Prices, planning and practical information
Find out about prices for school visits and browse information to help you plan your visit.
Prices
Please note: prices below are valid for visits until July 2025.
As of September 2025 our prices will increase to £170 for half day and £220 for full day visits.
Foundation
- Half day* visit (30 students per group): £150
- Full day visit (30 students per group): £200
Primary
- Half day* visit (30 students per group): £150
- Full day visit (30 students per group): £200
Secondary
- Half day* visit (20-30 students per group): £150
- Full day visit (20-30 students per group): £200
- NB. A £50 surcharge for DNA workshops apply to cover resources
Self-led visit
- Please note, these are for smaller groups only. Email wakehurstschools@kew.org or telephone 01444 894055 to enquire about a booking.
*Half day visits: Owing to site constraints, all schools wanting to stay for lunch after morning sessions will have to pay for full day & be accompanied to the exit by Wakehurst teacher after lunch.
Health and safety
Supervising your group
We require a minimum supervision ratio of 1 adult to 10 pupils. We recommend pupils are accompanied by adults in the following ratios:
- SENs - 1:1
- Early Years/Reception - 1:4
- Key Stage 1 - 1:5
- Key Stage 2 - 1:8
- Key Stage 3 - 1:10
- Key Stage 4 - 1:12
- Key Stage 5 - 1:12
Risk assessment
Relevant risk assessments are provided during the planning stages of assisted visits.
All our teachers are experienced and all teachers and volunteers are DBS checked.
Planning your visit
Preliminary teacher visit
Once you've confirmed your assisted visit, we advise you to visit Wakehurst in advance to plan the day.
We provide free entry for teachers coming on planning visits. If you're unable to come for a planning visit, planning can be done by phone/email.
Recommended timings
Arrival time is 10am or after. Departure times are no later than 2.30pm for EYFS & KS1/2 and 3pm for KS3/4/5 unless agreed otherwise (they may be determined by the distance to be travelled back to school).
Our site
Wakehurst is the perfect place for curious minds and hands-on learning, whatever the weather, thanks to our beautiful landscapes, science in action and outdoor covered spaces. Please come prepared with clothing and shoes appropriate for the weather conditions.
With thanks to Clean Planet for their sponsorship of the Clean Planet tent.
Briefing your pupils before your visit
Take care around:
- lake and ponds
- moving vehicles
- poisonous, thorny and spiky plants
Follow the garden rules and...
- don't climb trees
- don't pick or eat any plants
- keep out of areas marked no entry
- no ball games
What to bring
Please ask your students and staff to bring:
- a bag to carry lunch
- waterproofs
- comfortable shoes
- water bottle
- sun protection
- layered clothing
- any medication e.g epipens or inhalers
Preparing your adults
Make sure all accompanying adults understand the importance of supervising their group and what to do in an emergency.
- itinerary for sessions, lunch and leaving time
- mobile phone numbers for all adults in your group
- Wakehurst emergency number: 01444 894107 (for emergencies, lost children and First Aid)
On the day
Travelling to Wakehurst
If travelling by coach, enter and drop off in the main car park.
Check our getting here advice for the closest train station and directions.
What to do when you arrive
You'll be met by a member of the Wakehurst teaching team, who will lead you through the rest of the day.
If you're running late
If you're unexpectedly delayed on the day, please phone us as soon as possible on 01444894055 or email Wakehurstschools@kew.org with your revised time of arrival.
It's important that you are on site to start the education sessions on time.
Lunch
Our staff will take you to your lunchtime location. Lunch is usually eaten outside, but on wet days you can eat lunch in the classrooms over covered spaces. Waterproof mats can be provided for students if lunch is eaten outside.
Toilets
There are toilets located at the schools entrance and near to the Wakehurst Mansion, Millennium Seed Bank and Field Study Centre. When working with soil, leaf litter and pond water, it is important to remember to cover cuts and to wash hands.
