What to see at Kew Gardens?

In west London, Kew Gardens brings together landscaped gardens, historic glasshouses and more than 50,000 living plants across a site covering around 130 hectares. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew are also an important centre for botanical research and conservation.

There is much more to see than plants: the Palm House, Temperate House, Great Pagoda, Treetop Walkway and The Hive are among Kew's best-known attractions. Half a day is enough to see the main highlights, but allow a full day if you want to explore the gardens at a more relaxed pace.

Kew Gardens is one of the top attractions to visit in London if you want to spend a few hours away from the busy city centre and its famous landmarks.

What to see at Kew Gardens

Kew is huge. On a first visit, it is better to choose a few highlights and leave some time to wander through the gardens rather than trying to see everything.

Palm House

Built from 1844 to designs by architect Decimus Burton and engineer Richard Turner, the Palm House is one of Kew Gardens' most iconic buildings. Its glass and iron structure houses a tropical rainforest with species from several regions of the world.

Inside, conditions are warm and humid: palms, cacao trees and other tropical plants grow in an environment similar to their natural habitat. Some of the species preserved at Kew are now threatened in the wild.

Temperate House

Even larger, the Temperate House is the world's largest Victorian glasshouse. It is home to around 1,200 species from Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Americas, among other regions.

After five years of restoration, it reopened in 2018. Its collection includes many rare and threatened plants from the world's temperate regions.

Princess of Wales Conservatory

The Princess of Wales Conservatory takes visitors from desert conditions to tropical vegetation without leaving the same glasshouse. It contains 10 controlled climate zones, with plants including cacti, carnivorous plants, orchids and bromeliads.

It is also home to specimens of Victoria boliviana, a species of giant waterlily described by science in 2022.

Waterlily House

Usually known for its giant waterlilies, the Waterlily House is currently closed for renovation. It is expected to reopen in spring 2027.

The restoration is part of a wider project that also involves the Palm House. While the Waterlily House is closed, giant waterlilies can also be seen in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.

Treetop Walkway

The Treetop Walkway is a walkway suspended 18 metres above the ground at treetop level. There are 118 steps to reach it, with views across this part of the gardens.

The walkway may close temporarily in bad weather or for maintenance.

The Hive

Standing 17 metres tall, The Hive is an art installation exploring the world of bees and their role in pollination. Its structure resembles a giant beehive set in a wildflower meadow.

Great Pagoda

Built in 1762 to designs by William Chambers, the Great Pagoda is one of Kew's most recognisable historic landmarks. Its multi-storey silhouette reflects the interest in Chinese architecture in 18th-century Europe.

Some historic buildings have different opening hours from the gardens themselves. Check that they are open if there is somewhere you particularly want to visit.

Japanese garden and art galleries

Kew has many other areas to discover as you explore the gardens. The Japanese Landscape, arranged around the Japanese Chokushi-Mon gateway, has a very different atmosphere from the large Victorian glasshouses.

Art lovers can visit the Marianne North Gallery, dedicated to the British artist's botanical paintings, as well as the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, which hosts exhibitions devoted to botanical art.

The lake, Rock Garden, Alpine House, wide lawns and numerous themed gardens add even more to see. There is no need to follow a strict route: Kew is also a great place to simply wander and explore.

How long do you need at Kew Gardens?

Allow at least half a day to visit the main glasshouses and explore some of the gardens. In 4 to 5 hours, you can see several of the highlights without rushing too much.

A full day is better if you want to explore a large part of the site, visit the galleries, have lunch there or are visiting with children.

Visiting Kew Gardens with children

Kew Gardens is easy to visit as a family. The Children's Garden, designed for children aged 2 to 12, has different areas where they can run, climb and learn what plants need to grow.

Entry to the Children's Garden is included with admission to Kew Gardens, and no separate booking is currently required. The Hive and Treetop Walkway are also particularly popular with families.

