
Wakehurst
Become a Wakehurst member
Become a member of Wakehurst for exclusive benefits.
Become a member25-26 JANUARY 2021: As a precaution, The Children's Garden will be closed due to icy conditions. It will re-open from 1.15 pm on 26 January. If you have booked a session within that time, please contact info@kew.org to re-arrange your slot.
Both Kew Gardens and Wakehurst are open in the daytime (although some of our buildings are closed). Book a time slot to Kew Gardens or Wakehurst before you visit.
Wildlife abounds in this haven of peace and tranquillity where you can observe nature at its finest.
Dormice, wildflowers, the marsh tit and butterflies flourish in the Loder Valley Nature Reserve. Kingfishers can often be seen beside Westwood Lake.
The reserve consists of a matrix of habitats including wetlands, meadows and Wealden woodland. Bird hides allow you to view a wealth of species including herons, ospreys, hobbies and little egrets.
A beautiful walk around part of the Ardingly Reservoir, which passes through woodland and meadowland. There is a specially-built sandy bank that attracts breeding kingfishers.
The Hanging Meadow shimmers with wonderful wildflowers in spring and summer and rich insect life – just as it was before the invention of modern herbicides.
A more strenuous walk, almost entirely through woodland. Steep woodland slopes lead to impressive views across the valley. The undergrowth of brambles and hazels provides dense cover and food for the native hazel dormouse. You might spot one of the 300 dormouse nesting boxes in the reserve, monitored by Wakehurst rangers as part of our support for The Dormouse Recovery Programme.
Pick up a trail map from the admissions kiosk on arrival to the gardens to help discover the Loder Valley for yourself.
A permit is required to visit the reserve and a map is essential – please ask at the admissions kiosk for more details.
Sensible shoes should be worn – and a pair of binoculars and a camera would be a good addition for your visit. Photography here must be for personal use only.
Please be respectful to all wildlife you encounter. It is an offence to knowingly disturb kingfishers close to their nests during breeding season.
Wakehurst
Become a member of Wakehurst for exclusive benefits.
Become a memberWakehurst
Explore the varied wildlife and tranquil beauty of the Wetlands like never before with our newly-renovated boardwalks.
The WetlandsWakehurst
Over 200 years, the residents of Wakehurst’s Mansion acquired plants from all over the world, surrounding the estate with beautiful intimate gardens across the seasons.
The Mansion Gardens