Seasonal Planner for the Blooming Fantastic Year of Events at RHS Gardens Across 2026

Ever find yourself looking for something new to do, a proper day out that the whole family can actually get on board with? It seems the Royal Horticultural Society has a plan for that, and it's a big one. Across its five stunning locations, a whole year of fun is lined up, with a packed programme of events designed for everyone from the littlest explorers to those with seriously green fingers.

These iconic RHS Gardens are set to host a massive variety of activities throughout 2026. Forget quiet strolls (though there's room for that too); think magical light shows, foodie festivals, and classic storybook adventures. This isn't just a few events here and there; it’s a full calendar designed to get visitors out and about whatever the season, from the first hints of spring right through to the deepest winter.

A classic tale to start the year: Wind in the Willows adventure

Kicking things off from 14 February, families can step right into the pages of a beloved classic. The brand new Wind in the Willows experience is coming to all five RHS Gardens. It’s a chance for visitors to follow in the footsteps of Mr Toad, Ratty, Mole, and Badger. This isn't just a walk in the park; it's a proper garden adventure. A series of specially designed trails will bring the story to life, using the charming original illustrations by E.H. Shepard to make it feel completely authentic. During the February half-term, the gardens will be buzzing with extra activities.

Think hands-on arts and crafts sessions where kids can make their own characters, live story times that will have everyone captivated, and unique garden tours with RHS experts. And the fun doesn't stop there. The adventure continues right into summer, with a special Wind in the Willows Big Picnic planned for 5 July. It’s the perfect family day out to start the year.

Cracking the case this Easter

As spring arrives, a mystery unfolds in the gardens. Between 3 and 28 March, the Easter Detectives will be on the case, and they need help! In a fun twist on the usual Easter egg hunt, this event, 'Who Framed the Easter Bunny?', challenges families to solve a crime. The chocolate has gone missing, and Easter is at risk. Armed with an activity pack, visitors will follow a series of clever clues and puzzles scattered throughout the beautiful gardens.

The mission is to unravel the truth and save the day, with a special treat waiting for those who solve the mystery. While on the hunt, the trails offer a chance to see the gardens bursting into life, with colourful spring bulbs and beautiful blossoms everywhere. The Easter programme also includes a host of other activities, from storytelling sessions to family-friendly planting workshops, making it a fantastic way to spend the Easter holidays.

Let the games begin this May half-term

When the May half-term rolls around, it's time to get competitive. From 23 May to 1 June, the Great Garden Game-a-thon returns. This is all about good old-fashioned fun, but on a massive scale. Visitors can expect to find giant versions of classic games scattered across the lawns. Imagine a game of Jenga that’s taller than you are, or a huge chess set that makes everyone feel tiny. The events are designed to get the whole family playing together, with tricky mazes to navigate and all the quintessential lawn games you can think of. It’s a brilliant way to let off some steam. Alongside the games, there will be plenty of other interactive activities and green-fingered arts and crafts to get stuck into, all while the garden is in full, glorious bloom. The Great Garden Game-a-thon is set to be a highlight of the spring programme.

Summer building with the Brick Explorers

The summer holidays are getting a brand new adventure. From 11 July to 31 August, the Brick Explorers event takes over the gardens. This is for the curious minds, the builders, and the wildlife lovers. A brand-new trail of incredible brick sculptures will be installed across all five iconic sites.

These aren't just random models; they're amazing wildlife creations of all shapes and sizes, from tiny insects to larger animals. Following an activity booklet packed with fun facts, adventurers on the trails can discover how the gardens support these creatures and their lifecycles. It’s a fantastic way to learn about nature. But it's not just about looking. Visitors can get hands-on at interactive build stations to create their own brick masterpieces. The Brick Explorers programme promises a whole summer of creative fun.

From the garden to the kitchen: Plot to Plate

As summer fades into autumn, the focus shifts from playing to plating. The Plot to Plate celebration runs on selected dates from 5 September to 11 October, and it's a dream for any food lover. This is all about celebrating the journey of food from the ground to the dinner table.

All five RHS Gardens will host a jam-packed programme of foodie events. Visitors can expect live cookery demonstrations from talented chefs, bustling food markets selling local produce, and fascinating tours of the edible parts of the garden. It's a chance to get expert advice on growing your own fruit and veg, whether you have a massive allotment or just a small window box. With family entertainment also on the menu, Plot to Plate offers a delicious experience for all ages and a great reason to visit the gardens in the autumn.

Spooky fun for the October half-term

When October arrives, things are set to get a little bit spooky. For the October half-term, running from 17 October to 1 November, the gardens are getting a wicked makeover. It’s a fantastic programme of events designed to entertain little monsters of all ages. There will be terrifying trails to follow, opportunities for some creepy-crawly insect encounters, and spooky story times that are just the right amount of scary. Families can get stuck into skin-crawling crafts and other hands-on activities.

The October half-term events are all about having some frightfully good, safe fun in the beautiful autumn setting of the gardens. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season.

Lighting up the winter nights with RHS Glow

To end the year, the hugely popular RHS Glow will return for Winter 2026. This iconic event transforms the gardens into a magical wonderland after dark.

As dusk falls, the gardens come to life with enchanting illuminations, creating a spectacular winter walk. The trails are carefully designed to showcase the gardens' most beautiful features, with tree canopies, lakes, and fountains all lit up in breathtaking displays. It’s an unforgettable experience, seeing these famous landscapes under the stars in a completely new light. The winter light festival is a truly festive and illuminating way to round off a packed programme of events at the RHS Gardens, offering a magical experience for visitors of all ages.