Are all areas of the attraction accessible by wheelchair?

No, all areas are not wheelchair accessible. There are many gravel and hard surface paths around the gardens.A large area of the ornamental planting, lawns and water features around the Mansion is level and accessible via a hard surface path from the Visitor Centre.There is level or ramped access to the Visitor Centre.The remaining garden and woodland areas have steep slopes and steps.

Can wheelchairs be rented? If so, what is the cost?

Yes, wheelchairs can be rented. The cost is £1 per rental.

Do you offer special assistance for visitors in the wheelchair?

Yes, special assistance is available.

Is Wakehurst wheelchair friendly?

Yes, Wakehurst is wheelchair friendly and has accessible toilets. There are many gravel and hard surface paths around the gardens.A large area of the ornamental planting, lawns and water features around the Mansion is level and accessible via a hard surface path from the Visitor Centre.There is level or ramped access to the Visitor Centre.The remaining garden and woodland areas have steep slopes and steps.

Is Wakehurst baby friendly?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities.

Are all areas of the attraction accessible with a pushchair?

Yes, all areas are pushchair friendly. There are many gravel and hard surface paths around the gardens.A large area of the ornamental planting, lawns and water features around the Mansion is level and accessible via a hard surface path from the Visitor Centre.There is level or ramped access to the Visitor Centre.The remaining garden and woodland areas have steep slopes and steps.

Is there a restroom for mothers that are breastfeeding?

No, there are no breastfeeding rooms available.

Yes, Wakehurst is dog friendly Dogs are welcome at Wakehurst on our designated dog walking route.

Is there food and drink available to buy?

Yes there is dining and snack options. There are 3 cafes onsite serving everything from bacon sandwiches to homemade cake!

Can visitors bring their own food?

Yes, guest are allowed to bring their own food

Are there parking fees? If so, how much?

Yes, there are parking fees. Parking fees:45 mins to 2.5 hours: £8.00Over 2.5 hours: £13.50Parking charges apply to National Trust members after 45 minutesParking is free for: General admissionKew and Wakehurst membersCoaches if 50% or more of the party are buying tickets, otherwise the charge is £100

How far is the parking from the attraction?

There is on-site parking available

Can parking spaces be pre-booked or reserved?

No, parking can not be pre-booked or reserved.

Are there accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, there are accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities. There are a limited number of parking spaces available next to the Visitor Centre for cars displaying a Blue Badge.

Does your attraction offer private hire, for parties or events?

No, there is no private hire at Wakehurst.

How frequent is public transport to the attraction?

By bus Metrobus route 272 stops outside Wakehurst, serving Crawley, Three Bridges, Copthorne, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and Brighton (Monday to Saturday). You can plan your bus journey using the Metrobus journey planner or the Metrobus app. Get an exclusive 50% off admission if you travel to Wakehurst by bus! Simply show your bus ticket at the booking desk. By train Haywards Heath (6 miles away) is our closest railway station. When you exit the station, turn right and go to the Perrymount Road bus stop. Metrobus route 272 operates from here to Wakehurst (Monday to Saturday). Alternative stations are Crawley (10 miles away) and Three Bridges (9 miles) which are also served by the route 272.

What are the closest public transport stops or stations to the attraction?

Metrobus route 272 Haywards Heath train station

Do visitors need to pre-book time slots or tickets to get into the attraction?

No, Wakehurst had stated that you do not need to pre-book.

Are there toilets available?

Yes, there are toilets available to the public.

Are there baby changing facilities available?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities available

Are there accessible toilets?

Yes, there are accessible toilets available

Wakehurst

Ardingly, West Sussex

All AgesStately Homes and GardensTourist AttractionsStately Homes and GardensIndoorsOutdoors

About Wakehurst

At Wakehurst, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep your sprogs entertained while you appreciate its beautiful collection of plants.

Nature Heroes: Across the school holidays, young adventurers will have the opportunity to become a planet-saving Nature Hero. Put on your cape, join our mission and collect unique new badges.

Help Pip, Bud and Sprout as they discover new skills to protect wildlife, unlock the powers of plants and discover funky fungi.

500 acres of ornamental gardens, ancient woodlands and nature reserve
Have a day out like no other at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden. Spot the wildlife and year-round colour in our valleys, and explore over 500 acres of ornamental gardens, ancient woodlands and a nature reserve. Beautiful whatever the season, explore the wilder corners of the landscape to discover some of the quietest, most beautiful spots.
Home to the world-famous Millennium Seed Bank
Home to the world-famous Millennium Seed Bank, step inside to explore one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and enjoy the fascinating exhibition Surviving or Thriving. Now kids can step into the shoes of scientist and bank their own seed with our brand-new interactive Bank a Seed activity.
An Elizabethan Mansion with picture-perfect gardens
Managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst prides itself on being home to picture-perfect gardens, an Elizabethan Mansion and hundreds of acres of diverse landscape, featuring rare plant collections from around the world. The Mansion is newly reopened with two new exhibitions exploring the history of Wakehurst's landscape and science at Wakehurst, in the Chapel and Billiard Room. The Mansion Library provides a peaceful retreat where visitors can pause and soak in the Mansion’s unique atmosphere.

Attraction Details

Opening Times

Regular Times

Monday, 10:00 - 16:30
Tuesday, 10:00 - 16:30
Wednesday, 10:00 - 16:30
Thursday, 10:00 - 16:30
Friday, 10:00 - 16:30
Saturday, 10:00 - 16:30
Sunday, 10:00 - 16:30

Open everyday 10am to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)

Stables Kitchen and Pantry: 10am to 5pm

Seeds Cafe: 10am to 5.30pm

Visitor Centre shop and Plant Centre: Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 11.30am to 5.30pm

Please note the gardens are open 10am to 3pm (last entry 2.30pm) on selected Glow Wild nights.

The gardens are open for you to explore all year except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Plan Your Visit

Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours

Suitable for Kids and Adults too

FAQs

Directions

Wakehurst

Wakehurst, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TN, England

Tel: 01444894066

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Last updated: 16:30 11/12/2025

Wakehurst

About Wakehurst

500 acres of ornamental gardens, ancient woodlands and nature reserve

Home to the world-famous Millennium Seed Bank

An Elizabethan Mansion with picture-perfect gardens

Attraction Details

Opening Times

Regular Times

Pricing & Tickets

Facilities

Plan Your Visit

FAQs

Directions

Wakehurst Reviews

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