What we like about it

RHS Wisley is just off the M25/A3 junction turning, which makes it a very easy destination for those living in Ashtead. Happily, it’s also a great destination to get outside and have the opportunity to walk around some stunning gardens - whatever your age. It’s brilliant because it’s an option for those with very tiny children, to those who find mobility a little tricky, and everything and everyone in between. 

One of its biggest draws is simply how beautiful its gardens are - even in the depths of Winter. However, during Spring, it really comes into its own with plenty of Wisteria, Azaleas and Tulips all opening up after the long cold months. 

Kids love it here thanks to wide open spaces and lots of places for hide & seek. It’s also got  kids’ area with a large sand pit and water stream, adventure playground and climbing frame - amongst many other fab bits and bobs. Top tip though - the closest loos are a little walk away for little legs: go before you get to the playground!

But even if you don’t make it to the kids’ playground, they’ll still have fun thanks to so many interesting things to see here. It’s what makes it a pleasant trip even if you’re not a keen gardener. There’s the world garden where you can see plenty of fruit, veg and herbs growing outside in the UK, the orchard, a viewing hill, and many other stunning styles of garden that will either give you ideas to take home with you, or at least give your head space to breathe. 

Of course, there are also plenty of cafes and a great shop. Always leave time for these! The main starter building has the biggest cafe and restaurant, with oodles of things to buy in the adjoining shop. In addition to lots of plants (be warned, they are on the expensive side), there are shelves and shelves of home furnishings, kids’ toys and books, books for grown ups and general knick knacks. It’s a great place if you are in the market for that hard to buy for person in your life. 

Other cafes are dotted around the grounds, with cake, croissants, coffee and lunch all on offer. In fact, you can even get a glass of wine or a beer at several of the outlets. In the Summer, milk carts are open so you can get a coffee or sandwich to go - or the inevitable ice cream. 

What we don’t like about it

At the moment, the M25/A3 junction is undergoing a huge overhaul. Traffic is a bit of a pain going into and out of the gardens. 

Would we go again

Yes, definitely. The new joiner membership makes signing up worth it if you go more than three times in a year. 

Not keen? Look at our other days out ideas.