6 October 2025
5 min read
10 best things to do at Wakehurst this autumn
Enjoy the autumn colours at Wakehurst by joining Dragon School, discovering the magic of Christmas lights or exploring the Millennium Seed Bank for its 25th anniversary.
As the leaves transform the landscape into a breathtaking tapestry of autumn colour, join us to embrace this beautiful season at Wakehurst.
Whether you're an avid photographer, a budding dragon adventurer, or already thinking about our Christmas light trail, there's something for everyone to enjoy this autumn.
1. Enrol in Dragon School
Get ready for a roarsome adventure this October half-term, as you join Zog and his friends in Dragon School!
In this fun-filled outdoor trail, little ones can take on five activities across the gardens, inspired by the the best-selling picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
Pick up your Zog Log from the Dragon School hut to begin your adventure, learning to roar, fly, breathe fire and more - and don't forget to collect your Zog badge at the end!
2. Book your tickets to Glow Wild
The Wakehurst Christmas lights transform our wild botanic landscape into a dazzling winter wonderland, featuring stunning, never-before-seen artwork and installations that create an all-new magical light trail.
Where seeds spark stories and the wild glows after dark, Glow Wild 2025 invites you to walk on the wild side. Encounter fantastical animals, walk among giants, and uncover the hidden secrets of our natural world. Be wowed by the giant mythical sea creature, join reimagined woodland wildlife on the banks of our biggest-ever installation, and enjoy a festive feast inside our classically dressed Christmas mansion.
Wakehurst and Kew members can purchase up to six tickets with our discounted member prices.
3. Celebrate 25 years of the Millennium Seed Bank
This autumn, Kew's Millennium Seed Bank celebrates 25 years of groundbreaking research and conservation at Wakehurst. Come and visit the most biodiverse place on the planet as we celebrate this incredible milestone.
Always been curious to learn more about the MSB? Join one of our knowledgeable volunteers for a Millennium Seed Bank Atrium Guided Tour to discover the important work our scientists are doing behind the glass, and with our partners across the globe.
Little ones can get involved too, stepping into the shoes of a seed scientist with our new Bank a Seed activity! Follow your seed on its banking journey – from drying to x-raying, before it’s finally weighed, counted, and banked. Will your seed make it into the vault?
4. Soak up the autumn colour
Autumn is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular seasons at Wakehurst, with incredible colours round every corner, from burnt oranges and stunning golds to vibrant reds. On misty mornings, discover fallen leaves and moody reflections in hidden pockets of the landscape. Even on the most overcast days, a bright orange tree can really pop - plus it'll look great on your social feed!
Follow our list below for our top autumn colour spots:
- Mansion Pond: for a sensory delight of colourful acers and shrubs, with a view of our Elizabethan mansion
- Bethlehem Wood: for bright yellow birches and leaf piles galore
- Water Gardens: for a spectrum of colour and leisurely boardwalk strolls
- Westwood Valley: for dramatic ravines, late flowering rhododendrons and thriving fungi
- Westwood Lake: for stunning reflections and the ultimate autumn snap
Did you know? Leaves turn a different colour in the autumn due to hormonal changes in the tree, triggered by longer nights as the summer comes to an end.
5. Explore the Elizabethan mansion
Step into the newly-reopened Mansion to find interactive exhibits in the Chapel and Billiard Room, exploring the story of science at Wakehurst and the history of Wakehurst's landscape.
On those rainy autumn days, take shelter in the Mansion Library. Sit back and relax in the comfy sofas or pick up a book from the shelves, and soak in the mansion's autumnal atmosphere.
6. Go on a fungus hunt
While wandering through our wild landscapes, don't forget to stop and look out for weird and wonderful fungi on the woodland floor.
These organisms are exceptionally important to life on Earth, keeping the natural world in balance through relationships with plants and animals, and helping to break down dead and decaying matter.
Venture through hotspots such as Westwood Valley, the Pinetum, Bethlehem Wood and Coates Wood to see what shapes, colours, smells and textures you can find.
We're offering guided autumnal fungi walks this October for anyone who may face barriers to visiting us - get in touch at wakehurstcommunity@kew.org.
7. Enjoy a doggy day out
With 10km of dog walking paths and trails to discover, you and your dog can stretch your legs while soaking in our most spectacular autumn hotspots, from Westwood Lake to Bethlehem Wood.
Four-legged friends can roll around in the autumn leaves, splash through muddy puddles, or run free in our off-lead area.
Find out more about dog walking at Wakehurst or try out our Barky Bark trail for a dog walk with a difference.
.jpg54ee.webp?itok=JLUeADRI "Dog walks at Wakehurst, Visual Air © RBG Kew")
8. Get in the spooky spirit
At our Visitor Centre Shop we've got everything you need to cosy up this autumn, from our creepily cute range of Halloween Jellycats, a wide range of captivating books, to colourful plants to bring the joy of autumn to your own backyard.
If (like us) you're already counting down the days to Christmas, ensure your door is the best dressed in town with a wreath-making workshop or make a start on your shopping with our selection of gifts and cards.
We’ve got you sorted, with gifts for the foodies, plant-lovers, or little adventurers in your life. Don’t forget, members get an additional 10% off and benefit from an extra discount week in November.
9. Warm up with tasty treats
From a hot drink at Seeds Café to fuel your day, to hearty meals at Stables Kitchen to round it all off, our restaurants and cafés serve up tasty treats and warming drinks to keep you going.
Want to bring your own food? No problem! Pack a picnic and get your thermos ready for lunch in a wild landscape.
10. Become a member
With so much to experience at Wakehurst this autumn, you'll need to visit more than once!
Wakehurst members benefit from unlimited entry all year round, so you can experience all the autumn highlights and much more.
With discounts on our flagship events, 10% discount in the shop and an exclusive Glow Wild members' preview night, there are so many reasons to become a member.
Looking for the perfect present for a nature lover? You can gift a Wakehurst membership for them to enjoy all year!
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