Wakehurst is a 500-acre botanic garden in West Sussex, England, managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It features diverse landscapes, including woodlands, gardens, and a nature reserve, offering a tranquil setting for families to explore. The site is also home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the world's largest wild plant seed bank, which plays a crucial role in conserving plant biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy various family-friendly activities, such as the Wild Wood trail, Children's & Community Garden with a Mud Kitchen, Tree Trunk Trek, and Dinosaur Trail. The gardens are accessible by car and bus, with a short drive from Haywards Heath station. Opening times are from 10am to 6pm, with last entry at 5.30pm. Admission prices vary, with children aged 16 and under visiting for free. The site offers picnic areas, cafés, and restaurants for dining options. Accessibility features include level or ramped access to most buildings and suitable routes for buggies. Please check the official website for the most current information before planning your visit.
At a glance
Travel tips
Location
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Sign in to leave a review
Nearby places
See all →🌺Nymans
Nymans is a historic garden in West Sussex, England, renowned for its rare and unusual plant collections. Developed by the Messel family starting in 1890, the garden features a variety of plant species, including magnolias, camellias, and rhododendrons. The estate also includes a romantic house with partial ruins, offering a unique glimpse into its storied past. Visitors can explore the walled garden, rose garden, and woodland areas, each providing distinct experiences throughout the year. The garden is a delightful destination for families, offering both educational and recreational opportunities in a picturesque setting.
🦁Tilgate Park
Tilgate Park, located in Crawley, West Sussex, is a 60-year-old recreational area offering a variety of attractions for families. The park features expansive grassy lawns, tranquil lakes, and vibrant gardens filled with beautiful flowers, trees, and shrubs. Its extensive woodlands and bridleways invite visitors to enjoy long, leisurely walks. The park is also home to Tilgate Zoo, which houses over 100 animals, including owls, parrots, snakes, reindeer, meerkats, armadillos, and porcupines. Additionally, the Walled Garden offers a hedge maze, a café, and several craft emporiums. The Lakeside Café serves a wide range of snacks, meals, and drinks, with a good selection of vegan and vegetarian items on the menu. The park is accessible by car, with parking available in the main car park and the Fisherman’s car park. Daytime charges apply, and there is a 2.1m height restriction in all Tilgate Park car parks. For public transport, Metrobus service 2 runs to the park on weekends and Bank Holidays, stopping at the main car park. On weekdays, it stops at K2 Crawley, a 15 to 20-minute walk from Tilgate Park. The park is open year-round, with summer hours from 10am to 6pm and winter hours from 10am to 4pm. Last entry to the zoo is 5pm in summer and 3pm in winter. Please note that barbecues are not allowed, and dogs must be kept on a lead around Tilgate Lake at all times. Dogs are not permitted in the zoo, walled garden, or play area. Cycling is allowed on the bridleways on the park’s perimeters and along the roadway to the zoo.
✈️Gatwick Aviation Museum
Gatwick Aviation Museum is a family-friendly museum dedicated to preserving aviation history. Housed in a large hangar and outdoor area, it features a fascinating collection of aircraft, engines, and memorabilia. Kids can get up close to planes like the Spitfire, Canberra, and various helicopters. The museum offers interactive exhibits and occasional cockpit visits (check ahead). Highlights: - See historic aircraft indoors and outdoors - Interactive displays and aviation artifacts - Small play area for younger children - Café serving light refreshments Practical tips: The museum is not open daily, so check the website before visiting. Free parking is available on-site. Allow 1–2 hours for a visit. It's suitable for children aged 3 and up, but plane enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy it.
🏰Hever Castle
Hever Castle, located in Kent, England, is a historic castle that was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. Built in the 13th century, it features a moat, gardens, and a maze, offering a glimpse into Tudor history. Visitors can explore the castle's rooms, including Anne Boleyn's bedroom, and enjoy the surrounding gardens and lake. The castle is open to the public and hosts various events throughout the year.
🐑Godstone Farm
Godstone Farm is a popular family-friendly farm attraction set in 30 acres of countryside in Surrey. It offers hands-on animal experiences with friendly farm animals including sheep, goats, pigs, cows, and rabbits. Children can enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas, a giant jumping pillow, pedal tractors, and a sandpit. The farm also features a soft play barn for younger kids, a cafe serving hot and cold food, and a gift shop. Seasonal events like pumpkin picking and Easter egg hunts add extra fun. Practical tips: wear wellies in wet weather, plenty of hand-washing stations, and pushchair-friendly paths. - Highlights: Animal feeding, bottle-feeding lambs (seasonal), pony rides (weekends), indoor and outdoor play zones. - Ages: Suitable for toddlers to early teens (under 8s especially love it). - Facilities: Cafe, picnic areas, baby changing, free parking.