What's on this June at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst
Release date: 16 May 2025
- Now open: Of the Oak by Marshmallow Laser Feast at Kew Gardens
- At Wakehurst, green canopies flourish throughout the landscape and the Walled Garden is a seasonal hotspot
- The Power of Trees in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery celebrates the secrets of the forest
- Horticultural highlights include a new Wild Rose Garden at Kew Gardens, in bloom for the first time
- Silent Disco returns to Kew’s iconic Temperate House
- Tickets available now for the Joe Wicks Festival at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens
Of the Oak | until 28 September 2025 | Syon Vista | Included with entry to the Gardens
Now open at Kew Gardens, Of the Oak, a new interactive video installation inspired by one of Kew’s most magnificent trees.
Fusing of-the-moment scientific research alongside Marshmallow Laser Feast’s signature innovation, this world-premiere installation takes visitors on a captivating visual and auditory journey, using extensive real-world data to untangle the invisible web of water, oxygen and carbon at work within the majestic Lucombe oak - one of Kew Gardens’ most remarkable trees. Visitors are invited to explore a deep connection to the majestic tree's story and resilience, as they peer through its unique characteristics and learn about its vital role in the ecosystem.
Every Thursday and Saturday at 11.30am, visitors can join a free Of the Oak walking tour to learn more about Kew’s oak collection.
The Power of Trees | until 14 September 2025 | Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art | Included with entry to the Gardens
Head to the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art for a new exhibition celebrating woodland wonders and their impact on art and culture across generations. The Power of Trees will showcase a broad range of works, from the world premiere of 20 delicate botanical illustrations from The Bedgebury Pinetum Florilegium Society to an epic cinematic installation from Finnish visual artist Eija-Liisa Ahtila.
In Horizontal – Vaakasuora, Ahtila portrays a 30-metre spruce from Finland across six vertical scenes, complete with a natural soundscape to create an immersive, living portrait. Ahtila’s preparatory works for the installation, entitiled Anthropomorphic Exercises in Film will premiere in the UK alongside the cinematic masterpiece. Forming a vibrant celebration of trees and their artistic resonance, the exhibition shines new light on the power of art in connecting people more deeply with the natural world.
The Nash Sessions: London Session Quartet | Thursday 12 June | 6.30pm to 9pm (performance begins at 7.30pm) | Nash Conservatory, entry via Elizabeth Gate | Member £30, Child member £10, Non-member £40, Child non-member £10 | Includes entry to the Gardens
Enjoy an enchanting candlelit concert in the Nash Conservatory at Kew Gardens – a magical setting for a Spring soirée with family and friends.
The London Session Quartet is an exciting and versatile string ensemble, who first met as postgraduate students at the renowned Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Together they have performed on the international stage in prestigious classical venues across the continent, where their repertoire is filled with variety and excitement, from Beethoven to Hans Zimmer, music for the movies at Abbey Road Studios, and lots more in between.
Wine Walks | 11 June | 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm & 7.30pm
Experience the best of wine and nature with an exclusive summer after hours walk, accompanied by our Kew Series wine courtesy of Laithwaites. Embark on a leisurely 2km self-guided walk through some of the most breathtaking areas of Kew Gardens, where you’ll have exclusive access of the stunning Gardens and sample wines along the way.
Silent Disco | 14 June | 7pm – 10.30pm | Temperate House
After the huge success of our first Silent Disco last year, this summer you can once again don your dancing shoes and dance surrounded by plants of the world at Kew Gardens!
We are delighted to welcome back Auntie Maureen to the decks after her joyous sets at last year’s Silent Disco. A full bar serving drinks and tasty bites will be available throughout the night.
Kew the Movies presented by Adventure Cinema | Friday 20 – Sunday 22 June| Entry via Lion Gate
Experience the magic of outdoor cinema at Kew Gardens this summer!
Adventure Cinema is bringing the UK’s No.1 outdoor cinema experience to Kew, with an unforgettable lineup of classic films, musicals, blockbusters, and family favourites—all set beneath the open sky.
Friday 20 June | Wicked Sing-A-Long (PG), 7.30pm
Saturday 21 June | Moana 2 (U), 1.30pm | Mamma Mia! ExtraABBAganza (PG), 6.30pm
Sunday 22 June | The Gruffalo & Stick Man (U), 11am | Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration (PG), 3pm | Bridget Jones’s Diary (15) | 7.30pm
Coming Soon: Joe Wicks Festival at Kew | Sunday 6 July | 9.30am – 6pm | Tickets from £36 adult and £12.75 child
See the nation’s favourite body coach, Joe Wicks, return to Kew Gardens with his feel-good festival this summer. Bringing his signature high-energy style, Joe will be joined by a host of guest experts across four zones, each looking to boost the mental and physical wellness of friends and families.
Wellbeing in Nature
Kew’s popular event series Wellbeing in Nature returns this month, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing within the inspiring surroundings of Kew Gardens’ 320-acre UNESCO World Heritage site. All tickets include entry to Kew Gardens and a 20% discount in our restaurants.
