If you’re planning to visit Kew Gardens, also known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, you’re in for a treat. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest London, England, spans 330 acres and is home to a vast collection of living plants, including over 50,000 species.
From the moment you step in, you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna, from iconic historic buildings like the Palm House to lush landscapes and sprawling manicured lawns. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or just someone looking for a peaceful escape, Kew Gardens is a must-visit destination.
When visiting, one of the best ways to get there is by train. There are several stations near Kew Gardens, making it easy to plan your route. From train stations around London, you’ll get direct access, making it a smooth and scenic ride to this horticultural paradise.
Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a world of possibilities, including the treetop walkway, historic glasshouses, and a variety of hot houses that house rare and endangered species. You can also enjoy the on-site café and browse through the well-stocked shop for unique souvenirs.
Getting around the Royal Botanical Gardens is a breeze, with ample space to explore and enjoy a walking tour through the beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re visiting for the science behind the plant research or to soak in the beauty, Kew Gardens offers a complete visitor experience.
You’ll discover quirky historic buildings, vast botanical collections, and fascinating insights into plant life and conservation. With more than 350 scientists dedicated to research and conservation, it’s truly an educational destination.
As a regular visitor, I can tell you that planning your travel route ensures that you don’t miss out on any of the key features, especially if you’re travelling from near Kew Gardens or want to take the train for ease. The train station access near the garden is very convenient, and once there, you’ll be immersed in the beauty and history of this world-class botanical garden.
Essential Information
- Location: Kew Gardens Rd, Richmond, TW9 3AE, United Kingdom
- Opening Hours: Kew Gardens are open from 10 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 8 pm on weekends and public holidays.
- Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Kew Gardens is during the spring and summer months when the gardens are in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant colours and fragrances of the various plant species. Additionally, there are special events and exhibitions held during these months, such as the Orchid Festival, the Rose Garden Festival, and the Summer Festival.
Does How to Get to Kew Gardens-The Answer
To visit Kew Gardens, plan to spend at least three to four hours exploring the highlights, but a full day allows for a more thorough experience. The time required depends on your interests, walking pace, and which specific attractions, like the glasshouses, Kew Palace, or treetop walkway, you want to visit. Getting there is easy, with options like train, tube, bus, car, and even boat rides along the River Thames.
Why should I visit Kew Gardens?
Kew Gardens offers a unique experience with its stunning exhibits, a lovely restaurant, and a shop filled with interesting items. It stretches across acres of rolling lawn, providing plenty of sights and activities to enjoy.
Located at a short distance from the nearest connecting station, it’s conveniently accessible from London, making it easy to plan your trip. Don’t miss the iconic Palm House and the many other things to see as you explore this beautiful space.
- The Palm House
- Temperate House
- Great Pagoda
- Treetop Walkway
- The Hive
- Children’s Garden
- Living plants
- Timing Your Visit
The Palm House
When you visit Kew Gardens, don’t miss the Palm House, one of its most iconic attractions. This glass structure offers a pleasant walk, allowing you to enjoy the sensation of strolling through a tropical rainforest.
Filled with tropical plants and dewy dwarf palms, it’s a beautiful and historical hothouse that dates back to 1844. The lush plant life inside makes it a must-see for anyone visiting Kew and adds to the list of famous attractions you won’t want to skip.
Temperate House
Another must-see at Kew Gardens is the Temperate House, an impressive glass building built in the late 1880s. This stunning structure houses over 3000 rare plants and ancient plants, all kept at the perfect temperature.
It’s often called a cathedral of plants, and inside, you’ll find 1,200 species from all over the world. If you’re a horticulture lover, this is a sight you won’t want to miss when you visit Kew.
Great Pagoda
The Kew’s Pagoda, built in 1762, is a stunning structure that was originally a gift for Princess Augusta. With its Chinese-inspired aesthetic, the design reflects the influence of Sir William Chambers, who spent time in East Asia.
From the top, the views of London are breathtaking, making it an ideal place for photo opportunities. Don’t forget to look out for the watchful dragons perched on the roof tiles as you enjoy the view!
Treetop Walkway
If you have a head for heights, the Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens is a must-see among the exhibitions London has to offer. Rising 18 metres above the ground, this tree-lined walkway gives you a rare, close-up view of forest canopies and birdlife, alongside wood sculptures that reveal how the trees have grown over time.
The Hive
The Hive at Kew Gardens is an impressive art installation, standing at a stunning 17 metres high. This aluminium structure creatively captures the life of a beehive, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience. As you walk into the enclosure, you are surrounded by a thousand LED lights, which make for perfect photography moments.
Inside, the atmosphere is enhanced by the gentle hum of music, which is perfectly synched with the Hive’s activity, all set in the harmonious key of C. It’s a mesmerising spot where nature, technology, and art come together in a way that feels almost magical.
