Prices, planning and practical information
Find out about prices for school visits and browse information to help you plan your visit.
Booking your visit
First you'll need to decide whether you want an assisted or self-led visit.
If you choose an assisted visit, an experienced Wakehurst teacher will be allocated to plan your visit with you. You can browse our sessions here.
We ask all educational groups to book their day in advance, whether visiting independently or taking part in a session led by a Wakehurst teacher.
Prices
Foundation
- Half day visit (20 students per group): £150
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
Self-led visit
- Free entry for students in full time education made in advance (7 days notice required).
- This also applies to groups with an Educational Group National Trust card.
Health and safety
Supervising your group
Unassisted visit
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
- Reception - 1:2
- Key Stage 1 - 1:5
- Key Stage 2 - 1:8
- Key Stage 3 - 1:10
- Key Stage 4 - 1:10
- Key Stage 5 - 1.10
Assisted visits
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
- Foundation Stage - 1:2
- Key Stage 1 - 1:5
- Key Stage 2 - 1:8
- Key Stage 3 - 1:10
- Key Stage 4 - 1:10
Risk assessment
Relevant risk assessments are provided during the planning stages of assisted visits.
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 can be any time after 10am. Departure times are no later than 3pm unless agreed otherwise (they may be determined by the distance to be travelled back to school).
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
We have a cloakroom facility where pupils can drop off their bags and lunches at the start of the day.
- a bag to carry lunch
- waterproofs
- comfortable shoes
- water bottle
- sun protection
- layered clothing
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
- emergency number: 01444 894100 (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 schoolswp@kew.org with your revised time of arrival.
It's important that you are on site to start the education sessions on time.
Lunch
Wakehurst volunteers will take you to your lunchtime location. Lunch is usually eaten outside, but on wet days you can eat lunch in the Mansion or the Field study centre. Waterproof mats are 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.