Most of us picture skyscrapers and buildings like Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace when we think of London. But did you know there’s a botanical escape just 20 minutes from the city centre? You can escape the hustle and bustle of Central London with a trip to Kew Gardens.
This 326-acre site is just a short trip on the District Line and an ideal day trip for tourists and locals alike. Experience the rainforest without having to jump on a flight to Brazil and explore greenhouses that are a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts.
About Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and London’s largest, housing a collection of the world’s most diverse and largest living plants. Founded in 1940, the gardens – known as ‘Kew Gardens’ – are one of the most popular tourist destinations in London.
You’ll find more than 7 million preserved specimens and 50,000 different types of living plants across the various greenhouses and exhibition spaces. Kew Gardens has a rich history, touching almost every part of British culture in the last two hundred years, from the suffragettes to World War 2.
You’ll find everything from exhibitions to outdoor restaurants and even activities like art classes held on selected dates.
How to Get to Kew Gardens
You can reach Kew Gardens from almost any part of London with several public transport options. It’s worth noting that there are four separate entrances to Kew Gardens, and you’ll want to decide which one to plan your journey for. Brentford Gate is the entrance where you’ll find the car park, while Lion Gate, Elizabeth Gate, and Victoria Gate are nearest to Kew Bridge, Kew Gardens, and Richmond stations.
By train:
- Kew Bridge station is just 800m from Elizabeth Gate. You can take a South West Train from Waterloo, Clapham Junction, or Vauxhall. However, there’s no level access at this station.
- Richmond station is a 15-minute walk to Lion Gate, or you can take the 65 bus towards Ealing Broadway. This station has lift and level access.
By bus:
- Route 65 to Ealing Broadway and Richmond stations. These stops leave you close to three different entrances to Kew Gardens: Lion Gate, Victoria Gate, and Elizabeth Gate.
- Route 110 stops at Richmond station, putting you close to Elizabeth Gate and the Kew Gardens station.
- Routes 237 and 267 stop at Kew Bridge station.
By car:
Although you can drive to Kew Gardens, parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll want to plan ahead and arrive close to opening time.
By tube:
- The nearest tube station is Kew Gardens on the Richmond branch of the District line. It’s just 500m from Victoria Gate and is also serviced by London Overground trains.
- Take the District line to Ealing Broadway station and jump on the 65 bus to enter via Lion, Elizabeth, or Victoria Gate.
By boat:
You can even opt for one of the special service Thames River Boats from Westminster Pier to Kew Pier. Sailing times can vary, but it usually leaves Westminster at 11am and 2:30pm, and from Kew Pier at 12:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5pm.
Opening Times & Prices
Kew Gardens is open on weekdays from 10am to 7pm with last entry at 6pm and to 8pm on weekends and bank holidays with last entry at 7pm. Tickets start from £12 for adults and £4 for children. Ticket pricing will vary depending on when you visit, with peak and off-peak pricing. You can buy tickets at the gate, but they’re more affordable online.
If you’re visiting London on vacation, Kew Garden is included as part of the ‘London Pass’ offered by Go City, giving you access to almost 100 attractions throughout London.
Kew Gardens Suggested Itinerary
You’ll want to set aside at least three to five hours to explore Kew Gardens. Even then, you can’t expect to see everything. The size of the estate means you’ll spend a good amount of outdoors, so it’s wise to bring along a jacket or an umbrella in case the unpredictable British weather strikes.
I recommend choosing 3 to 5 different areas you want to explore to make the most of your time in Kew Gardens. Here ARE my recommendations for a Kew Gardens itinerary for a half-day visit for a first-time tourist.
Start at The Palm House
Palm House is the most recognisable part of Kew Gardens, allowing you to travel to the depths of the rainforest without ever leaving London. You’ll probably recognise the iron staircase from Instagram, which allows you to overlook the endangered plants below. Start here to set the scene for your visit.
Explore The Princess of Wales Conservatory
The most modern of Kew Gardens’ greenhouses is the Princess of Wales Conservatory. This labyrinth plays home to a range of diverse ecosystems. What makes this conservatory unique is that it has 10 different climate zones, including eight micro-climates to meet the specific needs of every plant.
Sir David Attenborough buried a time capsule in the foundation of the glasshouse in 1985 during its construction, due to be opened in 2085.
Imagine Herbology Class at Temperate House
Temperate House is the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse and hosts over 1,200 rare and threatened plant spices from all over the world. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, exploring these plants from Asia, America, Australia, and Africa will make you feel like you’re in Herbology Class with Harry and his friends. Be careful if you’re visiting in the warmer months as the greenhouses can get toasty!
Walk Across Treetop Walkway
If you’re not afraid of heights, head to the Treetop Walkway. It takes you 18 metres above ground and offers a breathtaking view across Kew Gardens. You’ll be high up with the trees and have a unique chance to observe the gardens’ complex ecosystems.
Finish Off in Kew Palace
No visit to Kew Garden is complete without stopping by the palace. Did you know that Kew Palace is the smallest royal palace in the UK? The Grade I listed building was reopened in 2006 after a decade of restoration work. Previously used by King George III, Kew Palace was gifted to the British people by Queen Victoria in 1837.
Stop By The Tape on the Line Pub
Before you get back on the tube to central London, stop by the pub at Kew Gardens station. Yes, the tube station has its very own pub. Previously known as The Railway, the pub reopened in 2013 as ‘The Tap on the Line’. It’s a great alternative to dining inside Kew Gardens and can be a little more affordable.
Best Time to Visit Kew Gardens
Although Kew Gardens is open year-round, you’ll want to consider crowd levels. It’s one of London’s busiest tourist attractions and often hosts seasonal events, especially around Christmas time. You can expect to see the gardens brought to life with festive displays and fairy lights for an immersive experience.
Don’t forget to consider the weather, as you’ll spend most of your time outdoors or in one of the greenhouses. Be prepared for any weather and use Kew Gardens’ ticket page to determine peak vs. off-peak times. Weekdays during late spring and early autumn are the best times to visit with lower crowds and better weather.
