The Garden Pod Cafe in Elmbridge

I’ve not been to the gardens of the RHS for many years, so was excited to get tickets as a birthday gift to see how much it’s changed?As one would expect from the RHS Flagship garden, it’s very well represented, with many varied and unusual specimens of the plant world, and the gardens are (on the whole) very well presented.We visited on a dry, warm summers day, and although not overly crowded, it was very busy, with people making the most of the good weather with picnics and children running about on the many lawned areas. There are some great water features dotted around, with an impressive waterfall in the glasshouse.Although (thankfully) we don’t require their use, the gardens are pretty wheelchair friendly, with many of the areas accessible via steps also having sloping pathways, giving their less fortunate guests equal access without detracting from the layout of the gardens.Our only criticism was a distinct lack of clear signposts, and the map we were given not representing clearly, how to navigate from one point to another (the site can be quite disorientating!) and considering the amount of seats, benches and tables, there are no bins around the gardens, so litter has been allowed to blow into the ponds and water features (although this doesn’t seem to be evident in the flower beds and borders, as I guess they are patrolled fairly regularly? (Why people can’t take their rubbish home with them is beyond me??)The garden Centre and shop are the only way out, so you’ve no option but to browse on your way out, and we thought the prices were considerably higher than that of general “town” garden centres, and the restaurants were well stocked but expensive. With these points in mind, I would still highly recommend visiting, but wear sensible clothing, and prepare for a lot of walking if you want to see the best parts!Well worth the visit, and in different times, I would’ve seriously considered joining the RHS just to make use of a gem on our doorstep!!

For those of us in landscape and garden academia, this is a fabulous place dedicated to education. But if you are not in academia looking for something different to do on a day out, RHS Wisley is for you, too. What impressed me most is that the gardens are atypical. Sure, there is a rose garden, perennial border, and other elements commonly found in the best gardens, but the site also hosts some dynamic modern designs as well as test gardens. The overall experience was inspiring, and the garden ideas are scalable from grand estates to small, urban garden plots. If I'm fortunate to visit the UK again, RHS Wisley is on the top of my list for a revisit. Friendly, professional staff, too.For travelers, taking the courtesy shuttle from the train station is essential, but the directions on the website to find the bus is a little confusing (for me). The train from London arrives on the back side of the station, so make sure you make your way to the station's main entrance where most of the busses park. For me, I exited the station on the wrong side, and after a helpful call to the garden office, I found the under crossing to the main entrance. The bus arrives on the hour, but sometimes traffic can cause some delays. Otherwise, a wonderful experience.

I'm not a member, attended for a wedding. It's a beautiful location. Ceremony was held under the butterfly lovers pagoda, next to the pond which looked amazing! Reception in the greenhouse - catering provided from external company. Approx 120 people. Had time to walk around the grounds which look amazing!

Beautiful place to spend a day. Not far off the M25 junction 9. Although it feels a million miles once you get in there. If you can go during the week it would be a lot quieter. They organise loads of activities it has changed so much since I was last there. Its a place that inspires and helps relax you.

Loved it!! It's such a peaceful sanctuary of different types of flowers and trees. Breathtaking views. Would definately go back.Lots of spots to sit and relax and take in the wonderful smells of the flowers..The water garden was amazing too

What a stunning place! So worth doing the membership and visiting often, especially when then seasons change. There's also something new to see and explore. There are also plenty of cafes to choose from and the shop before leaving has everything you'll ever need. Amazing place for a family visit, a romantic stroll or a one time.

Became a member. Best decision ever. Just a beautiful place to visit and you can still find a quiet spot when busy. Love the glasshouses the most. Cafe at the far end is lovely. Get there early for better parking spots. 🙂

An excellent day out. So much to see. I loved all the gardens quite diverse. I liked the fact that some parts of the gardens were left to be wild. It was good to see a group of school children on an outing to the gardens. As we need more young gardeners.

Really lovely gardens and our 2 year old is a huge fan of the kids park. There's sand, things to climb and a slide, plus loads more.There are lots of nice areas to sit for a coffee, including the new Hilltop area, which has been really well done.

This place is lovely, a great day out. So much to see. And they have few areas where you can stop to have food and drink. Highly recommended. Perhaps Spring and summer time is the best time to visit to see all.flowers and different colours.