Tai chi | 6, 12, 20 & 27 June | 9am – 10am | Mediterranean Garden / Berberis Dell
Boost your physical and mental wellbeing with the centuries-old Chinese martial art, ta chi, amidst the tranquil surroundings of Kew’s Mediterranean Garden. Six-week courses also available for beginners and intermediate participants.
Forest bathing | 7, 14, 21, 28 June | 10.30am- 12.30pm | Arboretum
Inspired by the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is a sensory woodland walk alongside an expert guide, who will lead participants as they disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. Organised in partnership with the Forest Bathing Institute.
Temperate House Yoga | 6, 13, 21 June, 7.45am – 9am & 26 June, 7pm – 8.15pm | Temperate House
This one-hour vinyasa flow session is held in the spectacular Temperate House. Enjoy pre-opening or sunset classes in the midst of 10,000 rare and endangered plants, led by Anil Jangi, Kew’s own yoga instructor.
Sound baths in nature | 4 & 24 June | 4pm – 5pm | Nash Conservatory
Immerse yourself in the calming sounds of gongs, singing bowls and gentle percussion in a therapeutic sonic experience for relaxation and wellbeing. No previous experience is needed for this expert-led session, making it the perfect opportunity to try a new way of reaching deep meditation and relaxation.
Pilates | 4 & 24 June | 10am – 11am | Nash Conservatory
Tone your body in our historic 19th century Nash Conservatory with our special Pilates sessions. Find mindfulness through pairing breathing exercises with movement; our knowledgeable and friendly Pilates instructor will focus on improving your flexibility, strength, and posture.
Horticultural Highlights – Summer
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Visitors can enjoy Kew’s new Wild Rose Garden, in bloom for the first time this summer. The garden showcases one of the best collections of wild roses in the world, dating back to the 1800s. With over 70 types of wild rose on display, this garden tells the story of the evolution of the much-loved flower, which stem from just ten wild rose species.
Elsewhere, explore the Great Broad Walk Borders with a new walking tour, every day from 12.30pm.
Kew Publishing Book of the Month | Bedgebury Florilegium by Christina Harrison and Dan Luscombe
Founded in 1925, Bedgebury National Pinetum was established through a pioneering partnership with the Forestry Commission and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. In celebration of its centenary, this book features 20 stunning botanical paintings by the Bedgebury National Pinetum Florilegium Society, showcasing the beauty and scope of the trees in the collection.
At the heart of the book are the botanical paintings by the Bedgebury National Pinetum Florilegium Society. Founded in 2008, this group of botanical artists are dedicated to documenting the Pinetum’s remarkable plant collection through scientifically accurate and artistically stunning illustrations.
Wakehurst
Horticultural Highlights
At Wakehurst, the gardens burst in life with lush greenery throughout the woodlands, and a bold display of biodiversity in the Water Gardens. On those warmer days, dappled shade can be found throughout the landscape, with the tranquil waters of Westwood Lake providing a perfect respite in the quieter areas of the gardens. In the heart of the landscape, the Walled Garden transforms into a wonderful express of the English Country Garden, full of soft and subtle colours and intimate corners to take a break of enjoy a picnic. This summer, Wakehurst is preparing to reopen the Grade I listed Elizabethan Mansion, after the building underwent vital roof repairs. Those wanting to find out the latest updates can keep an eye on Wakehurst’s website for more information.
Events
Trees for Bees | Free with entry to the gardens
Scientists at Wakehurst are undertaking a pioneering project to discover which trees prove most popular with our buzzing pollinators. With this vital data, they can help boost populations of critical bees, wasps and more across the country, particularly in urban areas. And now, visitors have a chance to be part of it. Grab a free guide, download the app and follow our trail to help our scientists understand our bee population. Community groups can also sign up to an Engagement Session to hear from our scientists and enjoy a guided tour.
Willow weaving workshops – hare | 6 June | 10.30am to 5pm | Member £88, non-member £98
Join a beginner's workshop exploring working with willow in a sculptural way and creating your own willow hare, perfect for your garden. Guided by Dominic Parrette you’ll be introduced to the techniques of weaving with willow coppiced right here at Wakehurst. Dominic will lead you through each step of the process to create a strong, beautiful decorative hare that will last.
Summer Evening Meadow Walks | 18 and 25 June | 6.30pm to 8.30pm | Members: £30, non-members: £35
Discover the beauty of Wakehurst’s meadows on a guided walk through some of its most iconic landscapes, including Bloomers Valley, Hanging Meadow and the Coronation Meadow. This scenic two-mile route offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in vibrant wildflower displays while learning from our expert guide and head of landscape and horticulture, Iain, about the rich ecology, fascinating history and wildlife that thrive in these spaces. You’ll also gain practical tips on how to create your own meadow at home.
