Richmond, London, UK

Your Independent Guide to London's Royal Botanic Gardens

Discover insider tips, seasonal highlights, and expert travel advice for planning your perfect visit to Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

10+ In-Depth Articles

Exploring the World's Most Famous Botanic Garden

Nestled in southwest London, Kew Gardens is a globally renowned botanical research and education institution...

Founded 1759
Garden Area 300 acres
Annual Visitors ~2 Million
Living Plants 50,000+

In-Depth Travel Articles

Expert guides and insider knowledge to help you plan the perfect botanical adventure.

Kew Gardens panorama
8 min · History & Heritage

A Complete History of Kew Gardens

From its royal origins in 1759 to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site...

Palm House
7 min · Glasshouses

The Palm House: A Victorian Masterpiece

Explore the iconic Palm House, a pioneering iron and glass structure...

Temperate House
7 min · Glasshouses

The Temperate House: The World's Largest Victorian Glasshouse

Discover the recently restored Temperate House, home to rare and threatened plants...

Treetop Walkway
6 min · Attractions

The Treetop Walkway: A Canopy Perspective

Experience Kew from 18 meters above the ground on the spectacular Treetop Walkway...

Great Pagoda
6 min · History & Heritage

The Great Pagoda: An 18th-Century Folly

Climb the historic Great Pagoda, a stunning example of Chinoiserie architecture...

Seasonal Highlights
7 min · Travel Planning

Seasonal Highlights: What to See When

A guide to the best botanical displays throughout the year...

Visitor Tips
7 min · Travel Planning

Practical Visitor Tips: Making the Most of Your Day

Essential advice for planning your visit, including ticketing and transportation...

Dining
6 min · Food & Dining

Dining at Kew: Cafes and Restaurants

Discover the culinary options at Kew Gardens, from quick coffees to elegant meals...

Family Guide
7 min · Family Travel

Family Guide: Visiting Kew with Children

Tips and highlights for a family-friendly visit, including the Children's Garden...

Transportation
7 min · Travel Planning

Getting to Kew Gardens: Transportation Guide

Detailed information on reaching Kew Gardens via the London Underground...

Visitor Tips & Practical Advice

Make the most of your botanical adventure with these insider recommendations.

Book in Advance

Purchasing tickets online before your visit often secures a lower price...

Wear Comfortable Shoes

With 300 acres to explore, you will do a lot of walking...

Use the Kew Explorer

The Kew Explorer land train is a great way to see the perimeter...

Check Glasshouse Times

The glasshouses often close 30 to 60 minutes before the main garden gates...

Bring a Picnic

Kew has beautiful lawns perfect for picnicking...

Visit the Galleries

Don't miss the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art...

Seasonal Guide

Every season brings a different botanical spectacle to Kew Gardens.

Spring

Witness the spectacular blooming of millions of spring bulbs...

Summer

Enjoy lush green lawns, the spectacular Rose Garden...

Autumn

Experience the fiery autumn colors of the arboretum canopy...

Winter

Warm up in the tropical glasshouses and experience the magical...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about visiting Kew Gardens.

To see the main highlights...
Only registered disability assistance dogs...
Yes, Kew Gardens is largely accessible...
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food...
Yes, the Treetop Walkway is safe for children...
No. The Kew Gardens Explorer is an independent travel publication...