Take a seat: Wakehurst’s best benches

Watch the changing seasons, enjoy a moment of peace, and tuck into a hearty lunch. Wakehurst’s benches are the hidden gems of the landscape, giving you a new window into the garden, and allowing you to stop and notice the smaller details.

We’ve put together a handy guide to Wakehurst’s stand-out seats, and provided you with their What3Words locations, so you can enjoy a moment of relaxation on your next visit.

Best for spring colour: Mansion Pond

The Mansion Pond is a spectacle in every season, and as winter turns to spring, the benches lining the pond provide the perfect location to spot emerging bulbs, ready to put on a display for spring. Curved seating around ‘Kodak Corner’, by the top of the Water Gardens, opens up an iconic view of the Wakehurst Mansion, casting reflections on the still water.

Later in the year, acers dotted around the banks indicate autumn with their fiery reds and oranges making a bold statement.

What3words /// durations.impose.bliss

Best for the senses: Winter Garden

Truly the highlight of the winter season, the Winter Garden at Wakehurst is a tapestry of scent, colour and sound. Take a seat on the unique curved bench in the heart of the Winter Garden, framed by golden witch hazel, and enjoy a treat for all the senses.

Now in its sixth year, the Winter Garden is continuously evolving, so this bench is the ideal spot to sit and watch our expert horticulturists at work, prepping the beds for the next season.

What3words /// balancing.topmost.workloads

Best for peace: Iris Dell

For those seeking a bit of peace, the Iris Dell offers secluded benches around the boardwalk. Take a break and listen to the relaxing trickling of water, while watching this haven change throughout the seasons. In mid-April, rhododendrons burst into colour around the Dell, while autumn colour begins to descend in October.

What3words /// paused.spine.matchbox

Best for conservation: Westwood Viewpoint

Whilst taking in the view on this recently built viewing platform, you’re sitting on stools with an important conservation message. In December 2022, we had to close our 150-acre Loder Valley Nature Reserve to carry out a vital felling operation, as the impact of deadly ash dieback disease hit our woodlands. The wood from diseased and dying ash trees was given new life when transformed into furniture such as these stools.

In the spring months, the Westwood Viewpoint looks out onto Wakehurst's globally significant rhododendron collection.

What3words /// nimbly.rephrase.bongo

Best for wildlife: Himalayan Glade

Undoubtedly the best location for budding ornithologists, the Himalayan Glade transports you to the mountainous regions of China, with dramatic sandstone cliffs and Asian shrubs.

Dotted around the glade are bird feeders, making it a popular haunt for our feathered friends. Take a seat on the bench, grab a pair of binoculars and see who you can spot.

What3words /// bricks.circus.sticks

Best for views: Loder Valley Viewpoint

In anticipation of the Loder Valley Nature Reserve re-opening this spring, this bench provides the ultimate spot to take in these magnificent 150 acres.

Follow the river as it stretches from Westwood Lake, feeding into Ardingly Reservoir in the distance. Lining the horizon are acres of ancient woodlands, home to native wildlife such as badgers and dormice. In the woodlands, our team carry out traditional work such as coppicing (cutting the stems of trees in the woodlands to ground level) and charcoal burning, creating sustainable fuel to keep our woods healthy and thriving.

What3words /// loads.beads.mule

Best for international travel: Horsebridge Wood

Every visit to Wakehurst means a unique walk around the world. Our gardens are planted phytogeographically, meaning plants and trees from similar geographical areas are grouped together.

Horsebridge Wood is home to our North American redwood trees, towering above the many benches you’ll find here. Sit and look up, taking in these ancient giants.

Best for immersion: Bloomers Valley viewpoint

For the more intrepid explorers, venture out to Bloomers Valley, and head to the bench at the top of the hill, offering a spectacular view of this native meadow.

Whilst seated, you can take in years of history through the surrounding trees, from the rare monkey puzzle trees to the towering peaks of Wakehurst’s Wollemi pines, with both species dating back to the Jurassic era.

Throughout the seasons, this bench offers an insight into a meadow’s life cycle, from a rich and enchanting carpet of wildflowers in the summer months, to mowing and baling in autumn.

What3words /// quilting.slack.thuds

Best for art: Wild Wood

Forming just one installation in an inspiring woven gallery of outdoor sculptures, this oversized chair was handcrafted by Iain, our Head of Landscape & Horticulture at Wakehurst.

Follow the rest of our Wild Wood trail to step into badger sets, meet woodland creatures and play with a sense of scale. In the spring months, the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells, adding pops of colour to the many photo opportunities.

Best for families: labyrinth

Our outdoor labyrinth is the ideal spot to let little legs run free and burn off energy. Take a seat on one of the benches in this secure glade, to keep one eye on your little adventures, and one on a well-earned sandwich!

What3words /// cared.quirky.absorb

Plan your next visit to head out in search of these serene spots, and let the magic of Wakehurst unfold around you, one bench at a time.