Kew Barefoot Walk: a sensory barefoot trail weaving natural textures through a World Heritage landscape
The Kew Barefoot Walk was a temporary installation and a central feature of Kew Gardens’ 2014 Plantasia summer festival, held within the Royal Botanic Gardens - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching approximately 230 metres, the trail invited visitors to remove their shoes and socks and engage directly with a variety of tactile surfaces drawn from the garden’s rich natural and historical context. Winding through the historic landscape, the barefoot walk led participants over textures inspired by the site: trees and shadows, Tudor Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, the charcoal-making area…
Constructed primarily from materials sourced on-site or from Kew’s depot, the route offered a sensory journey through pits of mud, sun-warmed pools, charcoal, bark-covered logs, woven willow, cast iron gratings, stone and sensory planting. This immersive experience encouraged exploration of diverse textures, temperatures, speeds of movement and natural aromas, offering visitors a playful reconnection with sensory qualities of landscape and a deepening connection to nature.
Plantasia’s overarching theme focused on the life-enhancing power of plants. The barefoot walk aligned closely with research suggesting that grounding - physically connecting to the earth barefoot - can promote health and wellbeing. Beyond its therapeutic benefits, the walk provided a joyful and memorable experience for all ages, with approximately 750,000 visitors taking part over its three and a half month duration. The trail was designed by Root And Erect in close collaboration with builders APES.
