Visiting Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – All The Information You Need to Plan Your Visit
Get ready to explore the beauty and wonder of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew with our comprehensive planning guide.
Opening Hours at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
General Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Weekends and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Special Hours for Events and Activities:
Christmas at Kew: 5 PM – 10 PM, mid-November to early January
Kew the Music: Gates open at 6 PM, concerts start at 7:30 PM in July
Orchid Festival: 10 AM – 6 PM, February to March
Restaurant and Café Timings:
Victoria Plaza Café: 10 AM – 6 PM
The Orangery Restaurant: 11 AM – 5 PM
White Peaks Café: 10 AM – 5 PM
Additional Information:
Last entry to the gardens is one hour before closing.
Some attractions within the gardens, like the glasshouses and galleries, may have different closing times, typically 30 minutes before the garden closes.
Best Time to Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The best time to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is during the spring and summer months, from late March to September. During this period, the gardens are in full bloom, showcasing a vibrant array of flowers and lush greenery. Spring brings the famous cherry blossoms and magnolias, while summer features the spectacular displays in the Rose Garden and the Mediterranean Garden. Autumn is also a beautiful time to visit, as the foliage transforms into stunning shades of red, orange, and gold.
Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays are ideal for a quieter experience, avoiding the weekend crowds. Additionally, special events like the Orchid Festival in February and Christmas at Kew during the winter season offer unique experiences, making any time of year a great opportunity to explore the gardens.
Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Address:
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Richmond, London
TW9 3AE, United Kingdom
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is situated in southwest London, nestled along the south bank of the River Thames. It is surrounded by the charming neighborhoods of Richmond and Kew. The gardens are easily accessible and are a tranquil retreat from the bustling city.
Closest Landmarks:
Kew Palace: Located within the gardens, this historic royal residence is a key attraction.
Kew Bridge: A short walk from the gardens, offering scenic views of the Thames.
Richmond Park: Just a few miles away, it is one of London’s largest royal parks, ideal for a nature-filled day out.
How to Reach the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew?
By Subway:
Route: Take the District Line to Kew Gardens Station.
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes from central London.
Details: Exit Kew Gardens Station, and it’s a 5-minute walk to Victoria Gate. This route offers a quick and direct way to reach Kew Gardens.
By Train:
Route: Take the London Overground to Kew Bridge Station.
Duration: About 30 minutes from central London.
Details: Exit Kew Bridge Station and walk for 10 minutes across Kew Bridge to reach Elizabeth Gate. This is a convenient option with scenic views of the Thames.
By Bus:
Routes: Buses 65, 391, 237, and 267 all stop near Kew Gardens.
Duration: Varies based on starting point; typically 40-60 minutes from central London.
Details: Buses stop close to multiple entrances, including Lion Gate and Victoria Gate, providing flexible options for visitors.
By Taxi or Car:
Route: Drive via the A205 (South Circular) or the M4, then follow signs to Kew Gardens.
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes from central London, depending on traffic.
Details: Limited parking is available near Victoria Gate and Brentford Gate. Using public transportation is recommended to avoid parking issues.
By Bicycle:
Route: Cycle along the Thames Path or other dedicated cycling routes.
Duration: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour from central London.
Details: Bicycle racks are available at all entrances, making it a sustainable and healthy way to travel.
By Riverboat:
Route: Take a Thames Riverboat from Westminster to Kew Pier.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Details: Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the River Thames, then take a 10-minute walk from Kew Pier to the garden entrances.
Good to Know Before Your Visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Facilities
- Rules and Regulations
- Accessibility
- Dining
- Store
- Hotels
- Other Nearby Attractions
Facilities at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew:
Restrooms: Available at various locations throughout the gardens, including accessible options.
Lockers: Lockers for storing personal items are located near the entrances.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in key areas of the gardens.
First Aid: First aid services are available, with staff trained to handle medical emergencies.
Baby Changing Facilities: Located in restrooms throughout the gardens.
Mobility Assistance: Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired at the entrance.
Rules and Regulations at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew:
No Smoking: Smoking is prohibited throughout the gardens.
Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed, except for registered assistance dogs.
Respect the Plants: Do not pick flowers, climb trees, or disturb the plant collections.
Picnicking: Picnics are allowed in designated areas; please dispose of trash responsibly.
