Kew Gardens and Kew Wakehurst | November 2026
November is a brilliant time to visit Kew Gardens and its wild Sussex sister, Kew Wakehurst, with two festive light trails launching and a programme of fascinating tours and workshops. Here are five highlights.
1. Christmas at Kew (from 13 November)
London’s most enchanting festive trail returns from 13 November to 3 January, with 30 immersive light installations and atmospheric soundscapes. For the first time, there are adult-only evenings on 3 and 9 December. Read our full guide to Christmas at Kew.
2. Glow Wild at Wakehurst (from 26 November)
Sussex’s award-winning lantern trail returns on selected evenings from 26 November to 2 January. This year’s theme, In Search of Nature’s Gifts, takes you on a journey of light, sound and movement past giant tentacles, curious characters and playful penguins. Under-4s go free.
3. Hidden Worlds: Lichen Tour (9 and 23 November)
Kew is home to around 200 species of lichen, one of the richest collections in London. Join a Kew lichenologist on a one-hour walking tour, using hand lenses to discover these rarely noticed micro-ecosystems. It’s recommended for ages 12 and over.
4. Fungi workshops (19 and 27 November)
On 19 November, botanical artist Lucy T Smith leads a one-day workshop drawing edible fungi in a studio overlooking the Palm House. On 27 November, an adult workshop with the Caley Brothers includes a guided tour of Kew’s Fungarium, and you’ll take home your own mushroom grow kit.
5. An Evening of Moore (11 November)
Explore Henry Moore’s life and legacy with experts and curators at an evening talk in the Nash Conservatory, alongside the record-breaking Henry Moore: Monumental Nature exhibition, which runs until 31 January. Kew also runs free British Sign Language, sensory and dementia-friendly tours this month.
Visit
Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AE | Nearest station: Kew Gardens
Kew Wakehurst, Ardingly, West Sussex RH17 6TN