RHS Gardens Launch Brick Explorers Event for Families This Summer

This summer, families across the UK are in for a treat as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) unveils its exciting Brick Explorers event. From 11 July to 31 August 2026, visitors can explore five stunning RHS Gardens—Wisley in Surrey, Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, Hyde Hall in Essex, Rosemoor in Devon, and Bridgewater in Greater Manchester. The event promises to be an interactive adventure filled with wildlife sculptures and fun, hands-on building activities that encourage a love for nature.

Discovering the Brick Explorers Trail

The Brick Explorers event is a collaboration with Iconic Bricks, featuring more than 60 wildlife-inspired brick sculptures, each uniquely crafted. Some of these impressive sculptures reach heights of up to 1.8 metres and are created from a staggering 433,000 bricks, weighing over 1,700 kg in total. These creations will be scattered throughout the gardens, allowing families to engage with the natural world in a playful and imaginative way.

Elin Simonsson, Head of Public Engagement at the RHS, expressed enthusiasm for the event:

“Following the positive response from visitors to the ‘Great Brick Safari’ we previously hosted in the Glasshouse at RHS Wisley, we’re delighted to be bringing a new Brick Sculpture trail to all five RHS Gardens this summer on a bigger and better scale.”

The aim is to create an experience that is both educational and enjoyable, helping children to notice the connections in nature while having fun.

Wildlife Superheroes

A key feature of the Brick Explorers event is the family trail, where visitors will hunt for ten ‘wildlife superheroes’. Each superhero represents a different animal and showcases the unique skills that help them survive in their habitats. As families explore the gardens, they can use an activity booklet to collect superhero ‘superpowers’, discovering how plants, fungi, and animals are interconnected within ecosystems.

Hands-On Activities and Experiences

In addition to the sculpture trail, each RHS Garden will host various brick-building activities throughout the summer. This hands-on approach allows visitors to unleash their creativity by designing their own nature-inspired models and imaginative green spaces. With drop-in build stations, families can engage in constructive play, making the event a perfect blend of learning and fun.

Special Events and Programming

Selected RHS Gardens will offer additional programming to enhance the experience. For instance, visitors at Garden Bridgewater can enjoy an interactive storytelling garden walk led by Mike Dodsworth, as well as captivating theatre performances from Colour the Clouds Theatre Company. These unique elements add depth to the event, making it a memorable outing for all ages.

Visiting Information

The Brick Explorers event runs from 11 July to 31 August 2026. Admission to the trail is included with a standard garden ticket. Pricing is aimed to accommodate families, with children aged 5-16 starting from £5.25 and adults from £13.75. In alignment with the Great British Summer Savings campaign, families can benefit from reduced admission prices and lower costs for children’s meals in all RHS cafés and restaurants. Tickets must be pre-booked online through the RHS website.

Great British Summer Savings

The Great British Summer Savings campaign, running from 25 June to 1 September 2026, offers significant discounts on family-friendly outings. This includes a VAT reduction from 20% to 5% on garden admission tickets, making it more affordable for families to enjoy a day out in nature. Additionally, visitors who travel to RHS Gardens by bus, bike, or on foot can receive 30% off their admission as part of the RHS Green Travel offer.

Explore the RHS Gardens

Each RHS Garden offers its unique take on the Brick Explorers event, providing a diverse range of experiences for visitors. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect at each location:

• RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey: Features expert talks and interactive experiences alongside the sculpture trail.

• RHS Garden Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire: Offers hands-on experiences and insights into local wildlife.

• RHS Garden Rosemoor, North Devon: Includes workshops and drop-in sessions for creating greener spaces.

• RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex: Hosts storytelling walks and creative activities.

• RHS Garden Bridgewater, Greater Manchester: Features a wildlife-inspired brick trail and engaging theatre experiences.

With so many exciting activities planned, the Brick Explorers event at the RHS Gardens is set to be a highlight of the summer for families looking to connect with nature. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about wildlife while having fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Visitors are encouraged to gather their family and friends for a summer filled with discovery and creativity.