written by glenc on 29/06/2012
Kew Gardens are lovely. I have an annual membership and get down there as often as I can.
Even if you're not a horticultural fanatic, they are beautiful gardens to wander around and lose yourself in.
If you're going with a family there are often 'events' on in the summer (worth checking their website) plus there is a kids indoor and outdoor play area - both pretty good (not exceptional, but pretty good)
I'm experienced slightly 'snooty' attitudes from staff on the gates, which is a real shame as it lets the place down a little. I guess some staff members don't think Kew Gardens is a place where kids should run around and have fun. I do understand that it's also a serious horticultural establishment, but they need the family market to finance them, so I'd ensure that the staff know this and treat families with respect if I were them.
Catering is OK - they're never great at these places and are a little over priced, but there's restaurant, cafe and coffee shops so not a bad choice for a relatively small place.
Be warned, parking is a shocker around Kew Gardens - so it's definitely better to go by public transport if you can.
Overall, Id definitely recommend Kew - to young and old alike - if the weather is nice it's a fantastic afternoon out in glorious gardens.
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