Enjoy September at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst
Release date: 14 August 2025
- New festival in the Temperate House, Material World, explores the intertwined threads of nature, culture and creativity
- Final weeks to enjoy Of the Oak and The Power of Trees
- Horticultural highlights include spectacular giant waterlilies and late seasonal blooms in the Evolution Garden, and purple asters across Wakehurst’s American Prairie
- Silent Disco in the Temperate House
- Fleurs de Villes present Downton Abbey at Kew Gardens
- In Conversation events at Kew bring celebrated voices to Kew Gardens
- Last chance to explore Seedscapes, Wakehurst’s summer art programme
Kew Gardens
Material World | Temperate House | 20 September- 2 November | supported by Cazenove Capital
This autumn, discover Material World, a festival of art, fashion and horticulture inside the stunning Temperate House. This thought-provoking exhibition dives into the fascinating connections between textiles, plants and sustainability, exploring the hidden stories behind everyday materials. Drawing from Kew's renowned scientific collections, Material World explores the intertwined threads of nature, culture and creativity, and allows us to discover how we can all wear a more sustainable future.
Of the Oak | until 28 September 2025 | Syon Vista | Included with entry to the Gardens
Running until 28 September, Of the Oak is an 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
Until 14 September, 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.
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 | 5 & 12 September | 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 | 5, 13, 20 & 27 September| 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 | 20 & 27 September | 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.
Pilates | 3 & 24 September | 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.
Sound Baths in Nature | 3 & 24 September | 4 – 5 pm | Nash Conservatory
Immerse yourself in the calming sounds of gongs, singing bowls and gentle percussion in a therapeutic sonic experience for relaxation and wellbeing. Therapeutic sound has been proven to offer a wide range of health benefits, helping to boost your immune system by making you feel more grounded, balanced, and connected.
Horticultural Highlights – Late Summer
Enjoy beautiful seasonal blooms in the Evolution Garden and along the Great Broad Walk Borders. Elsewhere, marvel at the largest waterlily in the world, Victoria boliviana, still flowering in the Waterlily House and Princess of Wales Conservatory.
The Nash Sessions | Tailleferre Ensemble | Thursday 25 September | 6.30pm – 9pm
Enjoy an enchanting candlelit concert in the Nash Conservatory at Kew Gardens – a magical setting for a summer soirée with family and friends. Join the acclaimed Tailleferre Ensemble, a UK-based chamber collective dedicated to showcasing diverse instrumentation and celebrating underrepresented composers.
Silent Disco | Temperate House | 6 September | 7pm – 10.30pm
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! Get ready to dance in the Temperate House and travel the world in this impressive palace of plants. Come along and immerse yourself in music – this will be a magical summer’s evening you won’t want to miss.
In Conversation at Kew | 4 – 7 September
Be among the first to experience In Conversation at Kew – a brand-new series of live events this September, bringing celebrated voices to Kew Gardens.
Radio Times Presents Richard Osman (am) and Alexander Armstrong (pm) | 4 September | doors open 11.30am and 4pm
Radio Times presents Richard Osman in a fascinating deep dive into his latest book, and plenty of TV nerdery. In the afternoon session, Alexander Armstrong joins for an afternoon of playful rivalry in The Best Quiz Ever, hosted by Radio Times editor Tom Loxley.
HistoryExtra presents Tom Holland and Mary Beard | 5 September | doors open 11.30am and 4pm
History Extra presents Tom Holland and Mary Beard for a gripping exploration of ancient Rome. From Caesar’s dramatic power plays to scandalous imperial intrigue, dive into the politics, battles, and betrayals that shaped the empire. With their signature storytelling flair, the pair will bring history to life, hosted by HistoryExtra’s Ellie Cawthorne.
Gardeners’ World Live | 6 September | doors open 11.30am and 4pm
BBC Gardeners’ World Live presents Adam Frost and Frances Tophill for a day of green-fingered inspiration. Joined by host Nicki Chapman, the beloved gardening experts share their top tips, behind-the-scenes moments from the programme, and plenty of personal stories.
Countryfile on Stage | 7 September | Talks Lawn session from 11.30am, with all day Kew access
Matt Baker and John Craven, hosted by Anita Rani, lead inspiring conversations about connecting with nature – from walks and wildlife to seasonal tips and rural traditions. Set in the stunning surroundings of Kew, it’s the perfect day out for countryside lovers.
Fleur de Villes: Downton Abbey at Kew Gardens | 22 September – 1 October
World-renowned flower show Fleurs de Villes arrives at Kew Gardens for the UK premiere of Fleurs de Villes Downton Abbey – a fresh floral celebration inspired by the famed period drama, created by London’s talented floral artists. Each one-of-a-kind floral mannequin will be inspired by the series’ unforgettable characters and iconic period fashion.
Kew Publishing Book of the Month | Among the Giants : A Year at Kew’s Arboretum by Carolyn Fry and Christina Harrison
In this new book from Kew, you'll discover the fascinating work of the Tree Gang: the team of eight that care for the trees at Kew. Going behind the scenes, you'll learn more about life at Kew from the people who tend and care for the Gardens - from the daily tree assessments to the intermittent tree felling. As the climate becomes more variable, the gang's work is ever more crucial as they brace for the storms ahead.
