Kew gardens - worth visiting without the glasshouses?

[HelplessProcrastinator]

I've got a couple of child free annual leave days at the end of the month and was planning on taking my mum to Kew. I have corporate membership through CSSC but haven't been in about 20 years as we a long drive away.

Looking at the Kew website there is no date for re-opening the glasshouses. I'm wondering if it's worth the drive. My mum has never been and would love to visit but it's a long way without the glasshouses which is the whole point really. But if we go this time I don't know when I'll have leave without the kids (only got it this time as I can't take half term due to work commitments and desperately need a week off). Also concerned about parking on a weekday morning.

Any advise from people familiar with Kew?

It’s lovely and you can park for free around the green as you come over Kew bridge if you go early.

I've booked for 11.00. Maybe that will be too late to park? I might just cancel. I'm so very fed up of COVID closures. Just wanted to do a nice thing for my mum but screwed up because I assumed they would be re-opening like most other places.

Oh don’t cancel it’s lovely ! Glasshouses or not it’s a beautiful place to walk round and tbh I prefer the outdoors bit. There’s plenty to see it’s really lovely
Are the cafes and the shop open ? They are nice too I’m sure you’ll have a lovely day xx

Thank you. Must be feeling hormonal as I'm stupidly disappointed. Feeling guilty about having A/L without the kids then thinking I'd come up with a great plan for my mum who needs a treat. Trying so hard to 'make the best of it' due to COVID, arrggghh.

We went in mid April and although it was a shame that the glasshouses and the tree tip walk were were closed it meant that we saw almost all of the rest of the gardens. It was really lovely.

The cafes were open for take aways and outdoor seating when we went but by the time you go then hopefully you could book a table inside and have a nice lunch?

Oh don't cancel! I was there at the end of the summer, and it was lovely. I didn't give the glass houses any thought to be honest. I certainly didn't feel I'd missed anything.

How long is your long drive?

Yes it is absolutely terrific even without the glasshouses.
You can enjoy two beautiful lakes, vistas, rose garden, blossom, Japanese garden and traditional house, really lovely interesting trees, azaleas, view over the Thames, a kitchen garden, a medicinal herb garden, vegetable plots, rockery, alpine section, Mediteranean garden, weird bee-themed installation, gorgeous borders.... We often go in normal times without going into a glasshouse. Don't cancel, it is just ace.

Thanks all. It’s 3.5 hours but we were going to do a NT on the way up and have a cheapie Premier Inn stay. It would still be nice to get away but a long way for a wander round a garden and my mum won’t be able to walk all the way round. The glasshouses are what sets it apart from gardens local to us.

They have a little land train tour thing you could do if worried about walking too far. Would help you get your bearings too. If there’s any way you can shift your booking to after 12 it might give you a few more options with parking on the side roads (only residents’ parking in the mornings).

Thanks for the really positive responses.

I’m not fussed about the glasshouses tbh - one of them was out of action for a couple of years and didn’t matter too much.

I also saw one hint on the website that they might reopen glasshouses on 17 May ie when restaurants etc reopen inside, I definitely wouldn't rule it out.

The land train sounds amazing but not running either 😩

Oh no!

Just typed a big long reply that seems to have vanished but gist of it was that if you can’t cover it all and want to see lots of flowers rather than mainly trees, focus on Victoria Gate entrance (or Kew Bridge entrance if using that car park). More cafes over that side too (pricey though!).

Bluebell time is my favourite time to visit. The glasshouse are nice, but there's still plenty there.

We go almost weekly and I’ve never been in the glasshouse! The cafes and shop are open again now. There’s loads to see and the children’s garden is brilliant. Parking is free in the main car park with a disabled badge but the car park can get very busy. They also have the new secret world of plants which looks nice, not sure if it is on when you visit. If walking is a problem maybe take a picnic, I’ve noticed people seem to find a spot and sit there for hours.

I’m sure glasshouses will open on 17 May. You can park on site - we have never not managed to get a spot. Kew is lovely. We are members - we go loads.

Good news for you OP- glasshouses expected to open next week
twitter.com/kewgardens/status/1392042377112662016?s=19

Brilliant! I think I might of over reacted slightly (COVID fatigue). Thank you for the tips and enthusiastic posts. Looking forward to a night away and a day out with my mum.

Look for the beehive installation, it’s amazing.

I think you can hire a scooter or wheelchair too, maybe phone ahead to check?