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Experience the best of Kew Gardens

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We curate the best ways to experience

Kew Gardens | Over 50,000 plants to see

Only 30 minutes from central London, Kew Gardens is a dreamy green getaway with the world’s largest collection of living plants and fungi. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site too, and a total hero in global conservation and research. If a red carpet would roll out for plants, it would be here!

Why visit the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew?

See over 50,000 plants
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See over 50,000 plants

If you love plants, Kew is your happy place. There are more than 50,000 living species here, along with preserved specimens, beautiful old illustrations, and some of the most impressive plant science on the planet.

Visit the world's largest Victorian glasshouse

You cannot leave Kew without checking out the Temperate House. It’s 628 feet of Victorian glasshouse glory and home to some of the planet’s rarest and wildest plants.

Look out for the world's oldest pot plant

You’ve got to meet Kew’s most ancient resident. It’s a prickly cycad that’s been alive for over 2,500 years. Brought over from South Africa in 1775, it’s still thriving in its pot!

Explore the smallest palace in England

Right in the heart of Kew Gardens is Kew Palace, the UK’s smallest royal residence. It was built in 1631 for Queen Henrietta Maria, the other half of King Charles I.

Don't miss the many special events

Kew’s calendar is always packed! Spring brings the stunning Orchid Festival, and when winter hits, Christmas at Kew lights everything up like a botanical fairy tale.

Things to know before you book your Kew Gardens ticket

  • Types of tickets: Kew Gardens offers two ticket options. The standard entry ticket gives access to the gardens, while combo tickets let you pair your visit with other top London attractions.
  • What does your entry ticket include: Your entry ticket grants you access to Kew Gardens, where you can explore the stunning landscapes and attractions at your own pace.
  • History & nature combined: The Tower of London & Kew Gardens combo offers entry to the Tower of London with Crown Jewels, medieval palace, and historical displays, plus the lush landscapes and greenhouses of Kew Gardens.
  • Explore Windsor & Kew: The Windsor Castle and Kew Gardens combo includes entry to Windsor Castle’s stunning State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, and Kew Gardens, making for a day filled with history and beauty.
  • Explore Kew Gardens and beyond: Get the London Explorer Pass to access Kew Gardens, Buckingham Palace, and more, plus skip-the-line benefits and a 30-day validity period. Choose between 2-7 popular London attractions!
  • Cancellation policy: The standard Kew Gardens entry ticket is non-cancellable. However, you can cancel combo tickets up to 24-36 hours before your scheduled experience.

Which Kew Gardens ticket is best for you?

If you just want to visit the gardens

Go for: Admission tickets

Duration: Flexible

Guide: No

  • Your ticket gets you into Kew Gardens plus all the good stuff inside like the Kew Palace, the gorgeous glasshouses, art galleries, treetop views, seasonal exhibitions and more. 
  • Upgrade your ticket to add another top attraction and enjoy a bit of extra time to use it—super handy if plans change!

Recommended tickets:

  • Kew Gardens Admission Ticket

If you want to explore beyond

Go for: Combo tours

Duration: Flexible

Guide: Yes

  • With these combo tickets, you’ll get entry to Kew Gardens and some of London’s must-see spots, like the Tower of London and Windsor Castle.
  • A combo ticket lets you see more iconic London sights at a great price, saving you time and money for your adventure!

Recommended tickets:

  • Combo: Tower of London with Access to Crown Jewels + Kew Gardens Tickets 
  • Combo: Windsor Castle + Kew Gardens Tickets

If you want to visit London’s highlights

Go for: London pass

Duration: Flexible

Guide: No

  • With London Explorer Pass, enjoy stress-free sightseeing across London’s must-see attractions. 
  • The pass offers ultimate flexibility—choose up to 2-7 top London attractions and save up to 50%, making your sightseeing experience wallet-friendly!

Recommended tickets:

  • London Explorer Pass by Go City: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions

What's to see at Kew Gardens

Temperate House

Picture this: the world's largest Victorian glasshouse, full of plants from all over the globe, with sunlight pouring in to make everything pop.

Palm House

Get amazed by the lush tropical rainforest inside this beautiful Victorian glasshouse, where exotic palms and ferns take center stage!

Treetop Walkway

Fancy a new perspective on Kew Gardens? Head to the Treetop Walkway for scenic views of the whole place—it’s a great way to see the beauty from above!

Great Broad Walk Borders

These herbaceous borders along the central avenue are a feast for the eyes! They’re color-coordinated and change seasonally, so there’s always something new to see.

Arboretum

With over 11,000 trees, the Arboretum is where nature comes alive! It’s the perfect place to relax, explore, and learn about tree species from all over the world.

The Hive

Ever wondered what a beehive feels like? This 17-meter-tall installation, crafted from aluminum and LED lights, gives you a truly immersive, buzzing experience you won’t forget!

