Wakehurst
Ardingly, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Wakehurst near Ardingly is Kew's wild botanic garden in the High Weald, with walled and water gardens, temperate woodlands from around the world, nature reserves and the Millennium Seed Bank.
Visit information checked 22 October 2026
Garden UK guide
Why visit Wakehurst?
Wakehurst is the country garden of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The land is owned by the National Trust and managed by Kew, and it covers a large area of the High Weald, so think of it as a mix of garden, arboretum and nature reserve rather than a single garden.
Close to the Elizabethan mansion are the walled and water gardens, which are the most traditional part of the visit and give plenty of ideas for planting. Further out, after the Great Storm of 1987 toppled some 20,000 trees, Kew redesigned the gardens as a walk through the temperate woodlands of the world, so you can move between plants from different continents as you walk. Wakehurst holds National Collections of birches, Hypericum, southern beeches (Nothofagus) and Skimmia, which are useful to see if you are choosing trees or shrubs for your own garden. Birch lovers in particular will find the range of bark colours inspiring.
Do not miss the Millennium Seed Bank, the international seed bank opened in 2000, where you can learn how seeds are stored to protect plants from extinction. Nearby, the Loder Valley Nature Reserve covers woodland, meadow and wetland, and the Francis Rose Reserve is devoted to mosses, lichens and ferns. In the festive season, a giant redwood is lit as the largest growing Christmas tree in England. The Seed café and Stables restaurant mean you can make a full day of it.
What to see
- The Millennium Seed Bank, Kew's international seed bank.
- Walled and water gardens near the Elizabethan mansion.
- National Collections of birches, Hypericum, Nothofagus and Skimmia.
- The Loder Valley Nature Reserve, with woodland, meadow and wetland.
- The giant redwood lit as England's largest growing Christmas tree.
Wakehurst through the year
- spring
- Woodland walks come alive with new leaf across the temperate woodlands of the world.
- summer
- The walled and water gardens are at their fullest, and the meadows in the nature reserve are in flower.
- autumn
- The world woodlands and the birch collection give strong autumn colour.
- winter
- Birch bark stands out, and the giant redwood is lit from Advent to Twelfth Night as a living Christmas tree.
The story behind the garden
The mansion was built by Sir Edward Culpeper in 1590. The estate changed hands several times before Gerald Loder, later Lord Wakehurst, bought it in 1903 and spent 33 years creating most of the garden. His successor, Sir Henry Price, cared for the plantings as they matured and left Wakehurst to the nation in 1963.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, took a lease from the National Trust in 1965. The Great Storm of 1987 toppled about 20,000 trees, and Kew redesigned the gardens as a walk through the world's temperate woodlands. The Millennium Seed Bank opened in 2000, and Kew also created the Loder Valley and Francis Rose nature reserves. The gardens are listed Grade II* on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
Plan your visit
- Best for
- Tree lovers, families and anyone interested in plant conservation and the Millennium Seed Bank.
- Getting there
- Wakehurst is near Ardingly in the High Weald of West Sussex, north of Haywards Heath.
- Before you go
- The site is large, so wear sturdy shoes and allow a full day if you want to see the reserves as well as the gardens. Check the Kew Wakehurst website for current opening times and tickets.
Source: Wikipedia: Wakehurst
Questions about visiting Wakehurst
Is Wakehurst National Trust or Kew?
Both. The National Trust owns Wakehurst, but it has been leased to and managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, since 1965. Check the Kew website for how admission works for National Trust members.
What is the Millennium Seed Bank?
It is an international seed bank run by Kew, opened at Wakehurst in 2000. It stores seeds from UK and world plants to help save species from extinction, and visitors can see how it works.
How long do you need at Wakehurst?
The site is large, with gardens, woodland and nature reserves, so allow at least half a day. A full day lets you add the Loder Valley Nature Reserve and the seed bank.
Is there a café at Wakehurst?
Yes. There is the Seed café and the Stables restaurant, so it is easy to stop for food during a long visit. Check the website for current opening times.
When is the Wakehurst Christmas tree lit?
The giant redwood, the largest growing Christmas tree in England, is lit with around 1,800 lights from Advent until Twelfth Night. Check the website for festive events and tickets.
Garden features
Location
Ardingly, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex
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