Rally up the kids and start exploring this beauty spot during the chilly season
RHS Garden Wisley(Image: SurreyLive – Grahame Larter)
Just because the days are shorter and the weather cooler, family-friendly adventures don’t have to stop during the colder months.
With searches for ‘things to do winter’ and ‘winter activities’ rising sharply, parents are increasingly looking for accessible, wholesome outings that combine fresh air, exploration and seasonal beauty.
While gardens might not immediately seem exciting for children in winter, many UK gardens now offer interactive and festive trails, child-friendly activities and wildlife spotting opportunities, making them perfect for seasonal outdoor adventures.
To help families plan their winter garden trips, Bloom and Wild has curated a selection of some of the UK’s most inspiring gardens, highlighting the seasonal blooms, stems and textures to enjoy, along with tips to make visits as smooth and stress-free as possible.
On its list was Surrey’s RHS Garden Wisley near Woking. Situated just one hour from central London, the award-winning beauty spot features large lawns, lakes, woodland areas, rock gardens and a seasonal winter illumination trail called Glow.
For those looking for colour, their flowering season kicks off this time of year in the Alpine display house, offering Cyclamen, Nerine and Colchicum in bloom.
Newly opened spaces such as the Greener Skills Garden bring new activities, while quieter corners like the Jubilee Arboretum and Howard’s Field provide peaceful routes as the days shorten.
Visitors can expect vivid purple berries from Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Imperial Pearl’, clusters of fruit on Malus ‘Adirondack’, and a striking display of coloured stems from cornus and salix, including the fiery Cornus sanguinea ‘Magic Flame’.
On the Birch Lawn, European hazel (Corylus avellana) produces pale yellow catkins as early as January, with snowdrops forming carpets beneath the trees.
With a large free car park on its doorstep, as well as a huge garden centre on site, gardening fans can leave with their favourite plants and enjoy them in their own garden at home.
The much-loved attraction has a number of cafes dotted along its walking trail too, perfect for escaping the chill.
From coffee and hot chocolate, to pizza, cakes, sandwiches and salads, there are also children’s lunch boxes available, as well as outdoor festive chalets during the Glow Christmas lights walk period selling festive snacks.
Tips for a stress-free garden adventure with kids
Bloom and Wild have shared their top tips on making plants and blooms fun and a day out as stress free as possible:
Arrive early: Crisp winter mornings are quieter, cooler, and filled with golden light making them perfect for giving little ones space to run before crowds arrive.Bring a scavenger hunt: Adapt flower-spotting for winter by including leaf colours, pinecones, conkers, acorns, fungi, or migrating birds for kids to tick off. Many gardens also provide child-friendly activity sheets.Pack a picnic (and a flask): Scenic lawns and woodland clearings are ideal for a winter picnic. Hot chocolate or tea in a flask makes a warming treat during a chilly walk.Dress for all weathers: Winter can bring snow, showers, and mud all in the same day. Sturdy shoes, waterproofs, and layers will keep children comfortable and far less likely to complain.Mix play with pauses: Alternate between energetic activities (like trails, mazes, or playgrounds) and calmer moments (resting under a tree, feeding ducks, or enjoying a snack) so kids don’t tire too quickly.Make it hands-on: Encourage children to sketch a tree in its winter colours, photograph fungi or acorns, or collect fallen leaves (where allowed) for craft projects at home.Check for seasonal events: Many gardens run special winter activities, from Santa trails and storytelling sessions and Christmas events.Set a mini challenge: Ask kids to spot the brightest flower, the tallest tree, or the strangest-shaped shrub – a fun way to keep them engaged without it feeling like a task.
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