Playgroup in London

I am moving to London soon, any idea of similar playgroup as HK around Richmond ? Appreciate your advice

How old is your child? There are plenty of options from the Lollipop Club, which is a type of drop-in play area at the London Welsh Rudby Club on Kew Road (there's another excellent one at Syon House in Isleworth), to more structured playgroups like Crechendo and Tumble Tots. Most gyms and clubs have creches and classes too. There are music classes like Monkey Music etc. You will also find that children meet friends very quickly at the playground in Kew Gardens and the various other ones in the area, and soon spend more time playing in one another's houses than at playgroups. Mothercare in Kew Retail Park also organises coffee mornins and music classes etc. for the younger ones in particular. Good luck with the move. PM me if you need more specific information.

hey, really thankful for your valuable info. My bb just turned 9 mth old today! Am pretty new to UK, just a short visit to London city occasionally and not familiar with bb facilities in Richmond. My bb is born in HK and worried of whether she can get used to the colder temperature in UK, what do ya reckon? Do you know the charges of the playgroup in UK vs HK?

I think children's activities are cheaper in London, but to be honest, I've never done a direct comparison (I was only paying for 1 child in London, the costs are mounting up here). The temperatures may take some adjustment, but children are usually better at acclimatising than we are. Don't forget that all houses in England have central heating etc. Just wrap up in winter when outside.


The following websites will give you an idea:

http://www.crechendo.co.uk/

http://www.tumbletots.com/Richmond/

http://www.monkeymusic.co.uk/location.php/Kew,_Richmond_and_Chiswick/21



Richmond is a fantastic choice for raising children in London. There are plenty of young families, lots of cafes and shops, lovely walks, plenty of green space (I'd kill for the luxury of Kew Gardens and Richmond Park in HK), yet still close enough to central London (can make it in 20 mins on a clear run outside of rush hour).

hey, i've done a search the moment u recommended the playgroups. Really thanks for ur info. U're definately right, really looking forward for a better air and greenery in UK than HK.


Yeah, i heard some spent almost HK$6k just for a nursery or kindergarden per mth in HK. Just worried that the cost will be higher since in pound.


Should I get more bb winter wear here, eg. the necessities rather than in UK?


Guess i shld enjoy and looking fwd for a better place to raise my child in London. Sounds fun with lovely cafe and a short walk in the park. I can barely see any trees but some fake ones around my neighbourhood here. Rarely hear any bird chirping in the morning...


one thing, most likely i'll stay at Twickenham, do u think is not v far from Richmond?


(sorry, wana PM you but can't find the way, am new to this portal... apologies...)

Twickenham is very close - maybe 10 mins away. The St. Margarets area of Twickenham is just on the other side of Richmond Bridge. Snakes & Ladders at Syon House would be closer than the Lollipop Club to you. You only need to pay each time that you use it, so no wasted sessions.


You'll hear plenty of birds singing, see plenty of squirrels every day and the novelty of spotting foxes in your back garden will wear off when they empty your rubbish bins for the 100th time!


It might be worth stocking up on a few things at Stanley market etc., but there will obviously be no shortage of places to buy winter clothing (just at higher prices). The one thing that is cheaper there (with a lot more choice) is quality children's shoes. There is an excellent store in Kew Village and another in Sheen (One Small Step).


You will also probably find a nursery school, when the time comes, within walking distance of your house. If you plan on being there for primary school, I'd start checking out schools right away. If you decide to go for a private school, you should start putting your child's name down right away, as many are not selective and work on waitings list and sibling priority only.


Good luck with it all!

hey man, sounds cool! Looking fwd for greens!


Had been thinking the same of stocking up some in Stanley! The shoes in HK really have limited choices, only some like Shoe Shoe or Jack n Lily looks cute here


Didn't know UK's school is almost like the int'l schools in HK... ok, will check it out.


Thanks mrsl !