Pushchairs are allowed in the gardens, although they must be left outside certain areas. Baby-changing facilities are available in most toilets.

When is the best time to visit Kew Gardens?

Kew changes considerably with the seasons, so the best time to visit depends mainly on what you want to see.

Spring

Spring is one of the most colourful times of year, with magnolias, cherry blossom, bluebells, tulips and rhododendrons flowering in succession. It is a great time to enjoy both the outdoor gardens and the glasshouses.

Summer

Longer days give you more time to explore the grounds. Roses, flower beds and aquatic plants are particularly attractive at this time of year, while the lawns are ideal for a break between visits.

Autumn

The trees gradually take on their autumn colours and transform the landscape. Cooler temperatures also make walking around the gardens more comfortable.

Winter

The outdoor gardens are naturally less colourful, but the large glasshouses remain worth visiting throughout the year.

From November, Kew also hosts Christmas at Kew, an evening trail of light installations held after the daytime gardens have closed. A separate ticket is required for this event.

Kew Gardens tickets: how much does admission cost?

Kew Gardens ticket prices vary according to the time of year and type of ticket. Tickets booked online are generally cheaper than those bought at the gate.

In autumn 2026, standard adult prices are:

Since 2 September 2026, tickets for children aged 4 to 15 cost £2 online or £4 at the gate. Admission is free for children under 4.

Reduced rates are also available for visitors aged 16-29, students, visitors aged 65 and over, and disabled visitors. Essential companions and registered blind or partially sighted visitors may be eligible for free admission.

Kew Gardens: Royal Botanic Gardens

From 16.23 € (or £13.50)

From £13.50 (or 16.23 €)

Compare ticket prices

Is Kew Gardens included in a London sightseeing pass?

Kew Gardens is also included with two sightseeing passes: the London Pass and the London Explorer Pass. If you are planning several paid attractions in London, compare the cost of a pass with the price of buying your tickets separately.

Can you visit Kew Gardens for £10 on Tuesdays?

Until 29 December 2026, Kew is offering £10 Tuesdays, with £10 admission available on selected Tuesdays. This is a temporary offer and is subject to availability.

What are the opening hours for Kew Gardens?

Kew Gardens generally opens at 10am, but closing times change throughout the year. The gardens stay open later during the warmer months and close earlier in autumn and winter.

For the end of 2026, the published opening hours are:

• 1 to 30 September: 10am - 7pm, last entry at 6pm;
• 1 to 24 October: 10am - 6pm, last entry at 5pm;
• 25 October to 11 November: 10am - 4pm, last entry at 3pm;
• 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027: 10am - 3.15pm, last entry at 2.30pm.

How to get to Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, west of central London. There are four main entrances: Victoria Gate, Elizabeth Gate, Brentford Gate and Lion Gate.

By Tube and train

From central London, the easiest option is usually Kew Gardens station, served by the District line and Mildmay line. The station is around 500 metres from Victoria Gate.

Kew Bridge station is around 800 metres from Elizabeth Gate. Richmond station is another option, particularly if you want to reach Lion Gate.

By bus

Bus routes 65 and 110 serve the area around Kew Gardens. Routes 237 and 267 stop near Kew Bridge station.

By car

Kew Gardens' car park is at Brentford Gate (TW9 3AF). Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking currently costs £10 per day.

Kew Gardens is outside the Congestion Charge Zone but inside the ULEZ. If you are driving, check that your vehicle meets the current requirements.

By boat

You can also travel to Kew along the Thames. Seasonal boat services run from Westminster to Kew Pier. Elizabeth Gate is the closest entrance to the pier.

Is Kew Gardens accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?

Most of Kew Gardens is relatively flat, and many paths are paved. Accessible toilets are available near the main attractions and entrances.

A limited number of wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge at the entrances without advance booking. Mobility scooters are also available to book at Victoria Gate, Elizabeth Gate and Brentford Gate, with some restrictions inside historic buildings and glasshouses.

