3 July 2025
5 min read
Top 10 things to do at Wakehurst this summer
Whether you're looking for art or history, family fun or date-nights, beautifully curated gardens or wild meadows, Wakehurst is the place to be this summer.
Join us for a summer packed with activities for all ages, new and improved areas to explore, and breathtaking horticultural beauty.
1. Celebrate and learn with Seedscapes
Journey through the world of seeds with art, sculpture and sound set throughout the gardens.
Discover the work of six international artists, inspired by the groundbreaking work of the Millennium Seed Bank in the year of its 25th anniversary. Each artwork brings a unique perspective to the beauty of seed science, inspiring us to connect with the vital role of seeds in culture, science and conservation.
2. Join our Nature Heroes in another mission
Walk the world in Nature Heroes: Globe Trotter, the latest mission celebrating 25 years of Kew's Millennium Seed Bank.
Set off on a mission across the gardens to discover amazing plants from all around the world!
You can even try your hand at banking a seed like a real-life scientist with our new interactive display in the Millennium Seed Bank. Are you ready for the challenge?
3. Bank a Seed like a real scientist
Experience the journey of a seed first-hand with a brand-new interactive installation in the Millennium Seed Bank Atrium.
Follow in the footsteps of our seed scientists as your seed goes through its banking journey – from checking and drying to cleaning and x-raying before it’s finally counted and stored.
Will your seed make it safely into the vault?
4. Visit the new Mansion exhibitions
Our Elizabethan Mansion is now open with two new exhibition spaces to explore, and a lovingly restored Library.
Delve into the history of Wakehurst's landscape in the Billiard Room, from pre-history to the modern day, tracing the influence of Wakehurst's owners over the centuries.
The Chapel uncovers the surprising origins of seed science at Wakehurst, and the pioneering research which has been taking place here ever since.
Take a moment to relax in the Library, a place to reset and soak in the atmosphere of Mansion life.
5. Become a citizen scientist
Help us unlock the secrets of pollinator-friendly trees with our free Trees for Bees trail.
By counting insects on flowering or pollen-producing trees during your garden explorations, your valuable contributions will enable us to cultivate thriving urban spaces that support diverse pollinator populations. Head off on a pollinator safari with our easy-to-use smartphone app and guide, available at the Visitor Centre and online.
Throughout spring and summer, we'll be running Trees for Bees engagement sessions for community groups, to give everyone an opportunity to take part in citizen science.
These studies form vital projects within our Nature Unlocked research programme, so discover the questions we’re asking and what we’ve uncovered so far.
6. Enjoy outdoor family fun
Get ready for a summer adventure at Wakehurst, with free entry for ages 16 and under!
Explore our natural play spaces, including Tree Trunk Trek, Wild Wood, and the newly refurbished Children's and Community Garden.
With new vegetable beds bursting with produce, a woodery where little ones can spot creepy crawlies, and buzzing pollinator habitats, the Children's and Community Garden has something for everyone. And when it's time to get messy, nothing beats the Mud Kitchen!
Nestled in shady Coates Wood, Tree Trunk Trek is the perfect place to run, jump and explore on a hot day. Venture through Wild Wood to spot woven sculptures of woodland creatures, or enjoy a shady picnic.
7. Revel in the summer showstoppers
As the weather warms up, the Walled Garden comes into its full summer glory and the meadows bloom with wildflowers.
Now in its fifth year, the American Prairie is reaching new heights with some species already reaching seven feet tall and still growing! This experimental landscape continues to evolve each year, with plants such as Prairie plantain (Arnoglossum plantagineum) and Ookow (Dichelostemma congestum) flowering for the first time this year.
For breathtaking views, visit Coronation Meadow, now celebrating its ten year anniversary. This undulating landscape provides an enchanting escape from the hustle and bustle, immersing you in the beauty of the Sussex High Weald.
8. Learn something new with our workshops
Experience the enchantment of Wakehurst after dark with our Bat Walk, guided by wildlife expert Tara Dawson, or learn a new skill with our Willow Weaving - Frame Basket workshop led Sussex-based basket maker Dominic Parette.
Immerse yourself in our wildflower meadows in our Summer evening meadow walk, or learn how to Create your own wildflower meadow with Wakehurst's Head of Landscape and Horticulture, Iain Parkinson.
Bathe in the shaded beauty of our woodlands and nourish your wellbeing in our relaxing Summer forest bathing sessions led by Helena Skoog.
9. Soak up inspiration in the Visitor Centre shop
Bring the colours of summer into your home and watch your ideas bloom with a visit to our Visitor Centre shop and Plant Centre.
Whether you’re sprucing up your space with botanical homeware or outdoor plants, selecting your next beach read, or entertaining the kids over the holidays, there’s plenty to pop in for!
Members get 10% off in the Visitor Centre shop and Plant Centre.
10. Explore the Loder Valley Nature Reserve
If you haven't yet had time to explore the recently reopened Loder Valley Nature Reserve, summer is the perfect time to step into this wildlife-rich reserve.
The 3.7km trail takes in ancient woodland and the ancient grassland of Hanging Meadow. With three hides along the way, bring your binoculars and camera to see what wildlife you can spot.
Read & watch
.jpgfa88.webp?itok=STOrmosg "Millennium Seed Bank ©RBG Kew")
