Discovery and Access Programme
Join us for inclusive tours and workshops at Kew Gardens. We work with disabled and non-disabled people to offer accessible learning and wellbeing opportunities in one of the most biodiverse places on earth.
Access to nature has been proven to boost our health and wellbeing.
Designed for disabled people and people with physical and mental health conditions to get the most out of Kew, the Discovery and Access Programme runs a range of free, accessible, and engaging activities throughout the year. We welcome individual participants, charities, community organisations, and referrals from social prescribers and healthcare services to join us and connect with Kew.
Join the Kew Access Forum
The Access Forum is attended by representatives from local and national disability organisations who help us to improve accessibility at Kew.
Previous projects include informing a disability language and etiquette guide, as well as design plans for a new building.
All members are eligible for free CAS membership for their organisation, or a nominated group, and travel expenses are reimbursed.
Health and wellbeing activities
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Community wellbeing walks
Get active and boost your physical and mental wellbeing amongst Kew’s beautiful scenery on a monthly guided walk.
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Community Tai Chi
Find your flow amongst the plants. Each summer we run a free 6-week introductory course for participants to learn the basics of Tai Chi.
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Mindfulness in nature workshops
Explore Kew Gardens through a series of mindfulness-based exercises and learn how to better connect with our amazing natural world.
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Dementia Friendly Health Walks
Join us for a relaxing, gentle, monthly walk through Kew Gardens. Designed for people who have dementia and their support workers, personal assistants, friends, and family.
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Reminiscence
Our reminiscence programme is designed to help people with dementia from diverse backgrounds explore their memories of nature and get creative in one of our beautiful glasshouses.
2024 dates to be confirmed.
Accessible tours
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British Sign Language tours
We run BSL interpreted and Deaf led tours for members of the Deaf and hard of hearing community to learn more about Kew’s plants, our history, and our important scientific work.
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Sensory Tours for visitors with a visual impairment
Our monthly sensory tours offer participants with a visual impairment the opportunity to explore Kew through touch, sound, and smell led by our specially trained guides.
Resources and outreach
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Outreach workshops
Every year we run a limited number of outreach sessions for local community groups and charities. Please get in touch if you are interested.
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Learning resources
Accessible maps and activities to get more from your self-guided visits to Kew.
Get in touch
Email discovery@kew.org or call us on 07341114533 to book or for more information.
If you are not a member of our Community Access Scheme at Kew Gardens, but would like to join us for a member's event, please contact us.
All our activities are subject to our Community and Families booking Terms and Conditions.
Need assistance to support your visit? Please get in touch and we will do everything we can to make your experience enjoyable and comfortable. Have a look at our accessibility information to help you plan your visit.
If you are interested in volunteering on the Discovery & Access programme, please contact discovery@kew.org
Supported by the Richmond Parish Lands Charity and the ENLIVEN Project.