WHAT’S ON AT KEW GARDENS & WAKEHURST THIS SUMMER

Kew Gardens

Tom Gates EPIC Adventure | until 31 August | 10am – 4.30pm

School’s out for summer! Experience a doodletastic day of fun inspired by the global bestselling Tom Gates book and TV series by Liz Pichon. Create, roam and play in an activity hub bursting with mischief, makes and plenty of laughs — all inspired by the adventures of Tom Gates and his delightfully zany friends and family.

Children can choose their own adventure as they journey through hands-on crafting activities, a giant interactive doodle wall, an epic live musical performance by Tom’s band DogZombies, and a code-cracking tree trail woven through woodland paths. Don’t forget to pick up an activity guide, which includes a handy map of the locations on the ‘Totally Terrific Tree Trail’ and more crafty activities to get stuck into at home. Whether you enjoy hands-on art-making, love solving puzzles in the great outdoors, or want to rock out to DogZombies live, escape into a fun-filled summer day out for all the family, whatever your age.

Theatre on Kew

Theatre on Kew is delighted to once again partner with the Australian Shakespeare Company, who present exciting, accessible, contemporary productions of Shakespeare, children’s classics, musicals, and other plays.

This summer, choose from two daytime productions – The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale of life on the riverbank or Jack & the Beanstalk, a magical family show. Enjoy an evening performance of Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies.

Twelfth Night

Everyday expect 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 August | Performance starts at 7.30pm and doors open from 6.30pm | Located next to Pavilion Bar and Grill

The Wind in the Willows

Selected days between 1 to 23 August | Times: Sunday and Thursday: 11am; all other day: 11am and 2.30pm | Located at The Lake

Jack and the Beanstalk

Selected days between 1 and 23 August | Times: Thursday and Sunday: 10:30am and all other days: 10:30am and 2pm | Located Berberis Dell near Victoria Gate

Henry Moore Sunset Buggy Tours – Selected dates until 11 August | 6.30pm to 9pm | Must be 18+ to join this tour

Experience Henry Moore’s monumental sculptures on an exclusive sunset buggy tour through Kew Gardens. Led by an expert guide and limited to just six guests per buggy, this intimate evening experience offers a unique perspective on Moore’s work and its relationship with the natural world.

During a scheduled stop, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you step out to explore the sculptures up close in the evening light. With tours running in small groups and for just four weeks, tickets are extremely limited.

Female Figures and Fungi: A foray into the mycological past | until 28 August

Library Reading Room, Herbarium Building, Kew Gardens

Beyond its botanical treasures, Kew Gardens’ Library and Archives is home to one of the world’s largest collections of mycological literature, art and archive material. This latest exhibition digs into this extensive collection to showcase the lives and careers of pioneering women in mycology, the study of fungi. Discover the work of trailblazers like Elsie Wakefield (1886-1972), the first female head of mycology at Kew; enjoy exquisite watercolours by artists Emma Amy Rea (1865-1927) and Ray Cowell (1938-2010); and explore the forgotten scientific career of Beatrix Potter (1866-1943). Rare books, original illustrations, personal notebooks and letters are featured – many on display for the first time.

Henry Moore: Monumental Nature | until 31 January 2027

Experience the awe-inspiring scale and beauty of Henry Moore’s sculptures in the stunning landscape of Kew Gardens. Henry Moore: Monumental Nature, the largest outdoor exhibition of Moore’s work ever presented, features over 100 pieces, including 30 monumental sculptures set throughout the Gardens, alongside over 90 works on paper, models, and smaller pieces displayed in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art. Join us for this once-in-a-generation event, organised with the Henry Moore Foundation.

Monumental Botanical Art | Shirley Sherwood Gallery | until 31 January 2027

Alongside Henry Moore: Monumental Nature, visitors can enjoy a new exhibition of botanical artworks, Monumental Botanical Art in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery. This exhibition, showcasing the best of international botanical art, focuses on monumental depictions of plants, from giant waterlilies to the magnified details of spectacular trees, altering scale and perspective to encourage visitors to see elements of the natural world in new ways. Works by Phansakdi Chakkaphak, winner of the 2026 Shirley Sherwood Award for Botanical Art, are also on display.

 

Wellbeing in Nature

Tai chi at Kew | 7, 14, 21 and 28 August | Mediterranean Garden (entry via Victoria Gate)

Boost your physical and mental wellbeing with the centuries-old Chinese martial art, Tai chi. Enjoy this moderate exercise composed of a series of flowing movements in a beautiful outdoor setting. During the class, learn standing meditation, joint loosening exercises, and two traditional Tai chi movement routines to strengthen your mind and body.