The Temperate House, Alpine House and Princess of Wales Conservatory have wheelchair access. The Palm House is accessible to wheelchair users, but mobility scooters are not permitted inside.

Recognised guide and assistance dogs are welcome in the gardens.

Where to eat at Kew Gardens

Several cafés and restaurants offer places to have lunch or take a break without leaving the gardens, including the Orangery, Pavilion Bar and Grill, Botanical Brasserie and Family Kitchen.

Drinking water fountains are also available around the gardens and are marked on the Kew Gardens map.

History of Kew Gardens

Kew's history is closely linked to the British monarchy and the development of botany. The gardens have their origins in royal estates established along the banks of the Thames in the 18th century.

Princess Augusta, mother of King George III, played an important role in their development. From 1759, she began creating a botanical garden at Kew with the help of several figures, including architect William Chambers, who designed the Great Pagoda.

A few years later, botanist and explorer Joseph Banks helped establish Kew as a major centre for the study and collection of plants from different parts of the world.

In the 19th century, the gardens came under state responsibility and their scientific role expanded. The great Victorian glasshouses that have since become symbols of Kew were also built during this period.

In 2003, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which recognises their importance in the history of garden design, botany and international scientific exchange.

What to visit near Kew Gardens

If you still have time after your visit, there are several other places to explore in west London.

Richmond Park is a good choice if you want to spend more time outdoors. Its vast landscapes and herds of deer create a very different atmosphere from Kew's botanical gardens.

Further away, you can visit Hampton Court Palace to explore British royal history, or head towards Twickenham and its famous stadium if you are interested in rugby.

Kew Gardens FAQ

Is Kew Gardens worth visiting?

Kew is particularly appealing if you enjoy gardens, architecture and plants, or simply want a quieter day away from central London. Its vast grounds and Victorian glasshouses offer a very different experience from the museums and landmarks in the city centre.

Do you need to book Kew Gardens in advance?

You can buy tickets at the gate, but online tickets are generally cheaper. Booking in advance is therefore mainly useful for getting the best available price.

How long should you spend at Kew Gardens?

Allow at least half a day. If you want to explore several glasshouses, gardens, galleries and the main attractions at a relaxed pace, a full day is more comfortable.

Is Kew Gardens suitable for children?

Yes. The Children's Garden is specially designed for children aged 2 to 12, while The Hive and Treetop Walkway also make the visit more fun for families.

Can you bring a picnic to Kew Gardens?

Yes. There are several places to picnic in the gardens, as well as cafés and restaurants on site.

Can you visit Kew Gardens in the rain?

Yes, although much of the visit is outdoors. The glasshouses and galleries provide plenty of opportunities to spend time under cover. In strong winds or bad weather, some attractions such as the Treetop Walkway may close temporarily.

Is Christmas at Kew included with a Kew Gardens ticket?

No. Christmas at Kew takes place in the evening after normal daytime opening hours and requires a separate ticket.

Which entrance should you use for Kew Gardens?

If you are travelling on the District line or Mildmay line, Victoria Gate is generally the most convenient entrance, as it is around 500 metres from Kew Gardens station. Elizabeth Gate is convenient from Kew Bridge, while Brentford Gate provides access to the car park.

Can you see all of Kew Gardens in one day?

You can see a large part of Kew in a day, but the site is too extensive to explore everything in detail. Choose the places that interest you most and leave some time to simply wander through the gardens.

Summary

Kew Gardens is one of London's great green escapes. Its roughly 130 hectares are home to more than 50,000 living plants, Victorian glasshouses, landscaped gardens, galleries and several family-friendly attractions.

For a first visit, prioritise the Palm House, Temperate House, Princess of Wales Conservatory, Treetop Walkway, The Hive and Great Pagoda. Allow at least half a day, or a full day if you want to explore at a more relaxed pace.

Ticket prices and opening hours change with the seasons. Before your visit, also check for any temporary closures affecting the glasshouses and other attractions.