FAQ

General FAQ Food & Beverage Ticketing Weather How to get to Kew Gardens Accessibility

General FAQ

Are you offering tickets under the British Summer promotion?

Yes. Theatre on Kew is participating in the Government's Summer 2026 VAT relief scheme for eligible children's and family admissions. Ticket types that qualify are marked with an asterisk throughout the booking process. The reduced 5% VAT rate has already been applied to these eligible concession categories, so no discount code or additional action is required. 

Concession types without an asterisk are not eligible for the scheme and remain subject to the standard VAT treatment.

Are the performances in Australian accents?
No. While some characters may have different accents, most performances - especially our Shakespeare productions - are delivered in a neutral RP accent.
Are the performances amplified?
Yes. All performances are professionally amplified to ensure clear sound quality throughout the venue, so every audience member can enjoy the show.
Are the performances accessible?
We do our best to accommodate most accessibility requirements. Click here for more information on accessibility and your visit.
May I bring my pet to the show?
Pets are not permitted at the show unless they are registered service animals.
What should I bring?
It is not essential to bring anything with you, but there are a few things that may make your visit more pleasant...


  • A raincoat in case of inclement weather. (Umbrellas cannot be used during the performance)

  • Something cosy for when the sun sets. Summer evenings in the Gardens can be cool.

  • A picnic blanket to sit on. We advise using one with a waterproof base in case of damp ground.

  • A portable camping chair if you prefer. Chairs over 15cm in height will be positioned to the back of the seating area so the view of other guests is not obstructed.

  • A picnic if you wish.

Are there chairs to sit on?
Chairs are not supplied either by the Production Company or Venue; however you are welcome to bring your own picnic chairs.

We recommend bringing a low-rise camping chair, no more than approximately 15cm elevated from the ground. However, if you wish to bring a standard height chair, we ask you sit towards the back or side so you do not obstruct the view of other patron's. Staff on site will be able to assist you.

If you have booked a Reserved Seating ticket to Shakespeare Under The Stars, a low-rise chair will be provided for you.

Food & Beverage

Can I bring food and drinks?
We encourage guests to pack a picnic to enjoy during the show.

Alternatively, food and beverages are available for purchase at various outlets within the gardens. Please note, knives and picnic tables are prohibited.

Ticketing

Am I eligible for an essential carers ticket? (Free Ticket)
You are eligible for an essential carers ticket if you have one of the following:


  • Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or DLA/Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded, or the actual Allowance book.

  • Attendance Allowance or Carer's Allowance letter of award.

  • Incapacity Benefit books, or a letter notifying the recipient that the benefit has been awarded Incapacity Benefit, Employment Support Allowance (ESA). Disability Student's Allowance (DSA) or DID card (UK Disabled ID Card)

  • A valid Blue Badge.

  • In the case of visual impairment, a registration card known as the BD8 or a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI).

  • Credibility's Access Card with the Essential Companion/companion symbol.

Who qualifies for a concession priced ticket?
We follow the Kew Garden's admission criteria for those eligible for concession tickets.

Concession tickets are for visitors with a disability, senior citizens 65+ and visitors with pension benefits. This also includes jobseekers receiving benefits, high school and tertiary students. ID will need to be shown on entry.
I'm having trouble purchasing my tickets, could you please help me?
Of course we can! Please Contact Us Here.
Can I purchase Kew Member discounted tickets for non-members?
Yes, a Kew Member may select as many discount tickets as required for the size of their booking. This applies even if there are attendees for the booking that are not Kew members themselves.
How can I speak to someone about problems regarding my tickets/or order?
The fastest and easiest way to contact us regarding any ticketing queries is via our Contact Us Form.

Our team is very responsive and will endeavour to get back to you within 24 hours.

For queries directly relating to ticket exchanges, simply fill out our Ticket Exchange Request Form.

Please note, ticket exchanges generally take 24-48 hours to process.
How do I purchase Kew Member tickets?
Kew Members are entitled to purchase discounted tickets to any performance.

To take advantage of the discount, please select the Kew Members Discount Tickets. You will be prompted to validate your member number to access the discounted tickets.
At what age must children have a ticket purchased for them?
If you are attending Twelfth Night, children aged 4 and under are admitted FREE. If a child is 5 and over, they must purchase a children's ticket.

If you are attending Jack and the Beanstalk OR The Wind in the Willows, children under 12-months old are admitted FREE. If a child is 12-months and over, they must purchase a children's ticket.
Does my ticket provide access to the Gardens?
Yes, entry to the Gardens is included in the ticket. Please show your theatre ticket to the gate staff when arriving at the Gardens entrance gates.

If you are attending Twelfth Night, you may enjoy the Gardens prior to the show.

