Things to do with your class during your visit to Wakehurst

There is so much to see and do at Wakehurst - it is impossible to fit it all in on one day! However, with careful pre-planning you can make the most of what Wakehurst has to offer your students. Some ideas for school groups are listed below.

Parterres outside the Millennium Seed Bank

Kew's Millennium Seed Bank

Visit the Millennium Seed Bank

Find out how seeds are collected from around the world and what happens to them when they arrive at the Seed Bank. Use the interactive touch-screen exhibition located in the Orange Room of the Millennium Seed Bank to discover how seeds are stored in the Millennium Seed Bank and why it is so important that seeds are stored for the future.

As you enter the Millennium Seed Bank there is a ‘seed wall’ which shows the huge range of shapes and sizes that seeds come in. Students can see the smallest type of seed in the world, that of the lady’s slipper orchid, and the largest type of seed - the double coconut palm.

Westwood lake at Wakehurst.

Do a trail

Help your students get inspired at Wakehurst by taking part in a trail for young people.

Each trail varies in location and theme. A new trail is devised each time a new Wakehurst newsletter is published. Some examples of recent trails include Winter Warmer, Plant Spy Thinking Walk, Amazing Adaptations Thinking Walk, Biodiversity Thinking Walk, Seed Search Thinking Walk, Trek to the Southern Hemisphere, Visit Coates Wood and Sizzle Sizzle Charcoal Trail.

Kew at Wakehurst newsletter (pdf)

Natural play area

Natural play

Kew is creating a series of natural play features in the Garden at Wakehurst. The first two areas which are aimed at our younger students are ready to enjoy, including 'Tunnels and Tents' (a feature made from living willow) and 'Scents of Direction' (a small spiral maze made of planters containing scented plants). These attractions are located near to the Wakehurst Mansion.

Wakehurst - visitor map (pdf)

Follow our map for family fun.

Fun activities

You can find lots of fun ideas to keep your students occupied around the Garden in the 'Family fun at Wakehurst' leaflet. Activities include 'Make a shelter out of pine needles for a pinetum pixie,' 'Find a rainbow of natural colours' and 'Go on a scavenger hunt.'