Discovering Richmond’s highlights: a reader trip to Kew and The Poppy Factory

This familiarisation trip is free and includes:

• Admission to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

• Lunch at The Poppy Factory

• Admission to The Poppy Factory.

We have partnered with VisitRichmond to showcase some of the fascinating group-friendly outings in the area on a Reader Club familiarisation trip to remember.

The visit will begin with a guided tour at the incredible Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - and we will make time for tea and cake! In the afternoon we will go to The Poppy Factory to discover more about the history behind a special symbol we use every November to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Please note: the deadline for applications has now passed and all applicants have been contacted. 

About this reader fam trip…

GTOs will meet at the Elizabeth Gate for 10.30am and will be joined by a highly experienced volunteer guide, who will direct you through a 60-minute tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, covering the main highlights of the to give you a taster of what to expect when you return with your group.

Readers will have the opportunity to admire beautiful architecture such as the Palm House, Princess of Wales Conservatory and Kew Palace, as well as learning about some of the 260 years of history and horticulture here. At the end of the tour, you will be able to enjoy a hot drink and a cake at the Orangery.

In the afternoon, we will all travel to the heart of Richmond and enjoy lunch in the unique setting of The Poppy Factory. An important local landmark with a rich and proud history, The Poppy Factory has pioneered employment support for the Armed Forces community since 1922.

Today, the charity’s visitor centre offers the opportunity to get hands-on making poppies and wreaths. After lunch, your expert host will guide you through the story of The Poppy Factory, its role in the Remembrance tradition and its work today helping veterans and their families across England and Wales.

Join us and you will see first-hand the Royal wreaths that are made at the factory for Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, and enjoy hot drinks and cakes made on site by its specialist baker.

There is parking at Kew Gardens on Ferry Lane for £9 a day, and limited parking at The Poppy Factory if you choose to drive there after Kew. Kew Gardens station is 500m from Victoria Gate. It is in Zone 3 and is served by the District Line (Richmond branch) and London Overground.

Kew Bridge station is 800m from Elizabeth Gate, via Kew Bridge. South West Trains run services from Waterloo, via Vauxhall and Clapham Junction. There is no level access at Kew Bridge. Richmond station has lift and level access. Take 65 bus (in the direction of Ealing Broadway) to Lion or Victoria Gate

How Reader Club works

Our trips and tours provide group travel organisers with the chance to familiarise themselves with venues, attractions and destinations they feel may be of interest and suitable for their group. It’s a ‘try before you buy’ scenario, but please only join us if this is a viable option for your group.