Sound baths in nature | 12 and 26 August | 4 – 5pm and 6 – 7pm | Nash Conservatory

Immerse yourself in the calming sounds of gongs, singing bowls and gentle percussion for a therapeutic sonic experience in one of London’s most iconic green spaces. 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. No previous experience is needed for this expert-led session, making it the perfect opportunity to try a new way of reaching deep meditation and relaxation.

Temperate House Yoga | 15 August | 7.45am

Set within the iconic Temperate House, our sunrise and sunset yoga sessions offer a rare opportunity to practise wellbeing and self-care in one of London’s most extraordinary settings. Enjoy one of the most unique yoga experiences in London with an incredible vinyasa flow session taking place amongst 10,000 rare and endangered plants, while live acoustic music creates a calming, immersive atmosphere. Each session concludes with a deeply restorative shavasana, allowing you to fully absorb the tranquillity of the space.

Forest Bathing | 8 and 29 August | 10:30am | Meet outside Victoria Plaza 15 minutes before

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a popular Japanese wellbeing practice of relaxing under the canopy of trees. Escape the hustle and bustle of London and join our expert guides from the Forest Bathing Institute on a guided sensory walk designed to boost your health and wellbeing. As you move through Kew Gardens’ peaceful arboretum, you’ll feel everyday stress slip away as you breathe deeply and take in the calm and quiet of nature.

Breathwork in nature | 12 and 15 August | 10am – 12pm and 3pm – 5pm | Meet outside Victoria Plaza 15 minutes before

Join expert facilitators from Vitae Vi for a guided breathwork experience inspired by the Henry Moore: Monumental Nature exhibition.

Set amongst Kew’s iconic landscapes and world-renowned botanical collections, this immersive session invites you to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and experience art and nature in a new way, using your breath as your guide.

As you journey through the Gardens, you’ll pause beside selected sculptures to explore simple yet powerful breathing practices that heighten awareness of the body, awaken the senses and cultivate a deeper sense of presence. The experience culminates in a guided breathwork journey, accompanied by carefully selected music, inviting you to fully embrace the breath, while surrounded by the extraordinary beauty of Kew Gardens.

Sunday Stories: What plants need to grow | 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 August | 11.30 – 12.00, 12.30 – 1pm, 2.00 – 2.30pm and 3.00 – 3.30pm | Children’s Garden amphitheatre, included with entry to the Gardens

Set around the Children’s Garden theme of ‘what plants need to grow’, join renowned storyteller Kevin Graal for an engaging and interactive family-friendly storytelling session that weaves together surprising plant stories and mind-boggling science.

Botanical art workshops | 23, 24 and 25 August | 10.30am – 4pm | Kew Members: £115 and Non-Members: £125

Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some creative experience, learn something new in one of our botanical art workshops led by expert artists and members of the Society of Botanical Artists. From measuring with perspective and precision to sketching and painting with watercolour, there’s something for everyone.

23 August: Painting Kew’s Roses

Learn how to paint a rose from our world-leading botanical gardens with Sandrine Maugy. Sandrine will teach you her techniques on painting a rose wet-on-wet, a technique that’s unique within botanical art.

24 August: Drawing Pomegranates

Using colour pencils, artist Vicky Hallam will guide you in producing a study sheet on pomegranates. You’ll learn techniques such as blending, embossing and creating highlights to realistically depict your subject

25 August: Capturing the Light of Kew’s Leaves

Discover how to use watercolour techniques to produce paintings with a glowing, illuminated effect. Join artist Svetlana Lanse as she teaches you her techniques using Kew’s leaves and winged seeds.

The Food Village | until 27 September | a pop-up by Temperate House

Explore the flavours of summer at this year’s Food Village. From British beef burgers to flame-grilled marinated chicken, all the BBQ favourites are covered. Enjoy crispy tostadas, chicken and fish tacos, and a vibrant selection of Mexican dishes. There’s even more choice with pizza offerings. For refreshments, there’s a range of alcoholic options, alongside non-alcoholic favourites/

Horticultural Highlights – Summer

The Aquatic Garden within the Princess of Wales Conservatory is an outstanding destination at the moment, the surrounding pools have a range of plants looking good including blue Pontederia cordata var. cordata (Pickeral Weed). The central pond features Water Lilies of all sizes from white through to dark pink and also yellows: this is Nymphaea ‘Inner Light’.

Kew Publishing Book of the Month | Icons of Kew | Authors: Carolyn Fry and Emma Wayland | £10

This stunning book showcases more than 70 iconic plants, buildings and objects from Kew’s expansive collections. Uncover curiosities of nature and fascinating objects, including a specimen of the fungus named after Charles Darwin, contemporary botanical illustrations, and the vast and unusual titan arum or ‘corpse flower’ which famously blooms with a foul smell for a fleeting 24 hours.

