I love Kew Gardens, but I worry that they're being steadily ruined by the misguided management. I'm all in favour of raising money for worthwhile botanical ends, but the gardens themselves are being turned into a theme park, with ever more intrusive 'interpretation' and 'attractions'. Meanwhile, the greenhouses are in dire need of cleaning and renovation.
My posts are a mix of news and impressions - some favourable, some not.
As far as I'm concerned, that £13.00 is a real deterrent. I wouldn't mind an admission charge of £5.00 or even £7.50 - especially when I usually spend at least £5.00 in the cafe. In fact, I'm less likely to use the cafe or the bookshop because I'm always aware of the overall expense.
And another thing: why do ordinary visitors have to pay the full admission to get into the book shop? I'd probably buy more there if I could drop in and pick up something for my gardening mad friends, who seem to be increasing in number all the time.
As far as I'm concerned, that £13.00 is a real deterrent. I wouldn't mind an admission charge of £5.00 or even £7.50 - especially when I usually spend at least £5.00 in the cafe. In fact, I'm less likely to use the cafe or the bookshop because I'm always aware of the overall expense.
ReplyDeleteAnd another thing: why do ordinary visitors have to pay the full admission to get into the book shop? I'd probably buy more there if I could drop in and pick up something for my gardening mad friends, who seem to be increasing in number all the time.
I do agree. It's a real shame that entry to the gardens is no longer affordable by everyone.
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