The most beautiful botanical garden in the city and home to the most diverse collection of plant life in the world; Kew Gardens is well worth travelling the entire breadth of the District Line for. Here’s the Secret London lowdown.
What should I see at Kew Gardens?
There is a lot to see and do in Kew Gardens. Below are some of our top picks of things to see, but there’s also plenty of grounds to explore outside the cosy confines of the greenhouses. Completing a circular route is about an hour’s walk, so pop on your comfiest shoes and see what wonders you discover throughout the 326-acre site.
The Palm House
Travel to the depths of the rainforest without having to leave Zone 3 inside Kew’s iconic Palm House. It’s home to luscious tropical trees, which, thanks to a rather Instagram-friendly iron staircase, can be gawped at from above. It also sits next to a pretty lake and ornate flower beds. What’s not to love?
Get your tickets for Kew Gardens, here!
The Temperate House
Kew’s impressive Temperate House is, in fact, the world’s biggest Victorian glasshouse. Home to 1,200 rare and threatened species of plants from Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific – and doesn’t it just look bloomin’ gorgeous?
The Princess of Wales Conservatory
Kew Gardens’ most modern greenhouse is this multi-talented marvel. A leafy labyrinth of enchanting ecosystems, it’s actually a cluster of ten separate spaces, each climactically-optimised for different families of plants. One moment you’ll be in a dry, cacti-filled environment, and the next, in a hot and humid rainforest paradise. Get you a greenhouse that can do both, as they say – okay, nobody actually says that.
Davies Alpine House
Around the corner, this petite-yet-curvy little greenhouse protects some of the most resilient plants in the entire garden. Expect cool, dry and windy conditions in here – as these are the conditions in which the little guys flourish.
Treetop Walkway
Got a head for heights? If so, this could be just the thing for you. 18 metres above the ground, the Treetop Walkway will give you – quite literally – a birds-eye view of the glorious gardens and everything they have to offer. Although not for the faint-hearted, it’s one of the most unique ways to experience London’s natural beauty.
Convinced? Remember to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Great Pagoda
Carry on climbing with a stroll over to the simply stunning Great Pagoda. Dating back to 1762, it was created as a gift for a princess – I guess mine must be lost in the post. At ten storeys high; the 253 steps within will offer you views across the ground from the summit but note that it is currently closed until later this spring.
The Hive
At 17 metres tall, The Hive is a stunning piece of contemporary art and – understandably – one of the most photographed features in the entire gardens. 1000 LED lights glow and a musical symphony help recreate life inside a beehive – but on a human scale.
Kew Palace
Originally known as the ‘Dutch House’, Kew Palace is the only surviving part of a larger palace, where George III once spent his summers back in the late 1700s. The oldest building in the gardens and full to the brim with rustic charm.
When should I visit Kew Gardens?
Kew Gardens is open all year round and honestly, there’s not really a bad time to go. Well – unless maybe it’s chucking it down with rain. Head there for springtime blooms or crispy autumn leaves; all the greenhouses are warm, regardless.
One popular time to visit is Christmas, when the gardens are illuminated with fairy lights, lasers, colourful spotlights and other festive displays. This is a separate offering to the regular garden openings, taking place after hours, so there’s no greenhouse access or chance to wander off into the darkened forests. There’s also a weeklong music festival, Kew the Music (see what they did there?!) running there this summer.
Anything else I should know before I visit?
There are four separate entrances to Kew Gardens: Victoria Gate (TW9 3JR), Lion Gate (TW9 2DF), Elizabeth Gate (TW9 3AE) and Brentford Gate (TW9 3AF). The car park can be found at the Brentford Gate. The nearest stations are Kew Bridge, Kew Gardens and Richmond.
There are a variety of cafes and restaurants at Kew Gardens, each serving up delicious grub using seasonal and local produce.
Kew Gardens is open daily from 10am – 5pm (last entry at 4pm). Ticket prices start from £4 per child and £12 per adult. Find out more and plan your visit here.
