Days Out at Wakehurst Place
Explore a wild botanic garden in the heart of Sussex. Home to the Millennium Seed Bank, with over 500 acres of diverse landscapes and plants from across the globe, Wakehurst Place is a day out to remember. 
Following the COVID lockdowns, we made a conscious effort to get out and about each weekend and to start visiting open spaces in the surrounding countryside. So we joined the National Trust, became Wakehurst & Kew members, and took out a joint membership for Port Lympne Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park. Not only could we then visit many times throughout the year, but we would also directly support each venue we visit. Since then, we have travelled to many National Trust places across the UK, and are regular visitors to both Kent Reserves.
Wakehurst was our 'go-to' space as it was close to home, and we love sitting by the top pond watching the ducks, moorhens, and crows that populate the area. In 2023, Wakehurst opened its grounds to dogs, allowing visitors to bring their canine companions with them, seven days a week. The site features over 10km of designated dog-friendly paths and even includes a dedicated off-lead area near the Millennium Seed Bank. Wakehurst Mansion also underwent an extensive two-year roof restoration, which re-opened to the public in June 2025, unveiling two new exhibition spaces and a new area for visitors to relax.
On Saturday, we revisited for the first time in over a year and were pleased to have chosen a quiet day where we could sit by the pond for a while, and reacquaint ourselves with the crows. Thanks to their ability for long-term recognition, we had only spent a few minutes by the water when a large crow landed at our feet to say hello and take some treats.
Lunch was purchased from the Stables Kitchen - a salad for Andy, and Sweet & Sour Cauliflower for me. They also make a great cup of coffee. Since our last visit, a new addition is Pizza in the Pantry. Freshly baked pizzas, a range of delicious scooped gelato flavours and coffee to drink in or take away.
The main lake in front of the house was playing nursery to a family of Egyptian geese, with goslings darting along the edge and climbing out onto the grass. The view of the mansion is stunning now, after the removal of all the scaffolding and building materials. The roof restoration was vital to preserve the structural integrity of the 1590 Elizabethan building.
On previous visits, we spent many hours at the Himalayan Glade, where there are birdfeeding hotspots. Wandering down to the bird feeders, we discovered the area was deserted, when it used to be full of birds and watchers. At this time of year, the bird feeders could remain empty if the conservation team are following seasonal bird-feeding guidance. During warmer months, to prevent the spread of disease and encourage birds to forage for natural food sources, some sites pause filling feed stations with seeds and peanuts.
From summer 2026, sculpture meets the beauty of the natural world as Wakehurst will showcase four iconic Henry Moore sculptures, alongside bold new commissions from contemporary artists, set across the gardens. This exhibition is part of a dual-site celebration across the Royal Botanic Gardens, with another opportunity to experience Moore's work at Kew Gardens.
Kew Gardens will be host to the largest outdoor exhibition of Moore’s work ever presented, with over 100 works, featuring 30 monumental sculptures set throughout the Gardens, alongside over 70 works on paper, models, and smaller pieces displayed in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art. This remarkable year-long exhibition will invite visitors to explore the evolving conversation between art and nature and experience the beauty of each changing season.
For visitor information, to book tickets, and plan your day out, visit Wakehurst Place . National Trust members can enter for free, but parking is not included. Wakehurst car parking is free for garden entry ticket holders and Kew/Wakehurst members, but charges apply for National Trust members and non-visitors.
Standard parking rates:
Up to 45 minutes: Free
45 minutes to 2.5 hours: £8.00
Over 2.5 hours: £13.50