Photography: Photography is encouraged, but tripods and drones are not permitted without prior approval.
Accessibility at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew:
Wheelchair Access: The gardens are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and wide pathways.
Accessible Transport: Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available for hire.
Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are located throughout the gardens.
Guided Tours: Special tours with British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters can be arranged.
Support Dogs: Registered assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the gardens.
Dining at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew:
Victoria Plaza Café: Offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and pastries in a casual setting.
Orangery Restaurant: Serves a variety of hot meals, including vegetarian and vegan options, in a historic building.
White Peaks Café: Ideal for families, with kid-friendly meals and snacks.
Pavilion Bar and Grill: Provides an array of grilled dishes and refreshing drinks with garden views.
Gift Stores at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew:
Victoria Plaza Shop: Features homeware, books, and gifts inspired by the gardens.
White Peaks Shop: Specializes in children’s toys and educational products.
Pavilion Shop: Offers high-quality botanical prints, artisan gifts, and specialty food products.
Galleries Gift Shop: Located in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery, it sells art-inspired gifts and prints.
Hotels near the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew:
Budget-Friendly: Travelodge London Kew Bridge, Premier Inn London Kew Bridge
Mid-Range: Kew Gardens Hotel, The Coach & Horses
Luxury: Richmond Hill Hotel, Bingham Riverhouse
Tourist Attractions near Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew:
Richmond Park: A vast, scenic park offering wildlife spotting and beautiful walking trails.
Hampton Court Palace: A historic royal palace with stunning gardens and fascinating exhibitions.
Syon Park: Home to a grand historic house and beautiful gardens, perfect for a day trip.
Chiswick House and Gardens: An elegant villa with extensive landscaped gardens, a short drive from Kew.
What to Do at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew?
Experience Nature’s Bounty
Explore the Glasshouses:
The glasshouses at Kew Gardens are a must-see. The iconic Palm House takes you into a tropical rainforest, showcasing plants from some of the most threatened environments in the world. The Temperate House, the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse, is home to an extensive collection of temperate zone plants. Don’t miss the Princess of Wales Conservatory, which features ten different climatic zones under one roof, from arid deserts to lush tropical rainforests.
Stroll the Treetop Walkway:
The Treetop Walkway offers a unique perspective of Kew Gardens from 18 meters above ground. This aerial pathway allows visitors to walk among the treetops and enjoy breathtaking views of the gardens and beyond. It’s a thrilling way to explore the canopy and see the gardens from a whole new angle.
Visit Kew Palace:
Kew Palace is the smallest of the British royal palaces, offering a charming glimpse into the royal family’s life in the 18th century. Explore the beautifully restored rooms, including the royal kitchens, and learn about the history of the palace and its royal residents through informative displays and guided tours.
Discover Special Attractions:
Discover the Hive:
The Hive is an immersive installation that highlights the importance of pollinators, particularly bees, in our ecosystem. Inspired by scientific research, this 17-meter-tall structure uses sound and light to simulate a real beehive’s environment. It’s a fascinating experience that educates visitors about the critical role bees play in our world.
Enjoy the Gardens:
The expansive outdoor gardens at Kew are perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. From the tranquil Japanese Garden to the vibrant Rose Garden, there are countless beautifully landscaped areas to explore. Seasonal highlights include the cherry blossoms in spring and the colorful autumn foliage.
Attend Special Events:
Kew Gardens hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as the Orchid Festival, Christmas at Kew, and summer concerts. These events add an extra layer of excitement and offer unique experiences, from dazzling light displays to live music performances.
Tips Before Visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Book Tickets in Advance: Purchase your tickets online to avoid queues and ensure you get the preferred time slot, especially during peak seasons.
Check the Weather: The gardens are best enjoyed in pleasant weather, so check the forecast and dress accordingly. Bring an umbrella or sun protection as needed.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: With over 300 acres to explore, comfortable footwear is essential for a full day of walking and discovering all the attractions.
Plan Your Route: Review the garden map and decide which attractions you want to see first to make the most of your visit. Highlight must-see spots like the Palm House and Treetop Walkway.
Arrive Early or Late: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the busiest times and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Bring a Picnic: There are several picturesque spots for picnicking, so consider bringing your own food to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Alternatively, explore the on-site dining options.