Kew Podcast

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Copyright Britain on View

London's village podcasts have been brought to you by British Airways and Visit London. Helping you make the most of the greatest city in the world.

With a cricket pavilion on its green, Kew has a quintessentially English and very rural air. It also boasts impeccable Royal connections.

The famous Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew cover 121 hectares (300 acres), with the world's largest and most diverse collections of plants. In the 18th century Kew was part of the Royal estate and Kew Palace was a Royal residence. George III lived there from 1801 and was responsible for its pagoda and gardens. After a 10-year closure the palace is again open to the public. The gardens incorporate palm, bonsai and water-lily houses, a library and a herbarium.

Cross the village green to Kew Bridge Steam Museum, originally built in the 1830s as a water pumping station. It has London's only steam railway and the world's largest collection of steam pumping engines. There are plenty of activities for children here.

From Kew the hour's walk along the river path to Richmond is one of the most attractive stretches of the Thames. Richmond is famous for its deer park and Syon House, seat of the Percy family since 1594. Both Kew and Richmond have plenty of atmospheric cafes, restaurant and pubs.