Horrible Science

Get up close with nature's nasty side in our exciting new family programme this summer.

A cartoon insect in a lab coat looks at a flower through a magnifying glass

Dates and times

20 July to 1 September 2024

10am to 5pm

Location

Kew Gardens

Price

Included with entry to the Gardens

Kew is making science fun for all this summer with awesome activities and fascinating facts, inspired by the Horrible Science series.

Based on the bestselling books written by Nick Arnold and illustrated by Tony De Saulles, Horrible Science will be a chance for budding scientists to roll up their sleeves and discover the nastier side of nature. This will be a celebration of science like you’ve never known it before, with a focus on all things bizarelly brilliant and decidedly dreadful.

Could you be a Marvellous Mushroom Mycologist or a Super Plant Scientist? Visit the wonderful world of Horrible Science at Kew this summer to find out. Who knows, you just might end up in our Hall of Fame!

Horrible Science® is a registered trademark of Scholastic Inc. Illustrations © Tony De Saulles. 

Horrible Science Hub

Here, amongst the greenery of Kew's living laboratory, is where your journey to becoming a Super Plant Scientist or a Marvellous Mushroom Mycologist begins. 

From binoculars and drones to 'fungi' music, this cabinet of curiosities has all you need to set off on your magical mission.

Foul Fungi

Learn what makes fungi so foul. They may not be plants, but they can be as vile as the most gruesome greenery!

Revolting Roots

Take a trip along Root 66 and learn what plant roots need to survive. Are you hungry? You might not fancy the disgusting delicacies on offer in this underground diner.

Vicious Bug-Eating Vegetation

Some plants can bite back! Will you dare to look at, sniff and even touch some of Kew's most vile, vicious and villainous vegetation?

Greedy Greenery

Meet Dodder, Bamboo, Honey Fungus and Strangler Fig as you explore the fiendish and foul ways these plants and fungi have evolved to steal the sunlight. Who will make it to the top of the tree canopy first?

Hall of Fame

See if you have done enough to earn your place among some of Kew's most wonderful and wise scientists and mycologists.

A person opening a draw full of collection objects

Horrible Science Economic Botany Collection Tours

Go behind-the-scenes of the Economic Botany Collection on this special Horrible Science tour