If you are attending Jack and the Beanstalk or The Wind in the Willows, you may wander through the Gardens afterwards.
Can I get a refund?
All ticket purchases are non-refundable, though you may request a ticket exchange or credit note here.

However, refunds may be available in the instance of a cancelled performance and in accordance with the Starlight Tickets policy.

Weather

How do I rebook tickets using an account credit?
Click here to log in to your customer account and use your credit. If you do not remember your password, you may reset it by selecting, "Reset Password."

To rebook, proceed to select your new tickets as normal. Once you arrive at the final stage of the checkout process, you will be prompted to select a payment method.

Select "Account credit" to utilise the credit on your account. If your order total is greater than your credit amount, you may then proceed to pay the balance via credit card.
What if it has been raining and the ground is too wet to sit on?
If it's safe to do so, the show will go on! We hope that if it has been raining, you will still join us for some fun.

If it's a little muddy, we suggest bringing a portable chair or blanket to sit on - one with a waterproof lining is ideal.

Guests are also encouraged to wear comfortable all weather clothing and shoes.
What happens if the weather is very bad (rain, wind and storms)?
In the event of inclement weather, a performance will usually go ahead but may be cancelled if it is deemed unsafe for both performers and guests. In instances of light to moderate rain the show will go on.

If a performance is to be cancelled, patrons will be notified via a text message and an email.

Earliest notification of a cancelled performance will be on the day of the scheduled performance.

Patrons affected by a cancelled performance are invited to exchange their tickets for an alternative performance date/time or receive a full refund.

How to get to Kew Gardens

By Bicycle
Bicycle racks are available at both Victoria Gate and Brentford Gate.

The racks at Brentford Gate are located in the adjacent car park, under a covered shelter. There are also bike racks situated outside Elizabeth Gate and Lion Gate and on the forecourt at Victoria Gate.

Please note: Bicycles / tricycles, roller skates, skateboards, and scooters are not permitted in the Gardens. Storage is provided for tricycles, roller skates and skateboards at Victoria and Elizabeth Gates only. Racks for bicycles and micro-scooters are available at all four gates.
By River Boat
During the summer months Thames River Boats operate a river boat service from Westminster Pier to Kew.

Kew Pier is approximately 500 metres from the Elizabeth Gate entrance to Kew Gardens.

Thames River Boats Timetable
Car Parking - Day Time Performances Only
Parking is available near the Brentford Gate at (TW9 3AF)

This carpark can be reached via Ferry Lane, a narrow turning off Kew Green.

Please note that parking is limited: the car park takes 300 cars. The parking fee is £9.00 for the day. There is no charge for motorcycles and mopeds.

The car park closes half an hour after the Gardens close.

There are 12 designated accessible parking spaces in the car park and a further 3 accessible spaces next to Elizabeth Gate on Kew Green.

If these are full, drivers displaying their blue badge are welcome to park elsewhere in the carpark free of charge.

Blue Badge Holder's street parking available on Lichfield Road, Leyborne Park, Burlington Avenue. Spaces are limited.

Click here for more information on accessible parking.
By Car or Coach
Kew Gardens' postal address is Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB. The Gardens are well signposted from all the major local roads.

The South Circular (A205) passes the north-east corner of Kew Gardens, and Kew Road (A307) forms the eastern border.

Visiting groups are advised to arrive at either Victoria Gate or Elizabeth Gate, but note that only Elizabeth Gate has a designated coach drop-off point.

From the West
Take the M4 (exit Junction 2) or A4. Upon reaching the Chiswick roundabout, follow signs to Kew Gardens to join the A205 and cross the River Thames at Kew Bridge. Turn right immediately after the bridge along the side of Kew Green, and after 300 metres right down Ferry Lane to reach the Kew Gardens car park.

From North London
Follow the North Circular until you reach the Chiswick roundabout, then follow directions as above.

From the South or West
From the M3 continue on the A316. Upon reaching the Richmond roundabout, fork left on to Kew Road (A307). You will then see the Pagoda to your left and then the long brick wall on your left which is the boundary to the Gardens. Alternatively, to reach the car park (TW9 3AF), continue along Kew Road and upon reaching Kew Green turn left and follow the signs.

From the South Circular Road
Follow the South Circular Road past Kew Retail Park and under a railway bridge. At the next traffic light junction, where the A307 joins from the left, go slowly through the junction and immediately turn left into Kew Green (NOT sharp left into the A307, as there is no left turn).
By Bus
Route 65, between Ealing Broadway and Kingston via Richmond town centre, stops close to Lion Gate and Victoria Gate.

Route 391, between Fulham and Richmond, stops near Kew Gardens station.

Routes 237 and 267 stop at Kew Bridge station.

Transport for London Journey Planner
By Overground Train
South West Trains — Waterloo, via Vauxhall and Clapham Junction stop at Kew Bridge station, which is 800 metres from the Elizabeth Gate entrance to the Gardens via Kew Bridge.

