19 December 2019
9 things to do at Wakehurst on a rainy day
Take your pick from these fun wet weather ideas at our wild botanic garden.
To stop the rain putting a dampener on your day, we’ve rounded up the best things to do at Wakehurst on wet weather days.
Our wild botanic garden nestled in the heart of the Sussex countryside is a fantastic place to visit even when it’s raining.
So pull on your wellies, grab your umbrella, zip up your raincoat and get exploring!
Feed the ducks
With its streams, ponds and lakes, it’s no wonder that Wakehurst is a favourite for water-loving wild ducks.
Buy some nutritional duck food from our Visitor Centre shop and head out in the wet weather to feed the feathery creatures.
Duck hotspots include Mansion Pond, Black Pond and Westwood Lake.
Splash about in puddles
Just because it’s raining that doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors.
Jumping around in puddles is lots of fun for kids and big kids alike. Splash and play in the puddles dotted about our wild landscape (wellies recommended).
And remember, children under 16 have free entry to the gardens.
Ramble in the rain
Instead of escaping the rain, why not embrace it?
Explore our woodlands of the world, from the conifers of the Pinetum to the beautiful Bethlehem Wood with its National Collection of birches (Betula).
As you stroll, use all your senses to connect with your surroundings. Take in the sights, sounds, smells and touch.
Listen to the soft patter of rain on leaves, smell the rich earthy scent of wet soil and squelch in the mud.
Come to our exhibition
If you want some indoors time during a rainy day, then visit our thought-provoking Surviving or Thriving exhibition in the Millennium Seed Bank Atrium.
Find out why some of the world’s plants are in crisis while others are thriving, through film, sound, models, interactive games and a futuristic garden.
Based on our pioneering State of the World’s Plants and Fungi reports, the exhibition is great for all ages.
See scientists at work
Get a behind-the-scenes look at our scientists at work in the Millennium Seed Bank.
Our growing global collection of seeds is the largest and most diverse wild plant species genetic resource and biggest seed conservation project in the world.
Peek through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the Atrium to see our experts in the laboratories.
Our MSB scientists work with partners in more than 95 countries around the world, collecting, preserving and researching seeds.
Wander in The Wetlands
It’s all in the name; wet by nature our Wetlands is perfect on drizzly days.
Walk along the boardwalks and witness the huge variety of wetland plants growing in this conservation hotspot.
Situated at the bottom of the valley near Westwood Lake, it’s thriving with bird and insect life.
If you need a break from the rain, hop underneath our attractive woodland shelter, with its oak frame and cedar-shingle roof.
Do some wildlife watching
Keep your eyes peeled for animals that love the rain like frogs, toads, ducks and snails.
Wildlife lovers should head to our Loder Valley Nature Reserve, a 150-acre haven of flora and fauna.
Can you spot any kingfishers, herons, or ospreys among the mix of wetlands, meadows and woodland here?
Grab some grub
Step inside one of our cafés or restaurants to get dry and warm up.
Choose from a selection of tasty hot meals, afternoon tea, coffee and cakes, sandwiches and snacks.
Join one of our workshops
Want to learn something new and keep out of the rain? Take part in one of our creative workshops.
Why not create a botanical perfume or candle, make a stylish macramé plant hanger or complete a digital photography short course? We have many different fun and informative workshops to choose from.
