Forum Topic

Kew Gardens parking

I know this has been discussed in another thread, but does anyone know whether alternative parking provision will be made to replace that lost to the new cycle lane? I don't really have an alternative means to getting to the park - I won't be using public transport before a vaccine has been created, and probably not much after. If there is no parking at Kew, I will have to let my membership lapse, which would be a shame for me and the park. I'm surely not the only person who relies on a car to visit this place - visitor numbers are bound to fall which will affect revenue at a time when finances are already strained - it would be a pity for the World Heritage Site to close just for a new cycle lane. Could this not be located on the other side of the road where there is already a wide grass verge?

Graham Thorpe ● 1875d29 Comments

Or whip out your Freedom Pass, don a mask and jump on the 65.

Anne England ● 1854d

I know that I should walk there but I'm a lazy so and so.Top tip - if you can book a slot for 10.00 a.m. and get there a little bit early then, amazingly, you should be able to park in one of the free spaces near to Elizabeth Gate on Kew Green. We have done this successfully on the last three occasions that we have been to Kew.Don't tell anyone else. Oops, I just did!

Jim Storrar ● 1854d

The Lion Gate is now open for entry as well as exit so is easily the best place to park after 12 noon.

Susan Kelly ● 1854d

A simple question all this talk about walking and cycling what provision is there for secure parking for the number of bikes they are expecting when visiting the gardens?

Jean Harrison ● 1858d

Jennifer there are 3 disabled parking spaces to the right of Elizabeth Gate at Kew Green . Though not publicised , you may now enter The Gardens at Elizabeth Gate after 10 , provided you have booked a slot . Alternatively there is a disabled bay in the street which connects Kew with the station . Staff WILL  allow you to exit at Victoria Gate . I did so last Sunday , there being no other exit for visitors before ten , for early leavers .

David R Rowlands ● 1861d

"Blue badge holders park for free in disabled access parking spaces or other spaces if full"

Guy Lambert ● 1862d

I use the bus a lot, Jennifer, and don't see what I've done to deserve this personal attack.

Susan Kelly ● 1863d

Is disabled parking free perhaps at Brentford Gate?

Anne England ● 1863d

What a clever clogs you are Susan popping up all over the place - bet you don't even need to use a bus!  Try being 82 on oxygen and unsteady on your feet, also "shielded" but still able to get about by car and fighting to carry on being as independent as possible.  Have you any idea of the effort it takes to get in and out of a car for a start?  I need to be able to park close to destination, wheel my trusty "Percy" oxygen machine into Kew, walk a bit, sit a bit and drink in the delights of these beautiful gardens.  "Percy" lasts about 2 hrs max. by which time I need to be back in the car to charge him up again.I'm NOT asking for any pity - I've had a smashing life that I'd like to continue.  Preventative parking restrictions can ruin many independent pleasures.

Jennifer Selig ● 1863d

'Still unwise to take a bus'You're on the bus for five minutes, masked, then you can wash your hands at the Victoria Gate, or use the hand sanitizer there.There is very little virus in London -- a few dozen cases in a city of 9 million. The chances of anyone on the bus being infectious are minuscule.I find people's inability to do the most basic risk assessment depressing.

Susan Kelly ● 1864d

Still unwise to take a bus especially if over 50 or have any ailments.You must walk or cycle which actually limits the movements of a great many people for whom this is not practicable.We live longer but even the fittest of us start to physically wear out at the same ages that were closer to our shorter life expectancy. Unfortunately, ailments like Arthritis affect 1 in 3  over 55 and is increasing. Exercise is great for some conditions but too much can cause a lot of damage.  Being really fit for decades and then getting arthritis is horribly restrictive.So little is being done about that and yet it is increasing in Northern Hemisphere climatesHaving cars is one of the reasons we do live longer, it keeps people able to participate in normal life far longer.If you can still ride a bike safely in your 60s then you are doing well but for many even a walk to the post office ( wherever there is one) becomes an effort.60 is not old by modern standards but for those who have had a physical career or worked very hard the  body takes it's toll.

Raymond Havelock ● 1865d

Park in one of the roads opposite the Lion Gate after 12 noon. Catch the 65 to the Victoria Gate to enter. Exit via Lion Gate. Really simple.