For more information call 08457 484950.

The London Overground Service — from Stratford stops at Kew Gardens station.

Richmond station is served by National Rail and there is a lift to street level and level access to the pavement from the station concourse.

Local bus route stops traveling in the direction of Kew Gardens are located on the opposite side of the street from Richmond Station.

(Route 65, in the direction of Ealing Broadway) The bus stops near two of the gates to the Gardens: Lion Gate and Victoria Gate.

National Rail Journey Planner
By London Underground
Kew Gardens Station (District Line — Richmond branch and London Overground) is the closest London Underground station, and is in zone 3.

Kew Gardens Station is 400 metres from the Victoria Gate entrance to the Gardens.


  • Exit left from the station gates, down the steps and through the underpass, up more steps and through the ticket office

  • Walk past the parade of shops, including Tesco and The Kew Greenhouse café

  • Cross Sandycombe Road at the zebra crossing

  • Walk down Lichfield Road (opposite) to reach Victoria Gate



If you are a wheelchair user or find stairs difficult, there is no direct accessible exit to Kew Gardens from the westbound platform. Continue your journey to Richmond (one stop) and catch a tube or train back to Kew Gardens. The eastbound platform leads out via a level exit to the Kew village area. From here it is a distance of approximately 400 metres to the Victoria Gate entrance to the Gardens on Kew Road.

Transport for London Journey Planner

Accessibility

Accessibility at Theatre on Kew
Ensuring our performances are accessible to all members of the public is important to us and where possible, we will do our best to accommodate your access requirements.

If you have any further accessibility requests, please do not hesitate to reach out to us by email at ticketing@starlight-tickets.co.uk

To make your visit more enjoyable, Theatre on Kew provides the services detailed below.
Ticketing
Free admission for one Essential Companion of a paying guest with a disability.

Please select an additional Essential Companion ticket when making your ticket selection. Proof of disability and Essential Companion ID will be required upon entry.

Visitors with a disability qualify for a concession ticket.
Accessible Parking
The nearest Blue Badge parking is available on Lichfield Road. Spaces on Lichfield Road are limited, additional Blue Badge parking locations can be found on neighbouring streets; Leyborne Park, Burlington Avenue and at Kew Gardens Station.

Off-street parking can also be found at the National Archive Carpark. Please keep in mind that the commute from the carpark to the Victoria Gate entrance is approximately 15 minutes. Parking at the National Archive will not be available for evening performances.

Kew is unable to reserve specific spaces for guests, so we advise leaving plenty of time to secure a parking space closest to Victoria Gate.
Getting Around
The Gardens are largely flat, with tarmac paths in most places.

If you require assistance, please ask a member of staff who will be happy to help.

The Gardens are under a flightpath and there are often vehicles and machinery at work throughout the Gardens. This could affect those who experience sensory sensitivity.

Wheelchairs are available to borrow at the Victoria Gate entrance. Advance booking is essential.
Accessible Toilets
The nearest accessible toilets to all performances are at the Victoria Gate entrance.

There are also unisex accessible toilets within easy reach of all the main attractions, cafés and gates. These are marked on our map of the Gardens.

If you require assistance, toilet facilities at Victoria Plaza are attended regularly.

There is a specialised adult changing facility equipped with hoist and changing bench near Brentford Gate. You will need to bring your own sling and ask for the key at the ticket desk at Brentford Gate.
Mobility Scooters and Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are available to borrow at the entry gate, though supply is limited. There's no need to book, so please ask when you arrive.

Mobility scooters are available to borrow at the Victoria Gate entrance. Advance booking is essential. Bookings are for daytime use only.

You are welcome to bring your own scooter if it is a pavement-use mobility scooter limited to 4mph.

Please note that mobility scooters are not suitable for lawn areas of the gardens.
Is the venue accessible?
All Theatre On Kew performances take place on the grass. It should be noted that some areas of the grounds at the performance sites are uneven and special care should be taken whilst moving around the site.
Are guide dogs allowed?
Guide dogs or registered disability assistance dogs are allowed within the Gardens. Other animals are not allowed.
Can I bring my car into the gardens?
No, private cars may not drive into the Gardens. Guests to the Gardens arriving with accessibility concerns must use Blue Badge parking outside the Gardens.
Do you have hearing loops or BSL translated shows?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer these services at this time.
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Kew Members: Special Pricing

As a Kew Member, you have access to special discounted ticket prices for Theatre On Kew productions.

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Show your membership card

You must present your valid Kew membership card at the entrance on the day of the performance.

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Buying for your group?

You may purchase tickets for others in your group at the member rate. However, the Kew Member must be present and display their membership card on entry.

A transaction fee of £1.95 applies per booking.

Proceed to Purchase →