A UNESCO World Heritage botanical garden covering over 300 acres on the Thames in Richmond, home to the largest and most diverse plant collection in the world. Its Victorian glasshouses, the Palm House and Temperate House, are landmarks in their own right, and the elevated Treetop Walkway lets visitors move through the tree canopy. It functions as both a public garden and a serious scientific research institution.
Kew Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens, occupies 132 hectares beside the Thames in Kew, Richmond, southwest London, and holds UNESCO World Heritage status as one of the world's leading botanical research and conservation institutions. The Palm House, a curvilinear Victorian glasshouse completed in 1848, shelters a tropical rainforest collection, while the larger Temperate House, reopened in 2018 after a major restoration, is the world's largest surviving Victorian glass structure. The Treetop Walkway rises 18 metres into the tree canopy on a steel walkway, and the Great Pagoda, an 18th-century ten-storey folly, punctuates the skyline. Kew Palace, the smallest of the royal palaces, sits within the grounds and was once a retreat for King George III. Given the scale of the site, a full visit takes three to five hours, and many visitors treat it as a half-day outing, picnicking on the lawns between the glasshouses and gardens. Spring, from April to May, brings blossom, tulips and the Woodland Garden's bluebells, making it the most popular season, while weekday visits are noticeably calmer than weekends.
| Admission | Adults £22 / approx USD 28; children (4–16) £6 / approx USD 8; under-4s free. Book online at kew.org. |
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| Hours | Daily from 10:00; closing times vary by season (16:00 in winter, 20:00 in summer). Check kew.org. |
| Typical visit | 3–5 hours |
| Best time | Spring (April–May) for blossoms and tulips; summer evenings for Kew the Music concerts (separate ticketing) |
| Getting there | Tube: Kew Gardens (District line, zone 3); 2-minute walk from Victoria Gate entrance |
| Address | Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE |
Location
Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE
51.4788, -0.2958 View on map
Highlights
- Palm House Victorian glasshouse
- Temperate House, the world's largest surviving Victorian glasshouse
- Treetop Walkway 18 metres above the ground
- Kew Palace, the smallest royal palace
- Great Pagoda 18th-century folly
Tips for visiting
- Book tickets online in advance for a discount over walk-up prices
- Allow at least half a day to see the major glasshouses and gardens
- The paid Kew Explorer land train offers a hop-on service across the large site
- Picnicking is permitted on the lawns
- Visit on a weekday to avoid the busiest weekend crowds
When to visit
Spring (April to May) is best for blossom and tulips; visiting on a weekday helps avoid the busiest weekend crowds.
Accessibility
Step-free access is available on main paths, mobility scooters can be hired on site, and the Treetop Walkway has lift access.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Kew Gardens take?
A full visit typically takes three to five hours given the size of the grounds.
Is Kew Gardens worth it for kids?
Yes, the Treetop Walkway and dedicated Children's Garden are popular with families.
Is photography allowed at Kew Gardens?
Photography is allowed throughout the gardens and glasshouses.