- Joe Wicks MBE, headlines the ultimate feel-good day out this July
- Tickets on sale today, Friday 28 February
- Line-up includes osteopath to the stars and Sunday Times bestselling author James Davies and Kathryn Pinkham, founder of The Insomnia Clinic
- Kew reveals full summer of wellbeing activities from yoga in the iconic Temperate House to forest bathing in the woodlands
This summer, Kew Gardens invites visitors to take time out from busy schedules and daily stresses to find relaxation and restoration in nature. In their most expansive series of wellbeing events to date, Kew offers a multitude of ways to get outdoors – finding new connections with themselves and the wider natural world.
Joe Wicks Festival | Sunday 6 July | Tickets from £36 Adult and £12.75 Child
Tickets to see the nation’s favourite body coach, Joe Wicks, return to Kew Gardens with his feel-good festival go on sale today. Bringing his signature high-energy style, Joe will be joined by a host of guest experts across four zones, each looking to boost the mental and physical wellness of friends and families.
On the main stage, Joe will lead a series of fitness activities in ReEnergise designed to get heart rates up and bodies moving. Stretch minds and limbs in yoga with Lucy Sesto (ex-member of the GB acrobatic gymnastics youth team), Pilates with Lottie Murphy and family meditation sessions with Mindfulness Coach Laura Reilly from Little Tweaks.
In ReConnect, visitors can stretch their minds and reflect on an inspiring series of talks from authors and celebrities. Anyone struggling with sleep can benefit from the specialist experience of Kathryn Pinkham, founder of the UK’s leading service for poor sleep and insomnia.
Those seeking to practice mindfulness and soul-soothing sessions will be rewarded in the relaxation-focused ReTreat zone with workshops including an introduction to Vedic Meditation from the London Meditation Centre, uplifting laughter yoga and barre classes.
Further interactive experiences include effective body recovery treatments from world-renowned osteopath and performance coach James Davies, ice baths from Brass Monkey, mobile massage, hula hooping sessions and forest bathing.
Family-fun will be in abundance in RePlay with crafts, playful activities and book readings.
Joe Wicks says, ‘I’m so pleased to be bringing the Joe Wicks Festival back to Kew again this summer. I had so much fun with family, friends and an amazing group of people last year, and I just know this year’s festival is going to be even better. Expect even more experts, tasty food, family fun and surprises throughout the day in the beautiful Kew Gardens. We can’t wait for you guys to join us!”
Find out more and book tickets here: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/joe-wicks-festival
Relax and unwind with Kew’s wider summer wellbeing programme
The following wellbeing events all include entry to Kew Gardens and 20% discount in onsite restaurants, excluding the Botanical Brasserie.
Temperate House yoga | Selected dates, 16 May to 27 September | Sunrise sessions 7.45am to 9am, Sunset sessions 7pm to 8.15pm | Temperate House | Member £33.75, Non-member £45
Experience a one-hour vinyasa flow in the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse. Whether it’s early-morning or early-evening, Kew’s spectacular Temperate House forms a special setting for a relaxing yoga session. Led by Kew’s yoga instructor, Anil Jangi, guests are guaranteed to relax and unwind in the luscious surrounds of 10,000 rare and endangered plants – some of which are extinct in the wild.
Forest bathing | Selected dates, 31 May to 27 September | 10.30am to 12.30pm | Meet outside Victoria Plaza | Member £45, Non-member £60
Inspired by the Japanese wellbeing practice of shinrin-yoku, Kew’s Forest Bathing session leads participants on a guided sensory walk through the garden’s impressive arboretum. Led by expert guides from the Forest Bathing Institute, this session invites visitors to disconnect from daily stresses, taking time to observe nature, breathe deeply and have a moment of calm amongst the trees. Designed to promote relaxation and boost health wellbeing, the session equips people with practical tips to incorporate forest bathing into their daily routine.
Sound baths in nature | Selected dates, 9 April to 8 October | 4pm to 5pm | Nash Conservatory | Member £30, Non-member £40
Historical musician and qualified sound therapist Jez Smith leads this calming sound bath in Kew’s beautiful Nash Conservatory. Designed to deliver the ultimate relaxing atmosphere, the tones of gongs, singing bowls and gentle percussion combine in a therapeutic sonic experience. Therapeutic sound has been proven to offer a wide range of health benefits, helping to boost your immune system by making you feel more grounded, balanced, and connected.
Tai chi | 4 April to 12 September | 9am to 10am (except 9 and 23 May 10am to 11am) | Member £22.50, Non-member £30 | six-week course available at a reduced rate
Experience the martial art of tai chi in the peaceful setting of Kew Gardens. In each session, participants will learn standing meditation, joint loosening exercises and two series of flowing movements, all centuries-old methods designed to boost physical and mental wellbeing. This unique opportunity to learn or progress this skill is available as an individual class or a course of six.
Pilates | Selected dates, 14 May to 24 September | 10am to 11am | Nash Conservatory | Member £22.50, Non-member £30
The historic 19th century Nash Conservatory transforms into London’s most spectacular studio with this special series of pilates classes. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the spacious glasshouse with natural light, offering relaxing views of the Gardens. From improving flexibility, strength and posture, to finding mindfulness and deep relaxation, this class offers a gentle start to the day for all levels (beginners to advanced), allowing the body to stretch and refresh.
Summer cycle | 29 May and 7 August | 5pm to 9pm | Cyclist entry via Elizabeth Gate | Adult member £19.50, Non-member £24 | Child member £10.50, Non-member £13
For just two nights of the year, keen and casual cyclists are invited to experience the Gardens on two wheels. Enjoy sunset views of the Gardens in bloom, complete with music, delicious food and the chance for a tempting tipple.
Daire Basra, Head of Event Operations at Kew Gardens said: “Kew is an incredible place to switch off and connect with nature, so we’re excited to be offering another amazing programme of wellbeing activities this year. Whether it’s taking an early-morning yoga class in the stunning surroundings of the Temperate House, enjoying a summer cycle through the Gardens or learning a new skill on one of our short courses, there really is something for everyone.”
Joe Wicks Festival tickets (includes entry to Kew Gardens):
Adult member: £36
Adult: £42
Child member (aged 3-16): £12.75
Child (aged 3-16): £15
Child (under 3): free
Family (2 adults, 2 children): £103
Source Frances Teehan PR Kew
Photo credit RGB Kew
