Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

katherinedeane

10 Aug 2016

Brilliant Gardens and Glasshouses

4.5

4.5

Date of visit: August 2016

I have experience of challenges around: moving around

Overall Rating

Excellent

Really accessible gardens with solid paths all around. Glasshouses had some access issues but mostly good. Unfortunately the lift to the treetops walkway was broken.

Disabled Access In and Around

Excellent

Access around the gardens was excellent. Numerous tarmacked paths. Good signage. The Palm house has disabled access round the back through quite a narrow door. Potentially the 2nd door could be opened to improve width but couldn't see how to do this easily. Grids on floor could be challenging for walking sticks and crutches. Spiral staircase (no lift) to upper level. Surprisingly the modern Princess of Wales Conservatory had relatively poor access. Lots of pretty heavy internal doors, none powered. Some areas only accessible via steps or stairs - no ramps or lifts. The Waterlily House was beautiful. Accessible by front doors. Path around the pond was relatively narrow. I was looking forward to the Treetop Walkway but the lift was broken. The Kew Explorer Land Train does tours around the park and has one space for a manual wheelchair at the rear. Take care as staff tend to leave hose lines out across paths which can catch on wheels or be a trip hazard.

Parking & Transport

Good

Travelled there by tube. Kew Garden's website tells you to get off on the east bound side as there are steps between the station and the gardens on the west side. This added about 20 minutes extra travel time (to Richmond and back). On leaving the tube station immediately stay on the left hand side as the roads on the right hand side lack dropped kerbs for a way. Signage to the gardens is good. Takes about 5 minutes to roll to the gardens, all flat. Zebra crossings on two main road crossing points.

Accessible Toilets

Excellent

There is an accessible loo by the cafe by Victoria Gate. Good size, but maybe a bit narrow if you need help from a carer. Grab rails around loo and sink. Alarm cord. Colour contrasts wasn't great - a lot of white on white.

Staff

Good

Staff at the cafe shop were helpful. Would have been helpful if the staff at the ticket desk knew that the Treetop Lift was out of order.

Additional Information

Beautiful gardens and greenhouses. There were a lot of people there, but its such a large place that nowhere felt overcrowded. Pleased me and my 10 year old son.