Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Kew Gardens London)

Housing the world’s most diverse collection of living plants, Kew Gardens is London’s largest Unesco World Heritage Site and is also a world-leading scientific research centre.

Whether you’re keen to walk around themed gardens, go up high on the treetop walkway or explore the glasshouses, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a great place to escape it all, just 30 minutes from central London.

What is there to do at Kew Gardens?

Wander through beautiful glasshouses such as the iconic Palm House, home to an exotic rainforest; explore different climate zones at the Princess of Wales Conservatory; or be amazed by the giant lily pads at the Waterlily House. 

For a bird’s-eye view of the gardens, walk along the 18-metre high (59ft) Treetop Walkway.

Enjoy floral displays from more than 60,000 plants along the Great Broad Walk Borders or spot some of the 14,000 trees in the colourful Arboretum.

The gardens also include the ornate Great Pagoda and Kew Palace – the former summer residence of King George III, which is open in the summer months.

Each winter, the Christmas at Kew event turns the gardens into a special light trail, ending in a spectacular display in front of the Palm House.

When is the best time to visit Kew Gardens London?

Any time of the year is a great time to visit Kew Gardens as you can find a ton of events throughout the year. One of the first and biggest recurring events is the annual orchid festival, where the greenhouses of Kew are transformed into a floral spectacle with countless of orchid species on display, with the theme changing every year.

If you are particularly interested in seeing the plants bloom, then the perfect time to visit is in spring, when the temperatures are getting warmer, leaves and plants start to grow again and flower buds start to blossom. 

In summer, Kew Gardens is in full bloom and attracts visitors with a full host of art exhibitions and wellbeing sessions (check for availability and some are not included in the general ticket price) for your body and mind.

Even the cold season is worth the visit. Thanks to the warm temperatures of the greenhouses, you can see plants blossom all year round. Experience an oasis of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of central London or enjoy the changing colours of autumn around the gardens.

The most magical time of the year is Christmas at Kew, which runs from mid-November to the beginning of January. The gardens are transformed into a twinkling wonderland with thousands of fairy and LED light installations, as well as sound and water displays and much more. 

What can I do in the rain?

If the rain starts falling, there are plenty of things to do indoors at Kew Gardens.

As well as the Palm House, Princess of Wales Conservatory and the Waterlily House, the gardens also feature the Davies Alpine House, which is full of alpine plants housed in natural conditions. 

Budding botanists can admire more than 800 artworks in the Marianne North Gallery or delve into 2,000 years of knowledge in the Library and Reading Room.

How can I book tickets?

Tickets for Kew Gardens must be booked in advance – book Kew Gardens tickets now.

Where is Kew Gardens?

Kew Gardens is in Kew, in south-west London.

How long does it take to walk around?

Although it’s easy to fill a whole day and more exploring Kew Gardens’ 132-hectare (326 acres) site, it’s recommended to spend at least three to four hours to make the most of the gardens.

How to get to the gardens?

Kew Gardens is less than 30 minutes from central London, and is easily reached by Tube, train and London Overground.

The nearest Tube station to Kew Gardens is Kew Gardens (District line), which is 500 metres from the Victoria Gate entrance. This station also connects to the London Overground network. 

Kew Bridge is the nearest train station, 800 metres from the Elizabeth Gate entrance.

Bus routes 65 and 391 stop near the entry gates, while routes 237 and 267 connect to nearby Kew Bridge station.

Can I take my own food with me?

Picnics are allowed throughout Kew Gardens, so you can bring your own food and enjoy an outdoor lunch or snack. However, you cannot eat your own food in the on-site cafes and restaurants.