2 March 2025
5 min read
Top 10 things to do at Wakehurst this spring
Discover the best things to do this spring at our wild botanic garden in the heart of Sussex as it transforms into a tapestry of colour.
Join us for brand-new family activities, stunning horticultural highlights, and exclusive deals for our members this spring at Wakehurst.
Whether it's our exciting new Octonauts trail or taking part in one of our incredible workshops, there's never a better time to visit.
Contents
- Join the Octonauts on a buzzing new mission
- Take in a kaleidoscope of colours
- Take part in a Wakehurst workshop
- Get involved with Community Festival
- Experience our dazzling carpet of bluebells
- Play a role in pioneering science studies
- Indulge in sweet treats
- Make a mess in the Mud Kitchen
- Browse our world-class collections
- Become a member
1. Sound the Octo-alert!
This Easter, join the Octonauts on a buzzing family mission!
Captain Barnacles and the crew need you! Based on the Octonauts: Above and Beyond episode, ‘Honeybees’, help guide the honeybees back home at Wakehurst.
Following the trail through our springtime gardens, find out what bees need to communicate and survive, and help them get back to their hive for mission complete.
2. Take in a kaleidoscope of colours
In the heart of the gardens, the Water Gardens are a sensational centrepiece in the spring.
Step under bright magnolia arching over The Slips boardwalk, and head towards Black Pond, bordered by a luscious bed of overflowing colour.
Enter the Iris Dell through a carpet of indigo irises, and marvel at the bold azalea shrub, towering over this peaceful glade. Stroll around our purpose-built boardwalk and rest on one of the benches to take it all in.
Whilst rhododendrons adorn the landscape throughout spring, there’s one spot that really provides the best view. Our Westwood View Point overlooks Westwood Valley, where you can look out across a family of rhododendron shrubs, sporting a myriad of reds, pinks, and whites.
With so many species to spot, and nearly 2000 different accessions, it’s no wonder our collection is globally significant.
3. Take part in a Wakehurst workshop
Rediscover a connection with nature or tap into your creative side this spring by participating in one of our workshops.
Relax and escape the everyday stresses with spring forest bathing or tune into the harmonies of Wakehurst with a birdsong walk. Catch a rare glimpse of nature with a badger watching evening or pick up a new skill in a willow weaving workshop.
4. Get involved with Community Festival
This spring sees the return of our Community Festival, on 8 and 9 May. Charities and local community groups can enjoy the gardens free of charge and discover a wide range of activities.
Immerse yourself in the wellbeing benefits of the gardens with accessible sensory tours and forest bathing experiences. You can even join a pollinator safari to discover how to be a citizen scientist!
5. Experience our dazzling carpet of bluebells
The breathtaking display of native wildflowers in the UK reaches its peak beauty during April and May. During this time, vast expanses of English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) adorn our woodland floors. These delicate, bell-shaped flowers, in shades of violet-blue, emerge from underground bulbs during the spring season.
Journey to our prime bluebell viewing spots such as Bethlehem Wood, Westwood Valley, and Horsebridge Wood.
6. Play a role in pioneering science studies
Our scientists are using our diverse landscapes to uncover the secrets that nature holds in combatting biodiversity loss and climate change, whilst boosting our own wellbeing.
On your next visit, take part in our Trees for Bees study, helping our pollination experts identify which plants and trees provide the most benefits for our pollinating insects.
Throughout spring and summer, we'll be running Trees for Bees engagement sessions for community groups, to give everyone an opportunity to take part in citizen science.
These studies form vital projects within our Nature Unlocked research programme, so discover the questions we’re asking and what we’ve uncovered so far.
7. Indulge in sweet treats
Celebrate Mother's Day with a Prosecco & Patisserie or Afternoon Tea Picnic Hamper, featuring handcrafted treats and sparkly delights, available throughout March from the Stables Kitchen.
Spring also sees the return of a traditional favourite, Fish and Chip Fridays, perfect to fill up before or after a spring stroll!
8. Make a mess in the Mud Kitchen
With April showers will come plenty of mud, perfect for cooking up mud pies and more in our recently revamped Mud Kitchen! Complete with pots, pans, teapots and cookie cutters, the Mud Kitchen has everything little ones need to let their imaginations run wild.
While exploring the Children's and Community Garden, make sure to check out the bee bank and edible meadow as the pollinators start to buzz around.
9. Browse our world-class collections
Explore vibrant blooms and new bulbs at our Plant Centre, where expert gardening advice awaits. Bring spring home with you with sweet peas, fritillaries and primroses ready to brighten any garden with spring colour.
Members enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases.
10. Become a member
Watch the story of spring unfold as a Wakehurst member.
Part of the beauty of spring is seeing each bulb and blossom bloom in its own time. From daffodils to bluebells, irises and magnolia, they all have their turn in the spotlight.
With unlimited visits, a Wakehurst membership means you never have to miss a blooming moment!
Read & watch
.jpg17e6.webp?itok=GEK_2c18 "Rhododendron at Wakehurst, James Ratchford © RBG Kew")
