Our school visits are immensely popular and we love having schools here. Education is a really important part of our work at Riverhill and we enjoy getting the children excited about nature and the great outdoors, so important for young minds.
Teachers love Riverhill as it makes for a relaxed, safe and fun trip. We pride ourselves on the personal and friendly welcome and support we give you. We do our best to accommodate the specific requirements of your group so please do talk to us about anything that you need when you book.
Please note: We are changing how we do our School Groups for 2026, so please read all the information carefully.
Jump to: Included Activities | Optional Workshops & Tours | Logistics | FAQs
HOW IT WORKS….
Minimum group size is 20. You can bring less than 20 but the cost will be £200 minimum.
Price is £10 per head.
This INCLUDES entry to the Gardens, with one activity from the selection below.
You can add a second activity from this list for an additional £3 per child.
Groups of over 30 are able to visit on a MONDAY and TUESDAY.
Groups of up to 30 are able to visit WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY
Entry only is £7 per child (Entry only is available on Wednesday to Friday only)
You can choose to add on an additional craft workshop for £5 per child. Full options below.
There is lots for you to explore independently here, as part of your visit (Maze, den building, play area and viewpoint). See below for more details.
Choose your Activity…
One of the below choice of workshops is included in your £10 per child entry. You can choose to add a second one from this list for an additional £3 per child…..
Sketch Club
Ages: 6-10 year olds
An experimental and creative workshop. We will look at how Gardens have long inspired artists. We will then do a range of sketch activities, using different mediums and papers.
Enchanted Forest Scavenger Hunt
Ages: 5-10 year olds
This imaginative and theatrical guided walk will enable pupils to discover our magical grotto in the Rock Garden and the nearby ‘Enchanted Forest’, where twisted vines hang from ancient trees and vibrant ferns hang from lichen covered rocks.
Growing Tour
Ages: 3-10 year olds
This tour of the gardens will introduce the children to some of our plants and trees as well as our veg beds in our potager area. We will discuss the importance of trees and plants and the animals and insects that live in them.
Wild Woodland Art
Ages: 7-10 year olds
This creative workshop takes place in the Woodland, inspired by Andy Goldsworthy’s work, artwork will be created in the landscape using natural materials. Schools will need to bring photography devices with them to record the work.
Add on Extras: You can choose to add one our fun and creative craft workshops from the below options…..
This is for an additional £5 per child.
Hobby Horse Making
Ages: 3-8 year olds
Price: £5 per child
Use natural resources (straw and sticks) and socks to create your own imaginative horses, monsters or ‘Wild Things’ to ride around the grounds. This wonderful workshop can be easily adapted to link with the stories/topics you are studying.
Marble Mazes
Ages: 6-10 year olds
Price: £5 per child
Inspired by our hedge maze, design and create your own marble labyrinth to take home. Accessible to all, this design and technology activity is fantastic at stretching the minds of budding engineers and designers with masses of problem solving... and fun!
“The children said it was their best school trip and we will certainly be back another year with another group.”
Here’s what else you can enjoy whilst visiting…..
Den Building Woods
Our chestnut woods are the perfect den building location. Children love the freedom to explore and create, working together to build fantastical dens. We find it sparks their imagination and perfectly combines creativity, problem solving, team work, imaginative play, fresh air and exercise.
Hedge Maze
Our fiendishly tricky hedge maze was designed by Adrian Fisher, the world’s leading maze designer. It is based on Tibetan carvings and it is possible to solve it in either a clockwise or anti clockwise direction. It’s a wonderfully fun challenge for all ages.
Little Everest View Point
With vast views over the Weald of Kent, children love being able to pick out landmarks using our horizon map. The steep climb will make them feel on top of the world and our fun hand sculptures are always a talking point.
Adventure Playground
We have plenty to climb and explore in our woodland adventure playground, with a treehouse and twisty slide, it is great for letting off steam.