 

Wakehurst

Wakehurst is bursting with natural beauty in summer, offering visitors a range of breathtaking landscapes to explore. The Water Gardens provide a serene escape, teeming with lush greenery and rich biodiversity, and trickling streams offer a tranquil retreat. Wakehurst meadows reach their seasonal peak, with Coronation Meadow and Bloomers Valley transforming into wildflower wonderlands filled with colour and the hum of pollinators. Meanwhile, the American Prairie boasts towering giants, such as big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), sometimes reaching up to eight feet tall, amongst the 80 unique species to discover, also including rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium), Zizia, and Camassia. The Walled Garden is Wakehurst’s most exquisite and intimate space where towering colours and sunny paths provide respite and horticultural inspiration.

For those seeking shaded walks and hidden gems, Wakehurst’s woodlands offer dappled light, and the picturesque Westwood Lake nestled at the bottom of the valley is ideal for adventurous explorers. The historic Loder Valley Nature Reserve invites visitors to wander through ancient woodlands and encounter wildlife at specially designed hides along the water’s edge. For those seeking more meadows, Hanging Meadow is an ancient grassland that shimmers with wonderful wildflowers and rich insect life.

As the family holidays beckon, young adventurers can pick up a free Explorer Map, to find the best play spaces and secrets to discover. The Wild Wood sculpture trail has been refreshed with brand new woven sculptures, whilst the Children’s & Community Garden is home to the family-favourite Mud Kitchen, for messy play.

 

WHAT’S ON AT WAKEHURST THIS SUMMER?

Images: Henry Moore, Relief No. 1, 1959 © Henry Moore Foundation, Photo: Jeff Eden / Wilde Leute by Paloma Varga Weisz, © RBG Kew, Photo: Jim Holden / Dog walking at Wakehurst, Jim Holden © RBG Kew

Henry Moore and more | Included with entry

Sculpture meets the beauty of the natural world as Wakehurst showcases four of Henry Moore’s iconic sculptures, alongside bold commissions from contemporary artists, set across the gardens. Curated in partnership with the Henry Moore Institute, this remarkable exhibition will invite visitors to explore the evolving conversation between art and nature.

Bat Walk | 27 August | 7.30pm to 9.30pm | Wakehurst and Kew members £33, Non-members £40

Discover the world of bats as Wakehurst comes alive after hours, guided by our resident wildlife expert.

Equipped with electronic detectors, we’ll listen for the ultrasonic calls of hunting bats as we explore, and you’ll also learn about the many birds, insects, and other creatures that call Wakehurst home. Enjoy an accessible walk, covering around 1km on predominantly flat paths. 

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 | Every day 11.30am and Tues-Fri 2pm | 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.

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.

Discovery and Access Events AT WAKEHURST

Events spanning gardening, art and wellbeing, designed for those who face barriers to visiting. To enquire about one of these events, please email wakehurstcommunity@kew.org.

Trees for Bees Engagement Session | 24 August | 10am to 1pm | Free

Join us at Wakehurst to carry out a one-of-a-kind research project finding out which trees pollinators like best and how we can make our cities more pollinator-friendly! You don’t need to have any prior experience or be a scientist. We will tell you everything you need to know. Come along and hear from our pollination scientists about their groundbreaking research, then explore our stunning landscapes while you are guided to take part in Trees for Bees – Wakehurst’s citizen science project monitoring pollinator foraging behaviour around the gardens.

Sow and Grow: monthly gardening group | Monday 24 August | 10.30am to 1pm

Build confidence in the garden and create friendships in this monthly hands-on gardening workshop.

Dementia-friendly walks | Tuesday 25 August | 11am to 12pm

Led by our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers and guides, these one-hour walks offer time to slow down and connect with nature – taking in the gardens through sight, scent, and touch.

Nature Natters | Monday 31 August | 11am to 12pm and 1pm to 2pm

Join expert volunteer guides for a wellbeing boost, supported by Mid Sussex NHS social prescribers.

Exhibitions

Bank a Seed | Daily, 10am – 5.30pm | Millennium Seed Bank Atrium | Free

Step into the Millennium Seed Bank, where the real scientists are hard at work, for an exciting interactive exhibit: Bank a Seed. Step into the shoes of a seed scientist and bank your own seed! Follow your seed on its banking journey – from drying to x-raying before it is finally weighed, counted, and banked.

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.

 

DISCOVER MORE AND EXPLORE YOUR SUMMER AT KEW GARDENS AND WAKEHURST

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