Wind In The Willows Trail Coming to RHS Harlow Carr

Remember reading The Wind in the Willows? Or maybe having it read to you? That classic tale of friendship and adventure with Mole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger has been a favourite for generations. Well, get ready for a bit of nostalgia, because something special is happening. The Royal Horticultural Society, better known as the RHS, is teaming up with book publisher Farshore to bring the story to life. They're launching a massive celebration for the 95th anniversary of E. H. Shepard’s iconic illustrations for the famous book, and it sounds like a brilliant day out for everyone.

A riverside adventure in the gardens

So, what's actually going on? Starting on 14 February 2026 and running all the way until December 2026, all five RHS Gardens across the UK will host "The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure." This isn't just a walk to look at some pictures. It’s an interactive trail designed to pull you right into the world of Kenneth Grahame’s classic story. Visitors can follow the adventures of the beloved characters through the stunning landscapes of the gardens.

The trails will be popping up at:

• RHS Garden Wisley
• RHS Garden Hyde Hall
• RHS Garden Rosemoor
• RHS Garden Harlow Carr
• RHS Garden Bridgewater

Each trail will feature a selection of the cherished illustrations that E. H. Shepard created, bringing that storybook magic to the gardens’ most famous spots. It’s a chance to celebrate a truly timeless story in a beautiful setting.

More than just messing about in boats

This whole event is happening for a couple of big reasons. Firstly, it’s to celebrate the landmark 95th anniversary of when E. H. Shepard’s drawings first appeared in the book. It also marks 50 years since the death of the talented illustrator and cartoonist. His drawings are as much a part of The Wind in the Willows as the characters themselves. Think about it – can you picture Toad without picturing Shepard’s frantic, goggle-wearing drawing of him? Probably not.

But there’s another layer to this. The collaboration fits perfectly with the RHS’s theme for 2026, which is all about biodiversity. The story is packed with scenes of riverbanks, woods, and the English countryside, making it a perfect partner for talking about nature. The whole idea is to get people, especially younger ones, curious about wildlife, different habitats, and why it's so important to look after our natural world. Around the spectacular gardens, visitors will find sensory boxes, traditional garden games, and loads of photo opportunities. It's a proper outdoor adventure that follows the story of the Wind in the Willows.

What the organisers are saying

It’s clear there’s a lot of passion behind this project. The people who put it together are really excited to share it.

Elin Simonsson, who is the Head of Public Engagement at the RHS, shared her thoughts: “We are delighted to celebrate the 95th anniversary of E. H. Shepard’s much-loved The Wind in the Willows illustrations across our five RHS Gardens and are excited to share the trail with visitors of all ages. The celebration of nature, the great outdoors, and fun with friends aligns with our philosophy of championing children's joy in nature and encouraging children to explore and discover wildlife in our gardens, the perfect settings for the adventures of Mole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger.”

Cally Poplak, the Managing Director at HarperCollins Children’s Books and Farshore, also highlighted the timing: “The RHS trails are a joyful way to celebrate with families the 95th anniversary of E. H. Shepard’s original illustrations for The Wind in the Willows. This feels especially timely with the National Year of Reading in 2026, when families will be encouraged to follow their passions, be it playing about on riverbanks or spotting wildlife – then cuddle up with a book.”

And it’s not just them. The Shepard Trust, which looks after the legacy of the famous illustrator, is also on board. The trustees said: "We are so pleased that the RHS and Farshore are bringing E.H. Shepard's iconic The Wind in the Willows illustrations to life through these wonderful trails. Shepard's artistry continues to enchant across generations whilst inspiring appreciation for the natural world and the enduring power of storytelling."

New books on the horizon

As if the trails weren't enough, publisher HarperCollins has big plans for the book itself. They're launching a three-year publishing schedule for The Wind in the Willows. This means new editions and formats are planned for 2027 and 2028, but things kick off in 2026 with two brand-new titles.

Here’s what consumer readers can look forward to:

• The Adventures of Portly The Otter: Untold Tales from The Wind in the Willows: This book, by award-winning author M. G. Leonard, features new illustrations by Polly Dunbar, created in the classic style of E. H. Shepard. It’s set to be released on 26th March 2026.
• Messing About on Boats: Mindful Moments from The Wind in the Willows: Publishing on 10th September 2026, this title combines original quotes from the classic text with Shepard’s artwork. It also includes reflections on life and the calming power of nature.

Both of these new books will be available to buy in RHS shops, along with the classic editions of Kenneth Grahame’s beloved novel. It’s a great way for a new generation of readers to discover the world of the riverbank.

The practical bits

Thinking of going? The good news is that the trails are included with the standard entry fee to the RHS Gardens. You won’t need a special ticket for the Wind in the Willows adventure. Tickets can be bought online in advance or at any of the gardens on the day.

Address: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1QB

This event is a fantastic way to celebrate a piece of literary history. The RHS is a well-known UK gardening charity, and its gardens are some of the most beautiful in the country. Pairing them with the timeless art of an iconic illustrator like E. H. Shepard creates an experience that connects literature, art, and the great outdoors. It's a chance to get out, explore, and maybe even rediscover a story that has captivated the world for over a century.