The Princess of Wales Conservatory

This glasshouse is like a tropical passport! It’s divided into 10 zones that take you from deserts to rainforests, all under one climate-controlled roof.

Great Pagoda

This Chinese-inspired pagoda from the 18th century offers killer views of the gardens and London. Climb 253 steps for a seriously rewarding panorama on clear days!

Rock Garden

This garden is like stepping into the mountains, with jagged rocks and alpine plants from all over the world, creating an epic, sculptural scene you won't want to miss.

Rhododendron Dell

The Dell is a cozy spot overflowing with vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas, filling the air with fragrance and color—especially during bloom season.

The Japanese Landscape

Escape to this peaceful Japanese-inspired garden, where the Chokushi-Mon gateway and soothing water features come together to create a calm, zen-like atmosphere.

Waterlily House

Get ready for a little slice of tropical magic in this humid glasshouse, where massive waterlilies and stunning aquatic plants thrive in perfect conditions.

Kew Gardens exhibitions

The Power of Trees

When: 12 April to 14 September, 2025

Where: Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art

There’s a spruce tree taller than your house, birdsong echoing from the walls, and botanical art fresh off the easel. This exhibition celebrates trees like never before, through science, storytelling, and seriously cool visuals.

Material World

When: 20 September to 2 November, 2025

Where: Temperate House

Inside the Temperate House, Material World explores how plants power fashion. See living textile gardens, learn about cotton’s global journey, discover sustainable materials, and view artworks by leading artists, designers and cultural researchers.

Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey

When: 22 September to 1 October, 2025

Where: Kew Gardens

Downton Abbey fans, this one’s for you. Step into a floral fantasy at Kew, where Lady Mary’s gowns and Carson’s uniform are reimagined in fresh blooms by top London florists. You can catch it right before the new film hits cinemas!

Plan your visit to Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens

General Opening Hours:

  • Monday – Friday: 10am to 7pm
  • Weekends & bank holidays: 10am to 8pm
  • Last entry: One hour before closing

Glasshouses & Attractions: 10am to 5pm (Opening and closing times may vary. Please check the planned closures before your visit)

Cafés and restaurants: 10am to 6pm (Except for the Pavilion Bar and Grill, which opens from 11am to 5pm, and Victorian Plaza Cafe, from 10am to 6:45pm. Please check the specific meal timings for each restaurant before your visit)

Closures: 24 & 25 December

Detailed Kew Gardens timings
kew gardens

Perfect season:

  • Spring (March – May): Best for cherry blossoms, tulips, and magnolias
  • Summer (June – August): Time for lush greenery, perfect for picnics and warm-weather strolls 
  • Autumn (September – November): Marvel at stunning golden foliage and fewer crowds 
  • Winter (December – February): Best time to see beautiful glasshouse displays and festive lights 

Weekdays or weekends:

  • Pick weekdays, because they are quieter than weekends

Best time of day:

  • Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds

Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE, UK

​Find on Maps

  • By Tube: District Line & Overground
    Nearest Stop: Kew Gardens Station (500m)
  • By Train: National Rail
    Nearest Stop: Kew Gardens Station (800m)
  • By Bus: Routes 65, 110, 391, R68
    Nearest Stop: Kew Gardens Station (H) (1.1km)
  • By Car: 14km from Central London
    Limited paid parking available at Brentford Gate (£7-£9 per day)
    Alternative parking: Free street parking available outside Kew Green on Sundays & Bank Holidays
How to reach Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens has four main entrances:

