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 – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 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 Kew Gardens is an absolutely beautiful place and truly one of London’s gems. The gardens are vast, peaceful, and incredibly well maintained, making it perfect for a relaxing walk, a day out in nature, or even just some quiet time away from the city. Every section feels thoughtfully designed, and you can easily spend hours exploring the different landscapes, plants, and greenhouses. The variety is amazing — from wide open lawns to more curated gardens and iconic spots like the Palm House and Temperate House. It’s suitable for all ages and interests, whether you’re into plants, photography, or simply enjoying a calm outdoor atmosphere. The space never feels overwhelming despite its size, and there’s always something new to discover in every season. One thing to note, however, is the food inside the gardens. Unfortunately, the quality doesn’t match the overall experience of Kew. The options felt quite limited and overpriced for what you get, and the food itself wasn’t particularly enjoyable. I would strongly recommend eating beforehand or grabbing food outside the gardens and then heading in to fully enjoy your visit without disappointment. Overall, Kew Gardens is a must-visit and well worth the time. If you plan ahead with food, it becomes an even more enjoyable and memorable experience. I’d highly recommend it to anyone living in or visiting London. 🌿
Dina Fakhar - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Truly a magical time to be had at Kew Gardens. I went for the Orchid festival (magnificent!) and had the best time exploring the rest of the gardens and grounds. I was especially blown away by The Hive, which recreates life inside a beehive. The lights, the sounds, the beauty.....all simply joyful. The staff was so kind and the gift shop had so many treasures. I can't wait to go back.
Max Wyeth - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Today I had the pleasure of visiting Kew Gardens, and it truly exceeded my expectations in every possible way. From the moment I entered, I felt as if I had stepped into a completely different world — peaceful, beautifully maintained, and incredibly rich in nature and history. Every area of the gardens offers something unique, from wide open green spaces to hidden pathways full of colour and life. The glasshouses were especially impressive. Walking through them felt like travelling across different climates and continents in a single afternoon, surrounded by exotic plants, towering palms, and stunning collections that are clearly cared for with real passion. The treetop walkway was another highlight, offering fantastic views and a fresh perspective over the landscape. What I loved most was the sense of calm. Even though it is a popular place, it never felt crowded or rushed. There are plenty of benches and quiet corners to simply sit, breathe, and enjoy the scenery. The staff were also very friendly and helpful, and everything was well signposted and organised. Kew Gardens is not just a park — it is an inspiring experience, perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants to reconnect with nature and beauty. I strongly recommend visiting. I will definitely be returning again soon.
Ertuğrul Gazi Alperen - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Such a lovely place for a walk. It’s peaceful, very beautiful, and perfect if you just want to relax and enjoy nature. Every time you visit, you end up discovering something new, which makes it even more special. The Palm House is really impressive and feels like a small tropical world. The Temperate House is bright, spacious, and very calming. The Treetop Walkway is also a nice experience with great views.Overall, a very enjoyable and relaxing visit.
Tommy Ny - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Beautiful place, gardens were amazing, even in winter. I was here five hours but could have easily spent more. They paths are flat and wide, there are numerous watercourses to walk around or over. The glasshouses are also a must see, with the hot and steamy palm room even more welcoming on a cold day. The temperate glasshouse and the Queen Elizabeth Glasshouse were fabulous, especially if you can catch a ticket to the orchid show. Highly recommend this place.
Stephanie Smith - 2 weeks ago

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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.

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