Kew Gardens

This place is HUGE (the main glasshouses alone cover 4 acres) but far more interesting to young people than you might think. In fact, it's one of those places (along with Brighton) that my children (of Brownie age) ask if we can go to again and again. It's not far by train (about 50 minutes) and children (under 17s) go in for free, adults £13.00 (2009). Plenty to see and explore - far too much to do justice to in just one day!

Inside the gates you'll first see the Palm House over to your right - great fun to explore, especially the high walkways up amongst the tree tops. And don't miss the marine display in the basement. You need to take stock before going further - sit by the pond and watch the resident cormorant like we did perhaps? Kew Gardens are a mile east to west, and about a third of that north to south, so you want to take it easy and not retrace your steps if you can avoid it!

In the North west corner is the Conservation area alongside which runs the river Thames. Here you'll find the human size Badger Sett which you can crawl through, and also the stag beetle home - lots of logs to turn over for mini-beasts. Also here is the tree top walkway - especially for energetic Brownies and their Leaders! Come further south and you'll get to the Pagoda, then eastwards to the Pavilion Restaurant and beach, then behind the Temperate House - like the Palm House but cooler and even larger - is the Evolution House with plants millions of years old.

To the east of Kew are the Princess of Wales Conservatory (lots to see and aquariums in the basement, but you need to take it easy with eyes peeled) and the new Alpine House, and further north 'Climbers and Creepers' (aimed more at the 5-9 year olds and not open to large groups) and the White Peaks cafe and child orientated shop.

We tend to avoid the shop although there are some pocket money things there - and the food in any of the outlets is quite expensive too. Best value is an ice cream from the van outside although there's nowhere to sit down and eat it. There are pre-booked group rates but you don't save a great deal as children are free anyway - as you do need a dry day to enjoy this it could be wise to just turn up if the weather is OK. However, as always it's best to have a plan B if the day precludes an outdoor outing (30 minutes from Kew Gardens on the District line will see you at the Science/Natural History museums for example).

Go to Clapham Junction by any train, then catch a Richmond train from platform 5 or 6. Change platforms at Clapham Junction using the overbridge, not the subway; it's a little further to walk but there's much more room and therefore easier to look after the group. Change at Richmond to the District line/Silverlink Metro for one stop to Kew Gardens. Straight out of the station, past the ice cream van (if you can), cross the main road by the crossing and you're in by the Victoria Gate! Check out the Kew visitor website.

Webmaster - May 2007

Bookmark/Share this