Kew Gardens Confirm Plans to Reopen
A limited number of visitors will be allowed from the beginning of June
Picture: David Illiff. License: CC BY-SA 3.0
The botanical gardens at Kew will start reopening next week after receiving formal permission from the government.
A spokesperson confirmed this Thursday that there will be a phased reopening at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst in Sussex from June 1, but the number of visitors will be limited.
Visitors, including members, will need to pre-book tickets online in order to ensure numbers are manageable and queuing is kept to a minimum.
Pre booked tickets will be for a specified entrance time slot to manage the flow of people coming into the gardens.
At Kew Gardens, two-metre markings outside Victoria Gate on Kew Road – the main entrance – will be in place to help visitors ensure social distancing.
Visitors will be able to exit via three other gates.
Opening hours will vary slightly in the early phases of reopening, and visitors are recommended to visit www.kew.org to check up to date opening hours information.
A spokesperson said: “This first phase of our reopening will adhere strictly to government guidelines. We will review our arrangements daily and will not hesitate to close the gardens again if we believe the safety of our staff or visitors is being compromised in any way.
“All indoor areas and the Children’s Garden will remain closed at Kew Gardens.
“At RBG Kew, we know only too well the value of connecting with the outdoors for physical and mental wellbeing and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to the tranquillity and beauty of our gardens.”
Kew Gardens closed 22 March as part of the nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, but has been connecting with enthusiasts online via virtual visits.
Sian Bayley - Local Democracy Reporter
May 28, 2020