Prices, planning and practical information
Find out about prices for school visits and browse information to help you plan your visit to Wakehurst.
Prices
Please note our prices are reviewed annually and increased in line with programme running costs.
The prices below are valid for visits until April 2027.
Foundation / Primary
- Half day* visit (30 students per group) taking place:
£190
- Full day visit (30 students per group) taking place:
£240
Secondary
- Half day* visit (20 students per group) taking place:
£190
- Full day visit (20 students per group) taking place:
£240
NB. A £50 surcharge for DNA workshops apply to cover resources.
*Half day visits: Owing to site constraints, all schools wanting to stay for lunch after morning sessions will have to pay the full day price and be accompanied to the exit by a Wakehurst teacher after lunch.
Health and safety
Supervising your group
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
- Early Years/Reception – 1:4
- Key Stage 1 – 1:5
- Key Stage 2 – 1:8
- Key Stage 3 – 1:10
- Key Stage 4 – 1:12
- Key Stage 5 – 1:12
Risk assessment
Please download these documents to guide your risk assessments for your visit:
Lab practicals risk assessments
Microscopy and plant transport structures
Algal balls and thin layer chromatography
All our teachers are experienced and all teachers and volunteers are DBS checked.
Public Liability Insurance
Please download our public liability insurance if required.
Planning your visit
Preliminary teacher visit
Once you've confirmed your assisted visit, you may wish to come for a pre-visit.
We allow free entry for teachers coming on planning visits, provided you are booked in by one of our team. If you're unable to come for a planning visit, planning can be done by phone or email. See our Social Story PowerPoint for more information.
Visit timings
Full day EYFS/KS1/2: 10am–2pm
Full day KS3/4/5: 10am–2.50pm
Half days: 10am–12.30pm or 12.30–3pm
Our site
Wakehurst is the perfect place for curious minds and hands-on learning, whatever the weather, thanks to our beautiful landscapes, science in action and outdoor covered spaces. Please come prepared with clothing and shoes appropriate for the weather conditions.
With thanks to Clean Planet for their sponsorship of the Clean Planet tent.
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
Please ask your students and staff to bring:
- a bag to carry lunch
- waterproofs
- comfortable shoes
- water bottle
- sun protection
- layered clothing
- any medication e.g epipens or inhalers
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
- Wakehurst emergency number: 01444 894107 (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 Wakehurstschools@kew.org with your revised time of arrival.
It's important that you are on site to start the education sessions on time.
Lunch
Our staff will take you to your lunchtime location. Lunch is usually eaten outside, but on wet days you can eat lunch in the classrooms over covered spaces. Waterproof mats can be 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.
