Last updated: 11 October 2026, 7.29pm BST.
The Wakehurst Wallace & Gromit fungi trail runs from 17 October to 1 November 2026. Families need a Wakehurst admission ticket and, unless covered by the stated family-membership offer, a £3 trail pack. Planning the total price and return journey before booking avoids the most common surprise.
This is a sourced planning guide based on Wakehurst and operator information, not a claimed first-hand review.
What the trail includes
The official Wakehurst event page describes an outdoor family trail using Wallace, Gromit and Feathers McGraw to explore fungi. The activity involves challenges and recording observations, and the pack includes a guide and sticker sheet.
Wakehurst says the paths are buggy-friendly and a dog-friendly route is available. That does not mean every part of the wider garden has identical access; use Wakehurst’s access information if a step-free route or particular facility will determine the visit.
Wakehurst Wallace and Gromit trail times
The trail opens at 10am. Until 24 October, its last entry is 5pm. From 25 October, last entry moves to 4pm. These are trail entry times, not a promise that every café or attraction has the same closing time.
The date change matters for anyone considering a late-afternoon trip. Choose the correct day on the booking page and leave a margin for arrival, ticket checks and walking from transport or parking.
Work out the full price
Wakehurst’s current ticket page lists adult entry at £18.50, young people aged 17–25 at £9.25, children aged 5–16 at £4 and under-fours free. Its car-free adult ticket is £9.25 with proof of arrival by public transport, bicycle or on foot.
The event’s £3 trail charge is additional for non-members and members outside the free family-member offer. A family should therefore total garden admission and the relevant trail packs rather than treating the advertised activity price as the whole day’s cost.
National Trust members receive free garden entry but Wakehurst says parking charges apply: £8 for 45–150 minutes and £13.50 for longer stays. Standard garden-entry ticket holders are listed as receiving free parking. Check the booking screen for the ticket type that applies to you.
Travelling from Brighton
Metrobus route 272 serves Wakehurst car park from Brighton. Use the live route 272 timetable, select the actual date and check both directions. Work backwards from the return service, especially after the last-entry time changes.
A bus timetable is not a reservation. Allow for the walk through the site and do not rely on an old screenshot of departure times.
What to bring
This is an outdoor autumn activity. Check the Wakehurst visitor notice and weather before leaving, dress for the ground conditions and keep the ticket confirmation available on a phone or in print. If bringing a dog, follow the designated dog-friendly route and short-lead rule.
Brighton Locals’ view
Our judgement: The fungi theme gives the character trail a real educational purpose. The value depends on families seeing the £3 pack as an add-on to garden admission and choosing transport that leaves enough time to complete the activity.
Bottom line
Book the correct Wakehurst entry, add the trail pack and plan the return before setting off from Brighton.
Featured image: Editorial illustration by Brighton Locals using the organiser’s published dates and prices. It is not official Aardman artwork or a photograph of the trail.
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