Community Open Week: Thursday 23 May 2024
Join us for an exciting line-up of community activities as part of our Relaxed Day.
This day is designed for visitors who need a calmer environment and /or visitors who are planning to attend specific activities due to accessibility requirements.
The event is open to community groups new to Kew Gardens and existing Community Access Scheme members.
You’ll be free to explore the Gardens independently and take part in scheduled Community Open Week activities.
All Community Open Week activities are subject to availability.
Most activities are drop-in, but some can be booked at the Community Open Week welcome tent on the day of your visit.
Plant science
Drop-in: 10.30am to 4pm
Suitable for all ages.
Take part in some fun games and activities to learn about the incredible world of plants, developed by Kew Science students.
Kew community exhibition
Drop-in: 10.30am to 4pm
Suitable for all ages.
Visit an exhibition sharing some of the brilliant artwork created by our regular programme participants.
Roots of Connection: Kew community art project
Drop-in: 10.30am to 4pm
Suitable for all ages.
Help create a giant community artwork which will grow before your very eyes! Led by artist Maraid Mcewan, join in this participatory activity to explore networks, nature and creativity.
Self-guided resources
Drop-in: 10.30am to 4pm
Suitable for all ages.
Explore the Gardens and get creative with a range of self-guided activities and resources, including scavenger hunts, art packs and more.
Nature memory mapping
Drop-in: 10.30am to 4pm
Suitable for all ages.
Share your experiences of nature and see how they connect with others through our community memory map.
Weaving plants
Drop-in: 10.30am to 4pm
Suitable for adults, young people and children aged 6+.
Join us to discover the wonders of paper weaving. Create your own jewellery, learn where paper comes from and discover where to find relevant plants in the Gardens.
The Great Pagoda: A window to the wider world
Drop-in: 10.30am to 4pm
Suitable for all ages.
Join Historic Royal Palaces in exploring the history of the Great Pagoda at Kew and the networks it inspired between British and Chinese culture, through storytelling and craft.
Forest bathing
11am to 11.40am, 12pm to 12.40pm, 2pm to 2.40pm and 3pm to 3.40pm
Suitable for adults.
Awaken your senses and engage with your natural surroundings in these immersive sessions in the gardens, guided by a certified NHS art therapist.
Book at the welcome tent.
British Sign Language tours
11am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm
Suitable for Deaf visitors of all ages.
Join us for a fascinating tour of the Gardens with BSL interpretation, for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Book at the welcome tent.
Sensory tours
11.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Suitable for all ages, particularly people with a visual impairment, dementia, or who are on the neurodiverse spectrum.
A unique sensory experience, giving you the opportunity to discover Kew through touch, sound, and smell on a guided sensory tour.
Book at the welcome tent.
Guided walking tour
2.30 to 3.30pm
Suitable for all ages.
Join a member of our horticultural team for a relaxed tour of some of Kew's living collections.
Book at the welcome tent.