Summer forest bathing | 22 June | 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm | Member £25, non-member £40
Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing invites you to slow down and fully immerse yourself in the calming forest environment at Wakehurst. Guided by Swedish teacher and workshop leader Helena Skoog, you'll learn how to engage all your senses to connect deeply with your surroundings.
Parkrun at Wakehurst | Every Saturday from 9am | Free
Pace yourself through our scenic landscape as Parkrun is now at Wakehurst. Every Saturday morning, embark on a fun, free and friendly 5K. Participants must register with Parkrun before their first event.
Guided tours | Tues to Thurs, 11.30am and 2pm | Fri – Mon, 11.30am | Free, subject to availability
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you're a regular to the gardens wanting to learn more, join a volunteer-led tour to discover seasonal areas of interest, learn about the history of the landscape and discover behind-the-scenes stories of the gardens.
Millennium Seed Bank Atrium Guided Tours | Mondays 2pm | Free, subject to availability
Step inside the most biodiverse place on earth and enjoy a guided tour of the MSB Atrium. Trained volunteer guides will take you through the journey of a seed from collection to banking and point out areas of interest through the laboratory windows. Launched in celebration of the Millennium Seed Bank’s 25th anniversary.
Dog walks at Wakehurst | Daily | Dedicated dog walking route
Enjoy Wakehurst’s wintery woodlands and captivating views with your four-legged friend in tow. Wakehurst’s dedicated dog walking route takes you through woodlands of the world, offering a dog walk with a difference. Excitable pups can burn off energy in the secure off-lead area and enjoy some downtime in Wakehurst’s dog-friendly cafes.
Exhibitions
Surviving or Thriving: An exhibition on plants and us | Daily, 10am – 3.30pm | Millennium Seed Bank | Included with entry
This exhibition brings Kew’s State of the World’s Plants reports to life, telling the story of why some plants are only surviving, while others are thriving. Through film, audio, models, and a futuristic garden, explore the challenges that plants face and discover the vital role of fungi.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous scientific and horticultural institution and conservation charity, whose mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the wellbeing of people and the future of all life on Earth. It is internationally respected for its outstanding collections, horticultural and scientific expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the globe.
Kew Gardens, with its 132 hectares of historic, landscaped gardens, is also a major attraction for international and London visitors alike. Dating back to 1759, the site has a rich history and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003. Combined visitor numbers with Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, total over 2.5 million per year. Wakehurst is home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed bank in the world and a safeguard against the disastrous effects of climate change and biodiversity loss.
RBG Kew receives approximately one third of its funding from the UK Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils, with the remaining two thirds coming from supporters, sponsors, memberships and commercial activity including ticket sales. This enables RBG Kew to carry out its vital scientific and educational work.
For tickets and membership options, please visit our website. Since implementing a new accessibility scheme for those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Legacy Benefits, Kew has welcomed over 100,000 visitors with £1 tickets across both UK sites.
About Wakehurst
Whilst Wakehurst is not a National Trust property, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has a longstanding relationship with the National Trust dating back to 1965 when Kew took over the running of Wakehurst’s 535 acres of botanical landscapes and Elizabethan Mansion, bequeathed to the National Trust in 1963.
Wakehurst is Kew’s wild botanic garden in the Sussex High Weald National Landscape. Its ancient and beautiful landscapes span 535 acres and are a place for escape, exploration, tranquility, and wonder. Its diverse collection of plants from Britain and around the globe thrive within a tapestry of innovative gardens, temperate woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Wakehurst is a centre for UK biodiversity and global conservation, seed research and ecosystem science. At its heart is Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, the world’s largest store of seeds from wild plant species.
RBG Kew receives approximately one third of its funding from Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils. Further funding needed to support RBG Kew’s vital work comes from donors, membership and commercial activity including ticket sales. In the first six months since implementing a new accessibility scheme for those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Legacy Benefits, Kew has welcomed over 100,000 visitors with £1 tickets.
At the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, we’re dedicated to harnessing the power of plants and fungi to end the extinction crisis and secure a future for all life on Earth. With our world-leading research, global partnerships and beloved gardens – home to the world’s most diverse collections of plants and fungi – we’re using our trusted voice to shape policy and practice worldwide. As a charity we rely on the critical support of our visitors, not only to sustain the gardens, but to protect global plant and fungal biodiversity for the benefit of our planet and humanity.
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In March 2021, RBG Kew launched its 10-year strategy Our Manifesto for Change 2021. The institution’s ultimate goal is step up to help to end the extinction crisis and contribute to creating a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. In the wake of a global pandemic, and with the future of the planet in peril, the strategy represents a public commitment by RBG Kew to do everything in its power to reverse the environmental devastation of biodiversity loss and climate change. The five key priorities are 1) Delivering science-based knowledge and solutions to protect biodiversity and use natural resources sustainably 2) Inspiring people to protect the natural world 3) Training the next generation of experts: 4) Extending our reach 5) Influencing national and international opinion and policy.
On May 25 2021 RBG Kew launched its new Sustainability Strategy – committing to become Climate Positive by 2030 and marking a step-change in our urgent action to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis.