Just a 12 minute drive along the A3 from Mandolay, RHS Wisley is home to more than 240 acres of glorious rolling lawns, spectacular trees, trial beds, spectacular seasonal displays, and a wonderful glasshouse packed with exotic plants and flowers from around the world.
It is not for nothing that RHS Garden Wisley is regarded as one of the world’s great gardens.
Open all year round, except for Christmas Day, Wisley is a dream for keen gardeners, professional horticulturists, and plant enthusiasts of every degree. But you really do not have to be an expert to fully appreciate the ‘Wonder of Wisley’.
The sights, and smells of a quintessentially English garden are to be treasure by us all, and while it does get busy, Wisley never feels crowded, such is the space that is available to roam, and explore. Children are always welcomed, and there’s lots for them to see and do, with fun activities, walkways, swings and treehouses to explore.
A particular family favourite is the Back to Nature Garden, based on a peaceful woodland setting safely surrounded by trees, the area encourages children and adults to engage with nature, and the thrill of outdoor life. The garden was opened by HRH the Duchess of Cambridge in 2019, and it is now an established feature of Wisley.
There’s also plenty of opportunities to refuel as you walk around Wisley, with cafeterias including the World Food Café, and the Glasshouse Kitchen, as well as the Terrace Restaurant.
Accessibility is excellent, with wheelchair and mobility scooter hire available on-site, you can also use your own if preferred.
The Wisley website is full of useful details, like ‘What’s Looking Good Right Now’, a regularly updated guide to the gardens, with information about what to look out for throughout the year. Right now, as we enter April the Cherry Blossom is a frothy riot, whilst we will soon be able to see the hundreds Camellias in full flower, a genuinely awe-inspiring sight, and smell.
You can find out more about Wisley, book tickets and arrange tours by visiting their website www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley
Oh, and do not miss the Garden Centre for some real bargains, and unusual finds, you can even book a free 30 minute Personal Shopping Experience…now that’s what we call service!