The Wind in the Willows: A garden adventure
Join Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger at RHS Gardens to explore The Wind in the Willows garden trail
In 2026, step into the enchanting world of The Wind in the Willows. From 14 February to December 2026, you’re invited to join Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger on a magical journey across all five RHS Gardens.
To celebrate the 95th anniversary of E. H. Shepard’s beautiful illustrations, the RHS has teamed up with Farshore, part of HarperCollins publishers, to create The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure – an interactive trail that transforms the gardens into a living storybook.
As you explore the gardens most beautiful spots, you’ll discover favourite characters such as Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger hidden among the plants and pathways along with sensory boxes to spark curiosity, traditional garden games for all ages and photo spots perfect for capturing family memories.
Encouraging curiosity about wildlife, the trail ties into the RHS’s 2026 theme of biodiversity, helping to teach the importance of protecting the natural environment and learning about wildlife and habitats, all through the beloved characters and timeless charm of Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale.
Why not make a day of it? Pack a picnic or enjoy a treat at an RHS café and browse the RHS Shops for children’s books and toys. Wander along the garden trail and let the kids run free following the story, all while finding inspiration for your own adventures in nature.
Take home a piece of the adventure from the RHS Shops, where you’ll find Farshore’s classic and picture book editions of The Wind in the Willows, perfect for fans of Kenneth Grahame’s timeless tale and E. H. Shepard’s delightul illustrations, as well as those discovering them for the first time. Look out for two exciting new books from Farshore due for release later in 2026, too:
- The Adventures of Portly the Otter: Untold Tales from The Wind in the Willows by M. G. Leonard, illustrated by Polly Dunbar in the classic style of E. H. Shepard. This book brings fresh adventures to Kenneth Grahame’s beloved world, blending nostalgia with a new story. (Available from 26 March 2026).
- Messing About on Boats: Mindful Moments from The Wind in the Willows pairs original quotes from Grahame’s classic with E. H. Shepard’s timeless artwork. Filled with reflections on nature, wellbeing and the joy of slowing down. (Available from 10 September 2026).
The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure is included with garden entry; free to RHS Members and children under 5. Children aged 5–16 can visit for only £5.
