Set in over 500 acres of gardens and woodland, Wakehurst is the UKs largest conservation project, and we are so lucky to have this just down the road from us. We visit here a few times throughout the year, especially during half term as they always have an extra activity to keep the children occupied too.
This time the theme was Dennis & Gnashers Big Bonanza. We were given a leaflet at the start of the trail which invites you to take part in epic birthday adventure for Dennis. The trail takes you around the main path of the gardens. There was an interactive story trail to follow around the gardens, with fun mirrors and scenes to be part of, as well as a few fun jokes to read along the way! There was even a 'fart station' which the girls thought was hilarious! This is free to do and part of your day at Wakehurst.
We also took part in The Beano Banana Mission (extra cost applies - £4.50 per child), where the girls had to hunt down letters on bananas to form a word and win a prize! This took place in front of the Millennium Seed Bank and Katie (aged 3) really enjoyed doing this as was easy for her to find and Bethany (aged 6) was able to make the word to win them some goodies each!
These events are a great way to get the kids outside, get those daily steps in walking, all whilst having fun at the same time! We are already looking forward to the next one, as May half term Wakehurst is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week by having a mindfulness trail as well as family workshops too.
An annual pass to Wakehurst starts from just £29.50 and children under 16 are free, so its fantastic value to be able to visit here as many times as you like (just pay an extra fee for events when applicable). Even when the events are not running, there are fun things for them to explore. In Coates Wood there is Tree Trunk Trek, where you can jump, climb, and crawl amongst the trees! And as you wander through the woodland and gardens, be sure to keep an eye out for talking totems poles, a labyrinth and woven willow structures to run through too.
There are a few closures right now including the Millennium Seed Bank and Mansion – but this did not affect our day. The Stables Pantry is open for take away only and you are welcome to take your own picnic.
Walking around Wakehurst in Spring is a lovely time of year to watch their wild garden come alive, with a vast array of daffodils and many buds turning to flowers. And of course, the open air and respite from the gardens is good for us all. You could be here all day to take in everything Wakehurst has to offer. Mansion Gardens are stunning with plants from all around the world, Loder Valley Nature Reserve is 150 acres and we spotted birds, butterflies and insects whilst here, and of course there is a huge variety of trees and shrubs to see. Be sure to take your camera to capture it all and keep an eye out for the roaming ducks and pheasants too!
Thank you for a wonderful day Wakehurst! We will be back again soon :-)
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