Children’s Garden
The Children’s Garden is a natural play space for children aged two to 12, with more than 40 tennis courts in size. They’ll love exploring the four-metre high canopy walk, trampolines, and slides, where they can run free while you take a break from plant-spotting. Quiet sessions are also available during busier periods.
Living plants
Kew Gardens is a gorgeous place, open year-round, dedicated to preserving the natural world and protecting vital plant life. It features an arboretum with rare and ancient trees, plus a wildflower meadow near the Hive.
Timing Your Visit
Kew Gardens is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day, with the last entry at 5 pm. The shops close between 4:30 pm and 5 pm, while cafés and restaurants follow the same schedule, except the Victoria Plaza Café, which closes at 5:45 pm. Always check the websites before you travel, as hours may change.
Where is Kew Gardens?
Kew Gardens is located southwest of London, about 10 miles out, in the leafy borough of Richmond upon Thames. It sits near the River Thames, with an area that wraps around a loop of the river. Hammersmith is to the east, while Richmond Park is to the south. You can easily access Kew Gardens from several gates scattered throughout the area.
For those wondering about public transport, Kew Gardens has its own tube station on the District Line, while the London Overground also stops here, linking the Gardens to the east of London. Richmond tube station is a 15-minute walk south, and Kew Gardens train station is an easy 10-minute walk from the Victoria Gate entrance.
How To Reach Kew Gardens
By Bike
Cycling to Kew Gardens is a great option for those who enjoy a leisurely ride. There are bike racks near the Victoria Gate entrance, where you can safely park your bike.
You can plan your route using a bike map, which will guide you through scenic routes along the River Thames and through Richmond Park. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the sights while getting to Kew!
By Bus
Several bus routes connect to Kew Gardens, including the 65, 391, and 237. These buses stop near the Lion Gate and Victoria Gate entrances.
You can also use the Kew Gardens Explorer Bus, a hop-on, hop-off bus service that runs from Richmond Station and stops at various points within the Gardens. This makes it an easy and convenient way to get to Kew!
By Train
To reach Kew Gardens, you can take a train to Kew Gardens station, which is on the District Line of the London Underground. It is well-connected with trains from central London and other parts of the city.
From Kew Gardens station, it’s a short walk to the Victoria Gate entrance. Alternatively, you can take a South Western Railway train to Kew Bridge station, and then enjoy a 15-minute walk to the Elizabeth Gate entrance.
By Tube
The nearest tube station to Kew Gardens is Kew Gardens station on the District Line. From there, it’s a short walk to the Victoria Gate entrance. Alternatively, you can take the Piccadilly Line to South Ealing or Northfields stations and then transfer to the 65 bus to reach Kew Gardens. This makes it easy to get there by public transport!
By Car
You can reach Kew Gardens by car. The entrance to the car park is on Kew Road, near the Elizabeth Gate entrance. It is recommended to book your parking space in advance to avoid disappointment. However, keep in mind that London traffic can be congested, especially during peak hours, so be sure to allow extra time for your journey.
By Boat
You can reach Kew Gardens by boat along the River Thames. The riverboat service runs from Westminster, Richmond, and Hampton Court, with stops at Kew Pier. From there, it’s just a short walk to the Victoria Gate entrance. This offers a scenic and relaxing way to visit Kew Gardens!
FAQ
What tube line goes to Kew Gardens?
To get to Kew Gardens, take the District Line (Richmond branch), which stops at Kew Gardens station, located about 500m from the Victoria Gate. The station is in Zone 3 and is also served by the Mildmay Line. It’s a quick and easy way to reach Kew Gardens using public transport!
How do I get to Kew Gardens by public transport from London?
To get to Kew Gardens from central London, you can take a train, which takes about 30 minutes. For a direct route, you can board a South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Kew Bridge. If you’re looking for the fastest train option, it’s best to hop on at Clapham Junction, which will get you to Kew Gardens quickly.
Are there any coach trips to Kew Gardens?
If you’re keen to explore Kew Gardens, there are coach trips available that take you directly to this great destination. You can enjoy the themed gardens, treetop walkway, and glasshouses at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Prices for coach trips start from £39 for Windsor and £61 for Kew Gardens, per adult, with prices dependent on the pick-up point. It’s a convenient way to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a peaceful day in nature.
How much time do you need at Kew Gardens?
You should plan to spend at least three to four hours at Kew Gardens to see the main highlights, but if you want to explore more thoroughly, you could easily spend a whole day or more. The total time you need depends on your interests, walking pace, and how many specific attractions, like the glasshouses, Kew Palace, or the treetop walkway, you want to visit.
