Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens are a spectacular 300 acre Royal Botanical Garden

Palm House in the beautiful Kew Gardens
Palm House in the beautiful Kew Gardens Photo courtesy Kew Gardens

The stunning 300 acre Kew Gardens is only 30 minutes from central London and is more than worth the trip. You can easily reach the gardens on the tube.

The gardens grew from an exotic garden in Kew Park started by Lord Capel John. They were later expanded by Augusta, the Dowager Princess of Wales, who had a number of garden structures built. Of these a Chinese Pagoda built in 1761 is still there today. Over the years the gardens and their collection continued to grow under the direction of different individuals. In 1840 the gardens became a National Botanical Garden.

The Kew Gardens offer so much to explore and one can easily spend a full day or more here. Some of the top attractions include:

  • The Palm House: A curvaceous glasshouse first completed in 1848 in which palm trees and tropical plants from around the world thrive in a warm moist environment.
  • The Temperate House: The world's largest remaining glasshouse from the Victorian era with an area of 53,000 square feet and reaching a height of 63 feet. The Temperate House preserves a large collection of sub-tropical and temperate region plants from around the world including endagered varieties which are being propagated to help reestablish them in their original locations.
  • The Princess of Wales Conservatory: A newer conservatory that has 10 different climate zones all managed by computer.
  • The Great Pagoda: The oldest structure still in the Gardens, the Great Pagoda, built in 1761 has 10 floors, stands 163 feet high and is 49 feet in diameter at the base.
  • Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway: This new attraction takes you both below ground to the root zone of the trees as well as along a 660 foot long walkway 60 feet above the Arboretum that stretches between the Temperate House and the Lake

All of the above are set in a beautiful park setting. These are just a few of the many things to see and discover in these beautiful gardens which are now recognized as a World Heritage Site. If you love plants and gardens, visiting the Kew Gardens is a must during your London Vacation.

The Kew Gardens are open daily, except December 24th and 25th, from 10am. Kew Palace is open to the public during Spring and Summer from April through to the last weekend in September.

For more information about the Kew Gardens and their admission charges visit their official website.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes.

Kew Gardens Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: Richmond, UK

Phone: 020 8332 5655

Official Website: Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating I have visited many botanical gardens around the world, and I still rate Kew as the best. There are tonnes of things for every member of the family to enjoy. From the stunning glasshouses; to walks through the beautiful themed gardens; to the children's play gardens. The ticket price is reasonable for a major London attraction. It is worth considering the annual pass if you are able to visit throughout the year. There is so much to see it takes more than one visit, and there are different events running throughout the year. If you get Universal Credit, you are entitled to a reduced ticket. There are places to eat, souvenir shops and toilets, including accessible toilets. The toilets were in a clean condition. The garden has wheelchair accessible paths, and most areas of the glasshouses are accessible. Mobility scooters limited to 4 mph are allowed, though you cannot use them in the Palm House or Kew Palace. There are hearing loops at the entrances and shops. Plus, they do monthly signed tours, which give you free entry to the gardens.
Shelley C - 2 weeks ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Great location for a walk and seeing so many beautiful trees and flowers. Loved the greenhouses as well as learning how the flowers and trees are raised. So much work goes into it and it needs to be appreciated the length and efforts they go into preserving them. The Orchid Show is a must, with so many gorgeous flowers and plants to see!
Denis Amihaesei - a week ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating My partner and I visited Kew Gardens on a Sunday for the Orchid Festival, and we had a fantastic time. The park itself is beautiful, and the overall experience was amazing. We spent around four hours exploring, including all the stunning glasshouses filled with diverse plants and flowers. The Treetop Walkway was another highlight, offering a lovely view from above. It’s a great place for a weekend getaway, and I can highly recommend visiting!
Ayberk P. - 2 weeks ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely Stunning – A Must-Visit! I recently visited Kew Gardens for the Orchid Festival, and it was an unforgettable experience! The vibrant display of exotic orchids from around the world was breathtaking, with intricate floral arrangements that felt like stepping into a tropical paradise. The colors, the scents, and the attention to detail were simply mesmerizing. Beyond the orchids, Kew Gardens itself is a masterpiece of nature and history. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, making the visit even more enjoyable. Whether you’re a plant lover, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful escape, Kew Gardens never disappoints. Highly recommend visiting—especially during the Orchid Festival! 🌸✨
Cheyenne Jimenez arias - 2 weeks ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Kew Gardens is a truly magical escape. From the stunning glasshouses filled with exotic plants to the serene landscapes and vibrant flower displays, there's something to delight everyone. A perfect day out for nature lovers
FARANAK AMRAEI - 2 weeks ago

Show More
Show Less

Directions

Tube Line Nearest Station Walking Time
District and Overground LinesKew Station8 Minutes

How to get to Kew Gardens by Tube

From Kew Gardens Station walk west along Station Parade, then right on High Park Road, then right on Sandycombe Road followed by a quick left onto Lichfield Road. The entrance to Kew Gardens is at the west end of Lichfield.

Map & Instant Route Finder

Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.

Finding Your Route - Please Wait

Accommodations near Kew Gardens:

Photo Gallery

Video

Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.


London Hotel Deals


Book Now, Pay Later
Price Matching
2,563,000+ Properties Worldwide
24/7 Support
booking.com logo
Booking.com sale banner link

Visiting London?
Here's why we use Booking.com for our hotel bookings.
Best Selection
Daily Deals
Price Matching
Pay at the Hotel
24/7 Support
Share on Pinterest
Share on Pinterest
Help us grow! Please Share
Thanks for Visiting!