Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

hypatianumbers

02 Jun 2020

Faded Glory

3.5

3.5

Date of visit: August 2019

I have experience of challenges around: moving around

Overall Rating

Good

I went on Friday, 23 August 2019 to see the Chihuly Exhibition. It was a beautiful day but Kew is very busy and quite noisy. Not for the fainthearted. You need stamina and Kew's crown of disable friendly has slipped. C+ instead of that A.

Disabled Access In and Around

Good

A lot of hoses on the paths. For a wheelchair user, they look like yellow snakes that require some navigation. A wheelchair user will require a carer. The noise from overhead aircrafts is simply overwhelming. The noise is relentless and jarring.

Parking & Transport

Good

Brentford Gate is the entrance with the disabled parking. The parking is a mess; some spaces are only suitable for ambulant. With regard to WAVs, prepare to be disappointed. The parking spaces have not kept pace.

Accessible Toilets

Good

Could not find the Changing Places bathroom. The one bathroom that I used with my carer is for ambulant. The queues for bathrooms were horrendous.

Staff

Bad

Unfortunately, Brentford Gate had Nurse Ratched helping the gates and boy she did not do disabled. I had the audacity to buy my ticket at the gate. The guy selling the ticket was pleasant. You will save money if you buy your ticket in advance. I am never sure what my day will be like so I tend to purchase on the day.

Additional Information

There is an area for children and it includes some disabled facilities. I was unable to check it out because I have no children. Even if you book, you must have children to access. I heard on the grapevine that it does not meet the need of disabled children. I cannot verify this. Kew Gardens is very expensive. Bring your own food and refreshments.