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About
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is home to the world’s largest and most diverse collection of living plants and is a scientific organisation of international renown. Set in a stunning landscape of 326 acres and just 30 minutes from central London, Kew Gardens makes the perfect day out throughout the year with so much for you to see and do.
Kew's Famous Glasshouses
From steamy rainforests to the cool arid desert, Kew’s glasshouses take you to locations far from London and the UK. The Temperate House, the world’s greatest glasshouse, re-opened in May 2018 following an extensive restoration. This breathtakingly beautiful building is home to over 10,000 plants. Go on a journey through different temperate zones from Africa or Asia to South America and New Zealand and discover rare and threatened plants from around the world.
For an immersive tropical experience, The Palm House, is a must see. It houses the world’s oldest living pot plant and many plants that have changed the world. Nearby, the tropical waterlilies and climbing plants in The Waterlily House are an amazing sight.
The Princess of Wales Conservatory is home to an array of plants in 10 climatic zones, including cacti, bromeliads and orchids. It is transformed each year for the annual Orchid Festival which takes place in February and March, so don’t miss this stunning spectacle of colour in the depths of winter.
The Arboretum
Kew’s Arboretum is home to 14,000 magnificent trees, some of which date back to the 18th century, and represent over 2,000 species and varieties. This collection is not only of great scientific importance, it also provides year-round interest. Visit the Treetop Walkway for a unique perspective on the Arboretum, from 18 metres above the ground!
The Great Broad Walk Borders
At over 320 metres long, the Great Broad Walk Borders are thought to be the longest double herbaceous borders in the country - even the world! You’ll see stunning displays from spring through to autumn with around 30,000 plants within the beds.
The Hive
This innovative and inspiring structure stands 17 metres high. It encapsulates the story of honeybees and their important role in the world. The lights and sounds emitted by The Hive respond to the real-time activity of bees in a Kew beehive. The multi-sensory experience of stepping inside The Hive is something special for all the family!
Galleries
There are two galleries at Kew Gardens - the Shirley Sherwood Gallery and the Marianne North Gallery. Enjoy the botanical art on display and look out for different exhibitions throughout the year celebrating the varied ways that artists capture plants.
Kew Palace and The Great Pagoda
Kew Palace (open from April to September) gives you an insight into the domestic life of George III and his family and the Georgian Royal Kitchens are miraculously preserved. The Great Pagoda is also now open, having been returned to its 18th-century splendour. Climb 253 steps and marvel at the stunning views of Kew, and of London, from the top.
Eating and Shopping
If you’re in need of refreshment then Kew has a variety of options to suit all tastes, from family friendly meals in White Peaks Café to afternoon tea at The Botanist overlooking the Palm House lake, there’s something for everyone. Kew’s shops sell a range of produce, much of it exclusive to Kew. Pick up the award-winning Kew’s Explorers’ Strength Gin or choose from a range of books and gifts to remember your visit.
Group Visits
Kew Gardens are able to facilitate group tours of all ages, different admission rates will be used for groups of 15 or more people.
When booking please note prices vary during peak and off peak times.
Their seasonal experience Christmas at Kew is also available for group bookings.
Kew Gardens also offer private guided walking tours - Delve into more than 260 years of history and horticulture on a 60-minute or 90-minute tour with one of their award-winning guides.
All requests are subject to availability and we recommend providing at least six weeks’ notice to secure the services of a guide.
For any group booking enquiries contact groups@kew.org
Guide Prices
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Community Access Scheme Member Adult | Free |
Essential carers | Free |
Registered blind and partially sighted visitors | Free |
Under 4s | Free |
For more information on prices, please visit the website.
https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/tickets
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is part of the National Trust Gift Aid on Entry scheme. Gift Aid Admission includes a 10% voluntary donation and is entirely up to you which ticket you choose to purchase.
* All children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
* Proof of eligibility for students will need to be checked at the gate. NUS and University cards only.
* Members of Historic Royal Palaces receive 10% off the ticket price. Please bring your valid Historic Royal Palaces membership card.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
- Wheelchairs available
Catering
- On-site catering
- On-site light refreshments
Children
- Children welcome
Groups
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
- Guided tours for groups
Parking
- Parking with charge
Property Facilities
- Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
- Gift shop
- Postbox
- Public toilets
Target Markets
- Coach parties accepted
Map & Directions
Road Directions
By car
Please note: Parking at Kew is extremely limited, with spaces in our car park available on a first come, first served basis. Please plan ahead if you are considering driving to Kew, as we cannot guarantee available space in our car park.
Kew Gardens car park (TW9 3AF)
Ferry Lane, near Brentford Gate.
- Limited parking available in the car park
- Parking costs £7 per day. You can pay on site, or with the paybyphone app.
- No charge for motorcycles and mopeds
- Blue badge holders park for free in disabled access parking spaces or other spaces if full
- Car park closes 30 minutes after the Gardens close
- The Herbarium car park will operate as a weekend overflow car park, opening at the point that the Ferry Lane car park gets full
Parking around Kew Gardens
- There is no parking allowed on Kew Road (A307) Check Richmond council website for parking updates.
- From Monday 3 May 2021, you will need to pay to park in visitor spaces at Kew Green using RingGo.
- Try the Just Park app to find parking near Kew Gardens.
- Restrictions apply on residential streets around Kew
- Three disabled access parking bays and drop-off area at Elizabeth Gate (TW9 3AB)
- There is no coach park at Kew
Richmond Athletic Grounds (TW9 2SF)
- Check out the Just Park app for Richmond Athletic Grounds. It's about 20 min walk to Victoria Gate. Please note: Kew Gardens is not affiliated in any way with Just Park
Public Transport Directions
By bike
We love to welcome cyclists to our Gardens.
There are bicycle racks at all four gates. At Elizabeth Gate and Victoria Gate, the racks are inside the gates behind the booths.
Bikes left outside our gates are left at your own risk.
We do not allow bicycles, tricycles, roller skates, skateboards, and scooters into the Gardens.
By bus
Route 65 stops close to Lion Gate, Elizabeth Gate and Victoria Gate.
Route 110 stops near Kew Gardens station and Elizabeth Gate.
Routes 237 and 267 stop at Kew Bridge station.
By train
Kew Bridge station is 800m from Elizabeth Gate, via Kew Bridge. South West Trains run services from Waterloo, via Vauxhall and Clapham Junction. There is no level access at Kew Bridge.
Richmond station has lift and level access. Take 65 bus (in the direction of Ealing Broadway) to Lion or Victoria Gate.
By tube
Kew Gardens station is 500m from Victoria Gate. It is in Zone 3 and is served by the District Line (Richmond branch) and London Overground.
There is no level access from the westbound platform. It is possible to continue one stop to Richmond and catch a tube back to use the eastbound platform which does have level access.
By boat
Thames River Boats operate a special service from Westminster Pier to Kew Pier.
Timings:
Westminster to Kew:
- 11am - 2.30pm
Kew to Westminster:
- 12.30pm - 3.30pm - 5pm
Sailing times may vary, check the Thames River Boats site for more information.