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.

A person in a group reaches out to examine a green leaf on a tree

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

Group of people looking at plants in the Davies Alpine House


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. 

Express your interest

 

Health and wellbeing activities

  • A group of people walk through an autumn landscape at kew

    Community wellbeing walks

    Get active and boost your physical and mental wellbeing amongst Kew’s beautiful scenery on a monthly guided walk.

    Find out more
  • Tai chi, community access scheme

    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.

  • A group of people stood in a group near a tree, some with their eyes closed

    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.

  • Group of people looking at plants in the Davies Alpine House

    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.

    Learn more
  • Three smiling people sit around a table in front of rich greenery

    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.

    Learn more

Accessible tours

  • A pair of people smiling and standing in front of a pond

    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.

    Find out more
  • Three women hugging a tree and smiling

    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.

    Find out more

Resources and outreach

  • A person smiling using an easily covered with colorful pieces of fabric and paper

    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.

  • Cherry trees in autumn at Kew

    Learning resources

    Accessible maps and activities to get more from your self-guided visits to Kew.

    Accessible map
    Pre-visit visual guide

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.