The boys and I headed off to Kew Gardens this half-term. It's one of those places I have been meaning to take them for ages, but somehow have never gotten round to. Does that happen to you too? Somehow, the precious weekend time often seems to get swallowed up with the odd errand or a birthday party or a sports event or guests and there are so many things I mean to do, but there never seems to be the perfect time slot.
The best way to actually get them in the diary as a firm fixture seems to be external stimulus. In this case, an invitation for a Press Day focused on Kids at Kew. Well, it would have been rude not to, wouldn't it? Even if the early morning start was slightly against the half term grain, the gorgeous day more than made up for it.
And being chauffeured around and shown all the best bits that Kew has to offer was a wonderful treat. We looked up
and down
and found animals amongst the trees
and even a couple of bloggers out in the wild... how's that for an incredible co-incidence?
and looked down at the incredible beauty of the glasshouses
There were moments for contemplation
and relaxation
letting off steam
and plenty of laughter.
Kew have made huge efforts to make a day out there fun for kids, with plenty to keep them happy and entertained and much to absorb.
And as you may have gathered, I took rather a lot of photographs. Though none as accomplished as the ones which we saw at the IGPOTY exhibition (that's International Garden Photographer of the Year to you and I) which is on at Kew until September.
Incredibly inspiring. In more than one way - firstly, naturally, to take pictures. But secondly, to make the most of every opportunity to see and enjoy the things that are on our 'must do sometime' lists.
People and possibilities - strikes me as a pretty good mantra for our summer.
It looks wonderful - that glasshouse is huge!
Posted by: Kate | 06 June 2010 at 23:15
It's years since I've been to Kew. What an amazing place it is!
Posted by: dottycookie | 06 June 2010 at 23:33
I've never made it to Kew sadly...thanks for sharing your day.
Posted by: lina | 07 June 2010 at 00:48
looks delightful - that walkway is amazing!
and i know what you mean. even our favorite daytrip haunts are just hard to schedule sometimes.
Posted by: kirsten | 07 June 2010 at 00:59
I can't believe that I've lived in or close to London virtually all my life and have never visited Kew. Time to visit some of those places on my "to do" list I think!
Posted by: Gina | 07 June 2010 at 07:52
I have an ever expanding list of must do sometime, but my weekends and evenings are always swallowed up in i don't know what. Aside from this weekend - this weekend we went to the zoo.
Kew is lovely. Haven't been for a few years and then it was spring so there's an argument for another three visits at least.
Posted by: Jo | 07 June 2010 at 09:11
I must go! Like you I have had it down 'on the list' for ages..
Posted by: Monica | 07 June 2010 at 09:16
We used to go to Kew a lot when we lived Down South and Maxi was tiny. We will put it on our list for when they are bigger
Posted by: TheMadHouse | 07 June 2010 at 09:21
Looks like you had a great day!! I better not show my boys that picture of the walkway - or my DH either!! Not until I sort out when we can go - I hate being nagged!!!
Posted by: Karen J | 07 June 2010 at 09:23
Oh cool! I've never been to Kew. Now I realise I only had the vaguest of ideas what it looked like... I don't think it is quite what I was expecting...
Posted by: mooncalf | 07 June 2010 at 09:46
I love Kew Gardens! I wasn't too crazy about going on the treetop walkway - I got motion sickness!!! The boys look so happy. I am glad that you all enjoyed a grand day out!
Posted by: simone | 07 June 2010 at 11:07
Kew is one of those places that has been on our "to visit" list for an utter age too, we will get there one day. Certainly looks as though you all had a fab day!
Posted by: Gemma | 07 June 2010 at 18:38
It was so fab to bump into you--even if only for a minute! And I know just what you mean about that 'must do sometime' list. Tracy and I purchased Kew memberships this year so we'd be sure to make the time to visit!
K x
Posted by: kristina | 07 June 2010 at 21:15
What a perfect outing to go with the perfect weather we had for half term! Glad the rain waited to show up this week!
Posted by: Sew Create It - Jane | 07 June 2010 at 21:34
OOO Kew. I never realsied it was so big.. I have never been there and I used to live so close to London. It does look a wonderfully tranquil place. Your boys looked so at home there. Thank you for sharing your day, it looks like you guys had a fabulous time xx
Posted by: flutter | 07 June 2010 at 22:28
what a perfect day! We've not been to Kew for years - we better plan a visit because that walkway looks fab!
Posted by: Julie | 08 June 2010 at 11:33
What a glorious day you had and such great photos! I remember being dragged to Kew as a child but it looks so much more appealing now than to my seven year old eyes! Must visit myself!
Posted by: Louise | 08 June 2010 at 16:21
How lovely!! I visited many years ago and had been away from Australia for some time. I'll never forget walking into one of the greenhouses filled with Australian plants - the smell was just amazing and made me quite homesick for a bit. It really is a fantastic place and it looks like the boys loved it.
Posted by: Louise | 09 June 2010 at 13:28
Hmmm I think if I said to my husband and daughter let's go to Kew Gardens they wouldn't be very keen! Thanks to your photos it looks wonderful to explore - must have a day out there now!
Posted by: Jacqui Dodds | 11 June 2010 at 11:07
Thanks for sharing this wonderful day out.. I have never been there, must go one day :-)
Posted by: anne | 18 June 2010 at 19:51