Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

suet

18 Jul 2015

Great accessibility

5

5

Date of visit: July 2015

I have experience of challenges around: moving around

Overall Rating

Excellent

Found most parts of the site accessible. Was pleasantly surprised to be able to get to the top of the treetop walkway which was entirely accessible. Loved it.

Disabled Access In and Around

Excellent

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters available for free hire (book first) but be aware scooters not allowed in glasshouses which are vast so you'd need to be able to walk a bit or forego the glass houses. We took my wheelchair trike which got in everywhere except the lift to the aerial walkway (so we did that by wheelchair only). I could get into most zones within the glass houses though there were a few levels in the Princess of Wales house that had steps, though it wasn't too big a deal. Cafés all had gentle ramps, as had small gardens. Didn't try Kew Palace. Site is huge!

Parking & Transport

Excellent

Can't comment on public transport though stations aren't too far away. There isn't a designated car park but there are a small number of blue badge bays at two of the gates, we parked at Elizabeth Gate and had no trouble but it was a term time weekday and ten minutes after opening.

Accessible Toilets

Excellent

One by Victoria Plaza large, modern, clean. One by Pavilion cafe small though clean and well equipped - had wheelchair against my knees while sat on loo! Loos plentiful, you don't need RADAR key and helpfully not shared with baby changing so no competition to get in them!

Staff

Average

Didn't really see any staff. Could have done with someone policing the lift to the aerial walkway - despite large signs saying it was only for mobility impaired guests, there was a long queue for it consisting of very fit and young people!