Historic Garden Grounds
We have over 12 acres of historic gardens to explore with lots of space for them to run free and just be children. Please click here for our Garden Guide.
Plants & Wildlife
From insects and birds, springtime bluebells, summer veg or pumpkins in the autumn, our gardens offer the perfect space for children to experience nature & the seasons. See what’s in season here.
“We had an amazing trip and the children came back buzzing! Thank you so much for helping to make the end of term very special. They truly loved it!”
School Group Logistics
Early booking is advised as we do get booked up quickly.
£10 per child Entrance Fee INCLUDES 1 ACTIVITY from the list above. Additional activities from the same list are an additional £3 per child.
Option to add a craft workshop (see options above) for £5 per child.
Minimum group size 20 (Or £200 minimum charge)
1 free adult per 6 paying children (additional adults £14.00)
1:1’s are always free in addition to the above
Groups of 30 plus children: Monday and Tuesdays visits only
Groups of 20 - 30 children: Wednesday to Friday visits only
Coach parking is available, with notice, for up to 2 standard size coaches.
Indoor space for eating lunch is available for wet weather.
We are outside for activities, whatever the weather, please ensure children have waterproofs and good, sturdy boots.
Itineraries
When you book we work with you to create your own bespoke itinerary.
Booking & Availability
Please contact us to discuss availability and make a booking. You may also find answers to common questions in our FAQ section below.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the day. What beautiful gardens and I thought the wand making was really good. And having the gardens all to ourselves was ideal. Thank you for having us!”
School Groups FAQs
Where do we have lunch?
Hopefully, outside on the Old Tennis Lawn. Where possible we make our Garden Room or tipi available for school groups, it is great for storage and for a wet weather lunch contingency too.
Do you provide any refreshments?
We provide water for the children. Our cafe will also be open Wednesday - Friday if anyone needs anything (Please note if you come on a Monday or Tuesday when we are closed to the public then our Cafe will also be closed).
How do I pay?
An invoice will be emailed to you the day after your visit and payment can be made by bacs. Please email us on the day with the final number of children and adults who actually attended.
What do we do if the weather is bad?
We make our garden Room available for a wet weather lunch contingency and for storing of bags and wet weather clothes. Our marble maze and hobby horse workshops take place inside. All other workshops are outside whatever the weather. Please make sure all your children have wet weather gear, including waterproofs and wellies so you can enjoy your day no matter what!
How many children can I bring?
We say a maximum of 100 here. This would need to be on a Monday and Tuesday only.
When can we come?
We only accept groups of 30 and above on a Monday and Tuesday. We are closed to the general public on these days so you will have the Gardens to yourselves. For groups of between 20 and 30 you can visit Wednesday to Friday during open season. Please contact us to discuss.
Can I bring a coach?
Of course, please let us know when booking. Standard size coaches, including double deckers are fine. We have space to park two here. If you require more they will need to drop off and come back again. All drop offs MUST take place down by the main house and never on the road. Please click here for info for coach drivers. Please share this coach info with your chosen coach company.We offer free entrance to your driver.
What do we need to bring with us?
Please make sure that all your children and staff have sturdy, sensible shoes or boots. We are on a hillside and many of our paths are steep and uneven in places. Everyone also needs: wet weather gear, a warm layer, water, food, a hat, sun screen.
Can we bring children with additional needs?
Of course; please contact us to discuss your needs and we will do our very best to help.
Do you have a Cafe?
We do, it is open Wednesday - Friday so if you come on a Monday or Tuesday you will need to make sure you bring everything you need (we provide water).
Where can I see your Risk Assessment information?
You can [download a summary of our general risk assessment here]. We recommend that teachers visit the gardens prior to their school trip to create their own risk assessments based on their knowledge of the children involved. Please email info@riverhillgardens.co.uk to arrange free entry.
We recommend a ratio of 1 adult to 6 children. Children must be supervised at all times in the gardens, woodland and in The Garden Room.
Enquire Now
Early booking is advised, we get booked up quite quickly…..
