Wisley Gardens was one of the first places I discovered after having Charlie. Which is rather scarily coming on twelve years ago. We have visited RHS Garden Wisley so many times now that I have lost track. Watching it develop over the years, we will visit at least once a season. Since we have a family membership of the Royal Horticultural Society. There have been some considerable changes over the years and it just keeps getting better and better. So I thought it was a long time I wrote this blog post about all the brilliant things to do there with children – RHS Wisley with kids. You will need to allow a whole day because there really is that much.
Where is Wisley Gardens located and how to get there
As a RHS member, we can visit all of the RHS gardens. We visited Rosemoor when we stayed in Croyde Bay where there is a load of things to do with kids. However Wisley Garden has long been the flagship garden of the RHS having one of the largest plant collections in the UK. There is so much to do for kids that it is a firm favourite in our house.
Wisley Gardens is located in Surrey, close to Woking and just off of the A3. Meaning that it is really easy to reach by car and really accessible from central London. All you need to do is follow the brown tourist flower signs. There is a daily shuttle from Woking station and if you do arrive car-free then you can save 30% on the entrance fee. The closest stations are West Byfleet and East Horsley which are both four miles away. Just show your train or bus ticket to get your discount.
Car parking is free at RHS Wisely Garden. It is also very large so even on the busiest of days, you should be able to find a space.
Things to do at RHS Wisley Gardens for kids
These are the things which we enjoy regularly at Wisley Gardens for children. Do let me know if I have forgotten anything in the comments below.
Play Area – Back to Nature Garden
The natural play area for children at Wisley which has been developed over the last couple of years. It is very popular, especially around lunchtime. So head there early if you can. There are a few benches for family picnics. Or if you take a rug plenty of green space next door to have a picnic. Entering through the beach hedged walkway you feel like you’re walking into a secret land. You’re presented with a sand play area full of little houses to let children’s imaginations run wild. Along with a water play area. After you move onto more traditional play equipment such as swings, slides, climbing frames, tunnels and even some mini trampoline. Such a big hit with children of all ages.
Viewing Mount
As you exit the play area turn right and you come to the glasshouse border. The kids love, walking up this along green avenue. Quite often they turn round and run back down again, and then run back up again. At the top, you can walk it up a small mount which gives you views across Wisley Gardens and the fruit fields. Amongst the lavender the curved pathways that run down the side of it in opposite directions.
The Glasshouse
Probably one of the most recognised attractions at RHS Wisely it is a tropical paradise. The garden is full of tall palms and cactuses, which means that the glasshouse always provides lots of entertainment for the children. With its own waterfall, new orchid house with misters much to Harry’s delight, a myriad of climbers and beautiful little flowers. Each plant has a plaque with its Latin name and Harry likes learning these and trying to say them out loud.
In years gone by RHS Wisely has also had Butterflies in the glasshouse in the early months of the year. Although I’ve not seen this for a couple of years, I am hoping they bring it back soon. As it is always a great attraction for the kids, if they do then you will need to book tickets in advance since it is very popular.
RHS Hilltop – World Food Garden
The home of gardening science feels like it was built with children in mind. There are huge vegetable gardens where fruit and vegetables are displayed in such a way that it’s easy for the children to see and get close to. Not only that, but the varieties that are being grown are somewhat unusual such as bottle gourds and tree tomatoes. There are information boards that explain what you are looking at and where the species originated. We enjoy doing a bit of grow your own at home. So it’s always nice for the children to be able to see what a vegetable garden should look like! And gives us some ideas for inspirational gardening at home.
Water Play Area
Staying outside, in front of RHS Hilltop, there is a winding waterway. Designed to look like a river and for children to play in. If you have toddlers do you remember the wellies, as they will not be able to resist it. Freshwater winds across the front of the Hilltop, kids run, play, and jump. And in Harry’s case watch mini leaf boats drift down with the current to the bottom. There are giant pebbles which double as benches for parents to sit on and watch their children, enjoying the water and hopefully the sunshine.
Wildlife Garden
To one side of the Hilltop, there is a new wildlife garden. Specifically designed to provide a natural and sustainable environment for wildlife, it features a range of plants and materials that are chosen for their ecological value. One of the garden’s main features is the pond, which is home to a range of water plants and wildlife, including dragonflies, frogs, and newts. There is also a range of bird boxes, bat boxes, and insect hotels, providing shelter and nesting sites for a range of wildlife. With information plaques located for children. Keep an eye out for areas of wildflowers to encourage pollinators.
Inside The Hilltop
We have visited so many times and I am not sure if we have managed to get round it all. There are lots of interactive exhibits to show how plants are fundamental in our day-to-day living. Demonstrating the impact they have on the medicines that we make. There are several interactive monitors and brass rubbings that the kids can enjoy. In this learning area, every time we visit we discover something new. One thing to remember which I am not sure if it is common knowledge or not, but you can go up onto the roof top of the Hilltop. From here you can look across the mixed borders of RHS Wisley.