Susan Kelly ● 1865d

What about the halt and lame?  I used to park in Kew Rd and enter via Victoria Gate.  Too far for me to walk into the Gardens from anywhere else.  No more lovely visits, despite my annual membership.

Jennifer Selig ● 1865d

At the moment there is parking available down Strand on the Green weekdays after 12. Pubs not yet open ......Walk over Kew Bridge and you are there. And pick up an almond croissant in the Strand Cafe....best ever!!

Marie McLernon ● 1865d

At the moment there is parking available down Strand on the Green weekdays after 12. Pubs not yet open ......Walk over Kew Bridge and you are there. And pick up an almond croissant in the Strand Cafe....best ever!!

Marie McLernon ● 1865d

This was last Friday at noon and I had booked the slot seven days in advance.

Paul Brownlee ● 1870d

What day/time was this, Paul?

Susan Kelly ● 1872d

I booked a timed visit for Kew as required. They advise not to use public transport and either walk or cycle. They even suggest you should not visit if you feel unwell. They state that parking is ristricted but the Brentford Gate Car Park is open for £7 a day. The timed visit allows a 45min window to enter the gardens before it expires. The car park was overflowing and the access approach road from the Green was equally packed with vehicles on the verges. So I turned around to head up Kew Road to see if I could find a space on the side roads outside of the resident parking bays. There were none. By this time my window was closing rapidly and I decided to abandon the trip. I still had to get back across the bridge, which proved another lengthy task due to the works going on, and decided to go to Morrisons where unfortunately three individuals were causing an absolute aggressive confrontation in which the security staff seemed incapable of resolving. Something to do with one accusing the other two of inappropriate queuing protocol. Anyway it was all rather disturbing and distressing for parents with kids who, like us all, were expecting a full blown brawl to occur. My check-out worker on the till apologised for the melee but also stated that although he is a rugby referee he would be keen to get involved but he's got kids and would like to return home in one piece. Who could blame him for that? Just like me! Otherwise I may have intervened also. Besides I was still stressed out after trying to find a parking space around Kew Gardens and just wanted to get home to my garden and have a drink! Anyway, I digress. Being a member of Kew I didn't have to pay anything for my time slot, but if I was not I would have to pay in advance and likely have lost considerable admission fees which are not refundable. So in conclusion - get the kids back to school and get those furloughed back to work. They've got far too much time on their hands and their brains are mashed! And it's still only June!

Paul Brownlee ● 1872d

That makes Kew a very expensive day out.

Raymond Havelock ● 1872d

There are no parking controls in neighbouring streets on a Sunday . 8.00Sunday slots just released by Kew

David R Rowlands ● 1872d

There is a very large car park adjacent to the Thames tow path leading up to the Brentford Gate. Parking cost £7. Access to Kew Gardens is both in and out at the Brentford Gate.

Christopher Hugh Dakers ● 1875d

... sorry I know that doesn’t answer your question, which I have to say is a very valid one!Sarah x

Sarah Felstead ● 1875d

I takes about 90 minutes to walk to and from the Gardens and do a full circuit so the 4-hour limit has never been a problem.

Susan Kelly ● 1875d

Wander over to Wakehurst instead!  Beautiful Sussex countryside tumbling down the valley.  Kew membership gave free parking last time we went.  National trust membership gives free admission, but you have to pay for the car park.

Sarah Felstead ● 1875d

Often also enforced by uniformed warden as well.

N V Brooks ● 1875d

Be aware that there is a 4 hour parking limit at Kew Retail Park that is enforced automatically via ANPR cameras.

Paul Scullion ● 1875d

There has always been a cycle lane along Kew Road. This change just stops cars parking on it during the day. There is on street pay and display/RingGo parking on the residential roads nearby:https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/parking/cpz/cpz_times

Paul Scullion ● 1875d

For many years I have left my car at the Kew Retail Park, walking along the towpath to Kew Green and then coming back via the village after my visit to the Gardens.At the moment, as the Victoria Gate is entry only and the Elizabeth Gate exit only, you would have to do it the opposite way round.

Susan Kelly ● 1875d

Most Cyclists are not using the cycle lane, it's too restrictive and not passable.Not very well thought out and HGVs keep clipping the Plastic Bollards making it rather risky to use. I don't use it now It's safer out in the road but very hard not to stop safely.There is a Car Park at the back accessible via Kew Green.

Raymond Havelock ● 1875d