Summer holidays at Kew Wakehurst bring new activities, trails and events

This summer, the ultimate family day out awaits at Kew Wakehurst, where little legs on embark on big adventures and childhood memories take root. A range of new family trails and events have been curated to inspire a deeper connection with nature, tying into celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the Nature Unlocked research programme. Using the landscape as a living laboratory, scientists are gathering data to inform solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss, with the Nature Connectedness research adding the ‘people layer’ - investigating how biodiversity supports both our mental and physical wellbeing. Wakehurst invites everyone who steps into the gardens this year to take a moment to connect with nature, discovering how it can inspire curiosity and encourage a passion to protect the natural world. 

Eva Owen, Public Engagement Manager, commented: “This year will bring something brand new for Wakehurst. We’ve redesigned our family offer, shaping it around our Nature Connectedness research, ensuring that each event offers a moment for visitors of all ages to forge their own relationship with the natural world. Whether you’ve been coming with your family for years or are just discovering our beautiful botanic garden for the first time, this summer promises to be special, and we can’t wait to welcome you.” 

NEW: Make new memories as the sun sets 

In another first for Wakehurst, the landscape will play host to a new series of after-hours events, transforming the gardens into a hub of culture, music and film as the sunsets.  

Late garden openings | 16 and 23 July  Thursday late openings, free for members 

On Thursdays, the gardens will be open until 9pm, creating the perfect setting for a sunset stroll through the meadows or colourful Walled Garden. Forming the perfect ideal after-school treat in the countdown to the summer holidays, families can roam the Wakehurst landscape as the sun sets. 

Latehurst | Fridays and Saturdays July  Friday & Saturday sessions, member discounts available 

This summer, Wakehurst is launching Latehurst, a brand-new series of open-air events, designed for everyone to make the most of the longer summer evenings.  

The Mansion Concert evenings, taking place on 10 & 11 July are ideal for children aged eight and above, whilst the Mansion Jazz evenings are perfect for all the family to enjoy a sunset picnic accompanied by captivating voices. 

NEW: Family Explorer Map Map included with entry and membership 

This summer, Wakehurst has introduced a new Explorer Map, highlighting the top spaces for explorers to roam wild. Visitors can design their own family day out, whether that’s spotting wildlife, running through meadows or following buggy-friendly routes throughout the gardens. In addition, new trail guides will help to enhance adventures across the landscape, with the dinosaur trail offering a Jurassic journey across the landscape and the Barky Bark guide offering fun facts about Wakehurst’s trees.

NEW: Wild Wood sculpture trail refreshed with new installations  Included with entry and membership 

The Wild Wood sculpture trail is a family favourite and this summer brings new sculptures to discover. Entering through a rejuvenated gateway, families can look out for new woven wildlife hidden around the native woodland, from a red kite flying overhead to creatures that regular Glow Wild-goers may recognise. Through larger-than-life, hand-crafted sculptures, visitors can explore a secret woodland world, taking a closer look at their surroundings and rediscovering the biodiversity around them. Families can also pick up a wonderful woodland trail palette, to encourage explorers to go on a nature-inspired treasure hunt and see the woodland in a new way. 

NEW: Explore the world of seed science with a virtual scientist   Included with entry and membership 

As a living laboratory, Wakehurst is home to ground-breaking science across the landscape and at Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank – the world's largest store of wild seeds. The MSB Atrium beckons as a hub of discovery, where the next generation of scientists can follow the journey of a seed from arrival to banking in sub-zero vaults. For those eager to learn more, a new virtual AI scientist is on hand in the Atrium, to answer all questions, from ‘what is the smallest seed’ to ‘could seeds survive in space?’ and everything in between. On Mondays at 2pm, visitors can also discover more with free MSB Atrium tours, and families can have a go at being a seed scientist with the playful Bank a Seed exhibition.  

Discover a space to grow in the Children’s & Community Garden  Open year-round, Included with entry and membership 

In the Children’s & Community Garden visitors of all ages can admire vegetables growing in accessible vegetable plots, spot bees buzzing in and out of the pollinator hotels, and marvel at the many colours of nature blooming from mini meadows. At its heart is the Mud Kitchen, a space for children to enjoy messy play, getting creative with play kitchen equipment at the ready. Families will also be able to wander through a new Mediterranean-inspired area, which reflects Wakehurst’s commitment to horticultural innovation, designing landscapes that are future-proofed to increase thriving biodiversity across the UK. 

Help scientists count pollinators   Running until Sept, included with entry and membership 

Wakehurst’s scientists are investigating where pollinators are choosing to forage across the landscape, with the aim of informing pollinator-friendly planting in urban areas. Through the Trees for Bees study, visitors can count the bees they see and upload data on the easy-to-use app, offering an engaging way for budding ecologists to connect with wildlife conservation. Community groups can also sign up for Engagement Sessions to hear from our scientists, enjoy a guided tour and get support in using the app. 

Travel the world in one day  

One visit to Wakehurst means exploring landscapes from across the globe, and with new membership products on offer, all 535 acres are open for families to find their wild side. Little legs can take in towering North American redwoods 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. The Water Gardens are a tranquil escape, offering plenty of dappled shade for sunnier days, whilst the Walled Garden is a pocket of sunshine, bursting to life in summer. From May, Wakehurst’s expansive and immersive meadows will reopen, coming to life with a sea of native flowers and grasses, buzzing with the sound of pollinators. For a wilder adventure, families can venture into the Loder Valley Nature Reserve, where an ancient woodland, meadow and tranquil waters are home to a range of wildlife. With the binoculars ready, eagle-eyed explorers can spot kingfishers, terns, hobbies and more.  

Should the summer bring rainier days, families can seek refuge in the Grade I listed Elizabethan Mansion, where two exhibition rooms beckon as a space for curiosity. Children can get close to science in the Chapel, discovering the origins of the Millennium Seed Bank, or try out the interactive exhibit in the Billiard Room, telling the story of the landscape. The cosy Library is the ideal spot to rest weary legs and enjoy a quiet moment with a choice of books available. 

NEW: Explore art from a different perspective  Running until Sept, included with entry and membership 

This summer, the Wakehurst landscape has transformed into a spectacular open-air gallery, with the arrival of Henry Moore and More. Sculpture meets the beauty of the natural world as Wakehurst showcases four of Moore’s iconic sculptures, alongside bold new commissions from contemporary artists. Organised in partnership with the Henry Moore Foundation, this remarkable exhibition invites visitors to explore the evolving conversation between art and nature, and families can explore the installations together, sparking shared wonder and creative conversation.  

Each visit to Wakehurst offers something new, encouraging families to unite across generations and form their relationships with the natural world. For those travelling by bus, Metrobus has added a brand-new Sunday service on the 272 so now you can reach Wakehurst by bus every day of the week, with 50% off entry for adults travelling by bus or train. 

Nick Hill, Commercial Director at Metrobus, commented: “Kew Wakehurst is one of the most unique and beautiful locations on our network, and we are thrilled to be able to connect customers with the gardens seven days week, with the new enhanced service on the 272. Our partnership, and the 50% discount offered bus users, is an example of our dual commitment to a sustainable future.” 

This summer, Kew Wakehurst will be participating in the Great British Summer Savings initiative, designed to help families enjoy discounted days out for less. From 25 June until 1 September 2026, tickets booked to Wakehurst will carry only 5% VAT, and VAT on children’s food options served in the Stables and Seeds Restaurants will also be reduced.