Visit Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are located in Kew near Richmond, in south-west London.
Much more than a series of gardens, Kew has an extensive and fascinating range of plants, buildings, structures and exhibits that will interest even the most ardent non-gardener. It is also an important research and education facility.
To give you an idea of the extent of the Kew botanic gardens, it covers 300 acres, has 700 employees, and earns about $60 million a year from more than 1.5 million visitors. This is no ordinary garden!
Although it is the 'whole experience' of Kew that provides the most lasting experience, there are numerous attractions and important plant collections, several of which should feature highly on the list for a visitor.
Various art and other exhibitions are also sometimes held around the gardens.
Kew Gardens have been a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, a well deserved accolade given the historical importance of the location.
Plant Collections
The botanic gardens at Kew are carefully designed to be a place to wander, to explore and to enjoy yourself. Allow plenty of time to just sit and relax while soaking in the atmosphere. The highlights vary with the seasons, because of ever changing leaf colours and flowering patterns. These include:
- the arboretum (trees in a natural environment)
- carnivorous plants
- cacti
- rhododendrons
- azaleas
- orchids
- bamboos
- roses
- the aquatic garden
Kew Gardens structures
There are numerous highlights among the buildings at Kew, some old and some modern. Among the best known are the two extensive Victorian greenhouses:
- Palm House - impressive use of wrought iron and glass, built in the 1840's
- Temperate House - the largest Victorian greenhouse in the world.
Other highlights include:
- Kew Palace (and associated 'traditional plants' garden)
- The 17th century Queen Charlotte's cottage
- The Japanese temple (and associated Japanese garden)
- The traditional Japanese house known as the Minka House - small and perfectly formed, in the bamboo gardens
- An 18th century replica pagoda
- the Waterlily House
Recent additions
- The impressive modern curves of the glass and steel Alpine House replaced an earlier Alpine House
- The Sackler Crossing, a modern bridge-walkway
- The Treetop Walkway, a raised walk that passes high through the woodland trees at a height of 59 feet above the ground, it is officially the 'Kew Rhizotron and Xstrata walkway'. Not to be missed.
General visitor advice
The most common way to reach Kew Gardens is on the London Underground District Line, Kew Gardens station. There is also an over ground (mainline) train station nearby at Kew Bridge. Buses are also frequent. It is possible to drive to Kew Gardens but the car park is of limited size and at popular times you may have difficulty parking.
To make the most of your first visit to Kew Gardens you might like to join one of the guided walks that are available - these are of varying lengths, instructive, and a useful introduction to the gardens.
The gardens are very extensive and you should allow at least half a day for your visit - if you rush around in 30 minutes you might get a glimpse of the highlights but you'll be missing the whole point of the exercise...
Several cafes and restaurants are on site to help replenish your energies!
Map of Kew Gardens and places to visit
Kew Gardens places to visit
Eton
Eton guide
Chalfont St Peter
Chalfont St Peter guide
Jordans
Jordans guide
Chalfont St Giles
Chalfont St Giles guide
Beaconsfield
Beaconsfield guide
Amersham
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...or see all our recommended places to visit in London