The Pinetum RHS Wisley with kids
I still remember when this area opened, it is such a beautiful place. Full of pine trees and other specimens with big swathes of Spring flowers planted beneath them. It is so vast that it allows the children to run wild and generally be kids. Without too much bother, compared to the more formal areas of the garden, which, although beautiful, don’t always hold the children’s interest. In the Autumn, the conquers and pinecones to collect galore. There are also areas that have been planted allowing the children to get lost in tall grasses.
Bird Hide & Bee Hives
In the Pinetum, there is also a bird hide where you can view plenty of the local birdlife with lots of hanging food to tempt them in. Allowing the children to get quite close. Around the side there are pictures and information about all the birds that you will see. It looks out onto woodland and so it’s a very peaceful setting. Definitely one for the list should you visit. Just a little further along from the bird hide and close to the restaurant is a selection of brightly coloured bee hives.
Visit the fish
It is not possible to feed the fish. But this did not stop the boys from finding them fascinating. Especially when they were young. In the centre of the beautiful gardens is there is a small lake which is surrounded by seating and a Japanese pagoda. Quite often there are ducks on this part of the lake but they’re also quite a lot of fish. The kids are always interested in the large carp that seem to occupy the pond, quite often coming to the surface in the hope that someone might feed them.
Alpine Houses
A long-established part of Wisley Gardens are the Alpine Houses. Small glass houses this is where children can see small plants that are normally not exposed to. I have found that they tend to keep the boy’s interest since many of the plants are at their eye level. Being placed on purpose-built brick display areas. There are lots of pretty flowers that Iive in the mountains. Located in the alpine meadow area of the gardens.
Rock Garden
The boys have always enjoyed this area, especially in their younger years. Since it gave them some freedom to walk the different levels independently. Spread over the side of the hill the rock garden spans various levels and allows children to explore. Quite often they end up on different levels. Although the boys have grown out of this phase it is still nice to wander among the many grey stones.
Soft Play in the Glasshouse Cafe
This has been added since the boys have outgrown soft play. However, in the cafe next to the glasshouse, there is a small soft play. Making it a great place to stop for some refreshments. Ideal for toddlers there are lots of brightly coloured crash mats and soft shapes to explore. Meaning Wisley Gardens the ideal place to visit all year round.
Gift Shop and Garden Centre
Exit is through the Wisley shop and Wisley plant centre. I have always loved the shop partly because of the range of children’s books they have on offer. Even before their new gift shop which is now probably about four times the size. It is a great place to do a spot of Christmas shopping and they have lots of homeware bits as well.
RHS Wisley Glow
A relatively new addition to one of our best-loved gardens is Wisley Glow. Which is their annual Christmas light trail which runs for several weeks over the festive season. A family-friendly trail with lots to see and do in a buggy-friendly route that makes it a great option for families with children of all ages. You can read about the other Surrey Christmas Light Trails here.
Where to eat at RHS Wisley for kids?
One of the things about visiting RHS Wisley Gardens is that picnics are actively encouraged. There are so many places to stop for one. Our favourite is the large grass lawn in the centre of the gardens. Here there is plenty of shade towards the edges. There are also plenty of picnic spots close to the children’s play area. If you would prefer to eat on-site, then there are a number of restaurants each offering something slightly different. They are also well spread out so hopefully you are never too far away if you have a little one that needs some nourishment straight away. Our favourite tends to be the glasshouse cafe and the food hall. If you have older children then the World Food Cafe at the Hilltop serves up world cuisine with a twist and has a lovely outside seating area in the gardens.
Top tips for a visit to RHS Wisley for kids
- Pick up a map at the main entrance to help plan your route. This garden is vast and you will need a whole day to get the most out of it.
- There is always something running on the school holidays. Wisley goes out of his way to make sure that there is a trail of some kind or something to keep the kids entertained. There is normally a craft activity taking place near the glasshouse in the classroom during the holidays.
- If you are visiting outside of the summer months, remember wellies for the water play areas Especially for little ones. We find that Wisley is the perfect place to visit in the early autumn.
- It is worth bringing snacks because there is a lot of walking involved if you really want to try and see it all. And I find that snacks in the restaurants are quite expensive in comparison to other places.
- If you can make sure you catch the herbaceous perennials in the herbaceous borders and the luscious rose gardens. As they are really beautiful and make great photo backdrops.
- The RHS garden also holds Wisley flower show each year
I hope you have enjoyed this blog post about RHS Wisley for kids. Have you visited RHS Wisley with children? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
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