Images left-right: Coronation Meadow, Ollie Dixon © RBG Kew; Wild Wood, Visual Air © RBG Kew; Mud Kitchen, Ollie Dixon © RBG Kew
Explore wildflower meadows
Recently reopened for the summer, Coronation Meadow is a jewel in the crown of the Wakehurst landscape, with rolling views of the Sussex High Weald. Families can escape to a sensory haven, rich with wildflowers and the hum of insects, providing a great space for little legs to run free. More than just a picturesque landscape, the meadow is proven to boost children’s mental health, as indicated by Nature Connectedness research at Wakehurst. Results from the studies with school children showed that Coronation Meadow, representing meadow habitats, inspired the highest connection with nature, meaning that those who spent time in meadows showed fewer symptoms associated with anxiety.
Enjoy messy play in the Children’s & Community Garden
Nestled behind Wakehurst’s Mansion is the Children’s & Community Garden, a corner of the gardens developed with inclusivity in mind. The family-favourite Mud Kitchen will be open, complete with pots and pans and teapots, encouraging children to get creative with mud. The Garden is a haven for wildlife, with wildflower meadows to attract pollinators, which can also be spotted taken up residency in the solitary bee hotels, bee lasagne or the UK’s first experimental bee bank.
Contribute to real pollination science
Scientists at Wakehurst are undertaking a pioneering ‘Trees for Bees’ project to discover which trees prove most popular with our buzzing pollinators. With this vital data, they can help boost populations of critical bees, wasps and more across the country, particularly in urban areas. And now, families can be part of it and directly support Kew Science. Budding ecologists can pick up a free guide, download the app and follow the trail to help scientists understand our bee population.
Conquer Tree Trunk Trek
Children of all ages can get to know Wakehurst’s trees on this adventurous log trail as they crawl, climb, jump and balance their way across the course. Perfect for imaginative woodland play, Tree Trunk Trek gives young adventurers a space to burn off some energy and connect with Wakehurst’s wonderous woodlands. In a nearby sheltered woodland glade, picnic tables create the perfect base for little ones to bounce back to after hours of exploring.
Explore a woven natural gallery
Deep in Pearcelands Wood, families can embark on an artistic journey into the Wild Wood sculpture trail, a natural gallery of inspiring woven art. Wild Wood is the result of an incredible collaboration between a host of talented artists, and children can take a closer look as they clamber into oversized badger setts, pose on a giant chair and spot woven wildlife amongst the trees.
Discover the world’s largest store of wild seeds
Should the May half-term bring some rainy days, families can step inside the Millennium Seed Bank building to engage with seed science. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the building is a hub of scientific research, where 2.5 billion seeds are banked, preserving them for the future. Visitors to Wakehurst can explore the MSB Atrium exhibition, following the journey of a seed and even spying on scientists at work.
Travel the world in one garden
One visit to Wakehurst in Sussex means an adventure through landscapes from across the globe. Little explorers can take in towering redwoods, transporting visitors to North American forests, or discover Australian Wollemi pines and their fascinating history, dating back to the day of the dinosaurs. Wakehurst is also home to the UK’s first-ever American Prairie, a vibrant landscape that changes each year and represents a diverse, threatened habitat. In the Water Gardens, children can spot beautiful Japanese maples that put on a vibrant display in May, as well as the katsura ‘candyfloss tree’ – named for the sweet smell it emits.
Looking ahead to summer
As late spring turns into summer, new opportunities arise for Wakehurst visitors. The Grade I Wakehurst Mansion reopens this summer, inviting visitors to step inside its rich history and explore the stories that have shaped this extraordinary place.
Seedscapes | 4 July – 14 September
Throughout summer, families can enjoy Seedscapes, an exhibition of art, sculpture, and sound set throughout the gardens, inspired by the science of seeds, and the groundbreaking research at the Millennium Seed Bank. Through sculpture, light, colour and sound, each artwork aims to inspire, engage and reconnect visitors with the role of seeds in culture, science and conservation. Children can complete the Globe Trotter Nature Heroes mission to delve even deeper into the wonderful world of seeds and gain a new badge to iron onto their Nature Heroes cape.
Wanderwild | 17 – 19 July
Wakehurst’s landscape comes alive with the sound of music, the mesmerising sight of aerial performers and dancers, and the scent of mouth-watering street food. Accompanied by the setting sun, Wanderwild is the ideal after school treat, sure to leave young minds feeling inspired and nourished.