Top Things To Do In Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is a botanical garden located in southwest London, England. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its extensive collection of plants and rare species. The garden was founded in 1759 and covers over 300 acres of land. Kew Gardens features a variety of gardens, including the Palm House, the Princess of Wales Conservatory, and the Japanese Gateway.


One of the top things to do in Kew Gardens is to explore the vast and diverse array of plant life that can be found within its 300-acre grounds. Visitors can wander through the gardens, discovering beautiful and rare species of flowers, trees, and plants from every corner of the globe, including a stunning collection of orchids and tropical plants in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.


For families, Kew Gardens offers a range of activities and attractions, including a treetop walkway, a natural play area for children, and a collection of beautiful and rare trees that are perfect for exploring and learning about nature. Overall, Kew Gardens is a beautiful and tranquil oasis that offers something for everyone, from avid gardeners to families looking for a fun day out.

The Great Pagoda
The Great Pagoda

The Great Pagoda is a historic tower located in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, England. Built-in 1762, the ten-story pagoda has recently undergone extensive restoration work and was reopened to the public in 2018. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the pagoda for stunning panoramic views of the gardens and the city skyline. The pagoda features ornate dragon sculptures and traditional Chinese architectural elements, reflecting the influence of Asian art and culture in 18th-century Europe.

The Japanese Landscape
The Japanese Landscape

The Japanese Landscape is a tranquil garden located within the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, England. It features a pond, a wooden bridge, and a variety of plants and trees commonly found in traditional Japanese gardens, such as azaleas, maples, and cherry blossoms. The garden was created in the early 20th century and has since been a popular spot for visitors seeking peace and serenity.


Also Read: Kew Gardens History

The Temperate House
The Temperate House

The Temperate House is a large glasshouse located in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, England. It is the world's largest surviving Victorian glasshouse, and it houses a collection of rare and endangered plants from temperate regions around the world. Visitors can explore the diverse collection of plants from regions such as Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The Temperate House is a testament to the beauty and importance of plant conservation, and is a must-see attraction for any botanical enthusiast.


Must Explore: Entrances of Kew Gardens

The Palm House
The Palm House

The Palm House is a large Victorian glasshouse located in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, England. Built in 1844, it is one of the most iconic and recognizable features of the gardens. The Palm House houses a diverse collection of tropical plants and trees from around the world, including some of the rarest and most threatened species. Visitors can explore the rainforest-like environment, featuring palms, cycads, and giant water lilies. The Palm House is a stunning example of 19th-century horticultural engineering, and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.


Also Read: Christmas at Kew Gardens

The Princess Of Wales Conservatory
The Princess Of Wales Conservatory

The Princess of Wales Conservatory is a modern glasshouse located in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, England. It was opened in 1987 by Diana, Princess of Wales, and features ten climatic zones, each with a different environment and plant collection. Visitors can explore the cactus desert, the orchid paradise, and the tropical rainforest, among others. The conservatory also includes interactive exhibits on plant evolution and biodiversity. The Princess of Wales Conservatory is a unique and educational attraction, showcasing the diversity and complexity of the world's plant life, and is a must-see for any botanical enthusiast.


Must Read: Attractions in Kew Gardens

The Hive
The Hive

The Hive is an immersive art installation located in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, England. Designed to resemble a beehive, the structure is made of thousands of aluminum tubes and features LED lights and sounds that respond to the activity of real bees living in a nearby hive. Visitors can enter the Hive and experience the sensory effects of the simulated hive, which highlights the importance of bees and other pollinators in sustaining ecosystems and food systems.


Also Read: Plan Your Visit to Kew Gardens

The Marianne North Gallery
The Marianne North Gallery

The Marianne North Gallery is a unique art museum located within the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, England. It houses a collection of over 800 botanical paintings by the 19th-century artist Marianne North, who traveled the world to document and paint plant species in their natural habitats. The gallery features a beautiful octagonal design, with each wall representing a different region of the world. Visitors can admire North's stunning paintings and learn about the plants and ecosystems she encountered during her travels.

Treetop Walk
Treetop Walk

The Treetop Walk is one of the interesting things to do in Kew Gardens and is a unique and immersive experience located in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, England. The walkway is suspended 18 meters above the ground and offers visitors a stunning bird's eye view of the gardens and the surrounding landscape. The Treetop Walk is designed to give visitors a unique perspective on the importance of trees and their role in supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Visitors can explore the canopy and observe the many species of plants and animals that call the trees home.

The Arboretum
The Arboretum

The Arboretum is a large collection of trees located within the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, England. It includes over 14,000 trees and over 2,000 species, making it one of the most diverse and important tree collections in the world. The Arboretum is arranged in a systematic order that reflects the relationships between different tree species and their evolutionary history. Visitors can explore the many different sections of the Arboretum, which include rare and endangered species from all over the world.


Must Checkout: Places to Eat & Shop at Kew Gardens

Lake & Crossing
Lake & Crossing

The Lake and Crossing is one of the best things to do in Kew Gardens, as it is one of the picturesque features of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, England. The lake is a large body of water that serves as a habitat for a variety of water birds and aquatic plants. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and provides a peaceful oasis for visitors to relax and enjoy nature. The Crossing is a series of stepping stones that allow visitors to cross the lake and get closer to the water's edge.


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Book Kew Gardens Tickets

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Highlights
  • Visit the Palm House and see some exotic rain forest with your family and friends

  • Stay elevated at a height of 18 meters from the ground level while exploring the treetops

  • Witness the majestic charm of Arboretum which has a collection of over 14,000 trees

  • Have a fun time with your family and friends at the conservatories, art galleries, and restaurants

  • Step into London's largest UNESCO World Heritage Site on your visit to the Kew palace & Gardens

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Must Know Before You Go
  • Kew Palace is closed during winter.
  • Kew Gardens is closed on 24 and 25 December.
  • Free walking tours take place at least twice daily, subject to availability.
  • All external drinking fountains will be turned off for the winter months, until spring 2022.
  • Queen Charlotte’s Cottage and Kew Palace are now open from 1st April till September 2022. Kew Palace Kew Palace is open daily from 11am to 4pm.
  • The lift to the Treetop Walkway is currently out of service.
  • The Badger Sett in the Natural Area is closed.
  • Parking is prohibited on Kew Road and limited around the area.
  • There are no lockers or baggage storage facilities available.
  • Kew Palace toilets are currently closed for refurbishment. The closest facilities are at the Orangery.
  • Kew Gardens are fully wheelchair accessible with an elevator giving access to the upper floors of Kew Palace.
  • All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details at the time of arrival and entry.
  • Children aged 0-3 years can join the experience free of charge, while children aged 4-15 years have to book the package at child prices. Individuals aged 16-64 years have to book the package at adult prices. All participants aged 65 years and above have to book the package at senior prices.
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FAQ's

What is Kew Gardens famous for?

    Kew Gardens is famous for being one of the world's most renowned botanical gardens, with a vast collection of plants from around the globe. The gardens are also home to several iconic attractions, such as the Palm House, the Temperate House, and the Treetop Walkway. Additionally, Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical significance and contributions to science and horticulture.

What are the best things to do in Kew Gardens?

What is the best time to visit Kew Gardens?

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Is it important to book Kew Gardens tickets in advance?

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