Wakehurst
Horticultural Highlights
At Wakehurst, the American Prairie continues to thrive, with purple smooth asters (Symphyotrichum laeve) providing a late splash of colour among the more than 70 unique species in the Prairie. On warm autumn days, the Water Gardens provide a serene escape, teeming with lush greenery and rich biodiversity, where ferns and Gunnera create a vibrant display around Black Pond, and trickling streams offer a tranquil retreat.
This month is also the last chance to catch the meadows at their peak, as the expansive Coronation Meadow prepares to close in October. Visitors bringing furry friends can take in the best of Wakehurst’s woodlands along the dog-walking route, from evergreen Wollemi pines and redwoods to the first signs of changing leaves and autumn fungi. The picturesque Westwood Lake nestled at the bottom of the valley is ideal for adventurous explorers, with the lake’s reflections creating the perfect spot to watch the seasons change. The historic Loder Valley Nature Reserve has recently reopened, inviting visitors to wander through ancient woodlands and encounter wildlife at specially designed hides along the water’s edge.
The Wakehurst Mansion doors open once again this summer, inviting visitors to explore a place where history, science, and nature intertwine. Two new immersive exhibition spaces invite visitors to delve in to the stories that shape Wakehurst. Discover the humble beginnings of the Millennium Seed Bank and our ongoing scientific mission to protect nature in the Mansion’s Chapel or visit the Billiard Room to uncover the history of the Wakehurst site and importance of our living collections and our relationship with the National Trust. The newly restored library offers a lounge space for visitors to pause and soak in the Mansion’s unique atmosphere whilst exploring the botanic gardens.
Bank a Seed in the Millennium Seed Bank | All day, free with entry
Experience the journey of a seed first-hand with a brand-new interactive installation in the Millennium Seed Bank Atrium. Children can step into the shoes of scientists who are working to bank the world’s wild seeds, sparking curiosity and discovery.
Events
Last chance to see Seedscapes | Ends 14 September | All day, free with entry
An exhibition of art, sculpture, and sound set throughout the gardens, inspired by the science of seeds, and the groundbreaking research carried out daily at the Millennium Seed Bank, now celebrating its 25th anniversary. Discover the work of six international artists, whose installations highlight the urgency and beauty of global seed conservation. Through sculpture, light, colour and sound, each artwork aims to inspire, engage and reconnect visitors with the role of seeds in culture, science and conservation.
Nature Heroes: Globe Trotter | Ends 5 September | All day | Mission and badge: £4
Join us in celebrating 25 years of Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, with nearly 2.5 billion seeds from 40,000 wild plant species safely stored. Set off on your own Nature Heroes mission across the globe, from Asia to Australia, South America to the Caribbean and beyond - you’ll be walking the world, all without leaving the gardens! Grab your map and discover amazing plants from around the world.
Bat walk | every Thursday until 11 September | 8pm to 10pm | Wakehurst and Kew members £22, Non-members £25
Choose between two immersive experiences: the woodland bat walk, which takes you down to serene Westwood Lake, or the shorter, accessible garden bat walk, centred around the peaceful Mansion Pond. The woodland walk covers approximately 4 km on a steady path, with an uphill return for those who enjoy a bit of a climb.
Autumn forest bathing | 21 September | 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm | Wakehurst and Kew members £25, Non-members £40
Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing invites you to slow down and fully immerse yourself in the calming autumnal 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. Experience the restorative power of nature as it helps relieve tension, relax your mind, and nourish your sense of well-being.
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.
Uniformed group visits | Evenings and Saturdays | £170 per group of up to 30 young people
Twilight and Saturday sessions ideal for groups such as Cubs, Beavers, Brownies, Scouts, Guides or for eco/extracurricular clubs. Led by a qualified teacher, work towards conservation learning, nature connectedness, exploration or activity badges in our vast landscape and outdoor learning facilities.
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.
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ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous scientific organisation, internationally respected for its outstanding collections and scientific expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation, and sustainable development in the UK and around the globe. Kew’s scientists and partners lead the way in the fight against biodiversity loss and finding nature-based solutions to the climate crisis, aided by five key scientific priorities outlined in Kew’s Science Strategy 2021-2025. Kew Gardens is also a major international and top London visitor attraction. Kew’s 132 hectares of historic, landscaped gardens, and Wakehurst, Kew’s Wild Botanic Garden and ‘living laboratory’, attract over 2.5 million visits every year. Kew Gardens was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003 and celebrated its 260th anniversary in 2019. 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. In 2021 Kew launched its Sustainability Strategy to become climate positive by 2030. RBG Kew received approximately one third of its funding from Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils. Further funding needs to support RBG Kew’s vital scientific and educational work comes from donors, memberships and commercial activity including ticket sales. For tickets, please visit www.kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/tickets. 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.
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.