Families

With more than 500 acres of gardens, woodlands and a nature reserve, there are plenty of things for families to do at Wakehurst — and kids go free!

A family outdoors in front of a pink magnolia tree in full bloom

Things to do with the family

Many places to explore

  • Children run through the Labyrinth at Wakehurst

    Natural play spaces

    Natural play spaces are scattered across Wakehurst for kids to explore. Find your way through the Labyrinth, seek out wooden carvings in our woodlands and play along the mown pathways in our summer meadows.

  • Bluebells in Bethlehem wood at Wakehurst

    Woodlands of the world

    On a family day out, walk beneath the sweet gum trees of North America or search for the Wollemi pine, a 'living fossil' that is as old as dinosaurs, in Coates Wood. 

  • A group of people in a garden looking at plants

    The Children's Walled Garden and Mud Kitchen

    Go beyond the Walled Garden to explore this enchanting place, where flowers, herbs and vegetables grow alongside each other. Open seasonally.

  • Tree Trunk Trek

    We've given our champion play space for young adventurers a new look.

  • A trio of deer sculptures made from willow

    Wild Wood

    Delight your senses by exploring our new Wild Wood trail with the whole family.

Explorer rucksacks

Wakehurst Explorer Rucksacks

Pull on one of our Explorer Rucksacks and prepare for an intrepid journey through Wakehurst. Each rucksack is jam-packed with creative goodies.

What's on

  • Thumbnail image
    A child runs through a garden at Wakehurst wearing a superhero cap with a lightning bolt on it
    Family friendly | Accessible

    Nature Heroes

    Custom date
    Half terms and school holidays
  • Thumbnail image
    Moon and star paper lanterns suspended in a tree
    Family friendly | Evenings | Food and drink

    Glow Wild 2023 at Wakehurst

    Custom date
    Selected evenings, 23 November 2023 to 1 January 2024

Planning your visit

  • A young child crouched down in a vegetable garden

    Tickets – Kids go free

    Children (16 and under)*: free 

    Young persons (17 – 25): £7.25 — after 3.30pm: £3.75

    Adult tickets from £1

    * An adult must accompany any child 16 or under.  

  • A restaurant kitchen with people and a wide range of food

    Eating and drinking

    Enjoy tasty food and delicious treats from our cafés and restaurants.

    You can also bring your own picnic! The best places to picnic are in Coates Wood on one of the numerous picnic benches dotted around; or on the Mansion Lawn between the high prairie grasses of the American Prairie in summer.

  • Colourful rhododendrons in spring at Wakehurst

    Facilities and access for families

    Map – we will give you a map when you arrive, this shows all toilets, baby changing facilities and suitable routes for buggies.

    Access – most buildings have level or ramped access. Around the Mansion and Visitor Centre there are gravel and hard surfaced paths. The remaining garden and woodland areas have steep slopes, steps or paths that may be uneven.

*Valid for new memberships only, purchased from 30 March to 30 April 2023. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Standard direct debit price £31.50, now £23.63. Standard cash price £36.50, now £27.38. Restrictions apply, please see our terms and conditions.