nature Heroes badges are a wonderful keepsake from a visit to Wakehurst, given to young adventurers to proudly iron onto their Nature Heroes cape.
Wakehurst Senior Programmes Manager, Emily Jones commented:
“We’re so excited to invite families for the The Twits trail at Wakehurst this Easter, and hope that this interactive adventure will promote positive values such as kindness and cooperation, whilst fostering a passion for nature. Families will be able to experience their favourite moments from the iconic book, making new memories through a fun activity trail.”
The Twits trail at Wakehurst will take families around Wakehurst’s gardens, bursting to life with spring colour, as striking magnolia arches over winding boardwalks and bright daffodils line the borders of Mansion Pond. The path winds through Wakehurst’s six-acre American Prairie, where visitors can keep an eye out for emerging plants ready to put on a summer show. Further afield, a dazzling carpet of bluebells greets visitors in Bethlehem Wood, and Wakehurst’s globally significant collection of bold rhododendrons adorn the valleys.
Whether it’s young families looking for a jam-packed day, or grandparents seeking to make new memories in a beautiful botanical setting, The Twits trail at Wakehurst blends creative storytelling and exploration in the natural world, guaranteed to deliver laughter, discovery and lots of fun this Easter.
Please note that The Twits trail takes place in dog-free areas of Wakehurst.