  • Victoria Gate: The main entrance, located near Kew Gardens Station. Inside, you'll find the visitor center, ticket office, café, and gift shop.
  • Elizabeth Gate: Situated near Richmond Station, this entrance is closest to Kew Palace, the Queen’s Garden, and the Orangery Restaurant.
  • Brentford Gate: Close to the main parking area, this entrance leads you to the Children’s Garden, the Climbers & Creepers play area, and the Pavilion Bar & Grill.
  • Lion Gate: Located on Kew Road, this quiet entrance offers access to the Japanese Garden and Temperate House. It’s the least busy entrance, perfect for a peaceful visit.
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  • Restrooms: Washrooms are available throughout Kew Gardens, including accessible toilets and changing places facilities at Brentford Gate.
  • Baby-changing facilities: Most restrooms (except Stable Yard) have baby-changing facilities, plus microwaves for warming bottles at The Orangery and White Peaks Café.
  • Drinking water: Clean drinking water fountains are available at several points, including Lion Gate, The Orangery, and Brentford Gate.
  • Prayer room: A quiet prayer and reflection room is available at Victoria Plaza for up to two people at a time, complete with a wudhu basin.
  • Parking: Parking is available at Brentford Gate with 300 spaces for £9 per day. 
  • Free Wi-Fi: Available only in select areas, including Kew Palace. Ask staff for the best spots to connect.
  • Dining: Enjoy a range of dining options at The Orangery and Pavilion Bar & Grill, offering both takeaway and indoor/outdoor seating with baby facilities.
  • Shopping: Botanical-themed gift shops are scattered around Kew Gardens, offering a variety of souvenirs, books, and unique gifts.
  • Buggy parks: Covered buggy parks are conveniently located near Kew Palace and The Hive, perfect for families exploring the gardens.
  • Maps: General and accessibility maps are available throughout the gardens to help visitors navigate with ease.
  • Wheelchair access: Kew Gardens is mostly flat with accessible tarmac paths, making it easy to navigate for wheelchair users.
  • Ramp access: Key attractions like the Shirley Sherwood Gallery and Treetop Walkway have ramps and lifts for easy access.
  • Mobility aid hire: Manual wheelchairs are free to borrow at entrances and Kew Palace. Mobility scooters can be hired, though not allowed in some historic buildings or on the Treetop Walkway.
  • Accessible toilets: Accessible restrooms are located throughout Kew Gardens, including at major entrances and attractions. 
  • Free companion tickets: Companions, carers, and support workers accompanying disabled visitors receive free entry. Documentation like a Blue Badge may be required.
  • Guide dogs: Trained assistance dogs, including guide dogs, are welcome throughout Kew Gardens and inside buildings like Kew Palace, with water available on request.
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  • Pets: No furry animals are allowed at this experience due to venue restrictions.
  • Age restriction: All visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Photography guidelines: Photography and videography are allowed for personal use only. Tripods require prior permission.
  • Prohibited items: No bicycles, scooters, ball games, drones, or large bags/suitcases allowed on site.
  • Picnicking: Picnicking is only allowed in designated areas. BBQs and open flames are not permitted.
  • No smoking: Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited throughout the gardens.
Kew gardens

On-Site Dining Options:

  • The Orangery: A stylish café serving delicious seasonal meals and freshly baked goods, perfect for a relaxing break in the gardens.
  • Victoria Plaza Café: Enjoy light snacks, freshly made sandwiches, and hot drinks at this charming café, ideal for a quick pick-me-up.
  • Pavilion Bar & Grill: Savor a BBQ-style menu with tasty vegetarian options, perfect for a laid-back meal in a beautiful garden setting.
  • Botanical Brasserie: An elegant dining experience focusing on locally sourced ingredients, offering a refined menu for a more upscale dining experience.
  • Family Kitchen & Shop: Offers stone-baked pizzas, salads, and ice cream, ideal for families with kids who love fun dining experience and tasty meals.

Picnic-Friendly Areas:

  • You can bring their own food and enjoy a picnic in designated areas.

Visit the gift shops for plant seeds, botanical prints, and garden-themed items.

  • Family Kitchen & Shop (Located near Family Kitchen) offers stone-baked pizzas, plant-based dishes, ice cream, and kids’ books, along with nature-inspired toys and planting kits.
  • Galleries Gift Shop (Near Shirley Sherwood or Marianne North Galleries) features botanical art prints, gardening books, luxury stationery, and Kew-branded souvenirs, perfect for art and nature lovers.
  • Victoria Plaza Shop (Near Victoria Gate entrance) is where you would find Kew’s best-selling items like botanical candles, honey, teas, gardening tools, plus seasonal gifts like Christmas ornaments and Easter seeds.
Stay at Kew Gardens
  • London Museum of Water & Steam (0.9 km): Get up close with giant steam engines and learn how clean water changed London forever. Great for curious minds and engineering fans alike!
  • The Musical Museum (1.1 km): From self-playing pianos to massive theatre organs, this quirky museum celebrates the magic of mechanical music with live demos!
  • Richmond Park (4.5 km): One of London’s largest green spaces, famous for its roaming deer, scenic views, ancient oaks, and wide open spaces perfect for walking or cycling.
  • London Wetland Centre (5.6 km): A peaceful wildlife haven full of lakes, birds, and boardwalks. Spot herons, kingfishers, and otters just minutes from the heart of the city!
  • Marble Hill (5.9 km): This elegant Georgian villa sits beside the Thames with sprawling riverside gardens, perfect for picnics, gentle strolls, and a dose of history.

Visitor tips & guidelines 

  • Enter via Lion Gate for a quieter start because it’s the least crowded entrance and drops you right near the Japanese Garden and Temperate House without the morning rush.
  • Download the Kew Gardens app before your visit. It will help you discover rare plants, follow themed trails, and find nearby toilets easily.
  • Climb the spiral staircase in the Palm House for dramatic canopy views and an up-close look at towering plants.
  • Ask a guide about the corpse flower’s blooming schedule for a chance to witness one of nature’s weirdest events.
  • Bring binoculars for close-up views of woodpeckers, herons, and ring-necked parakeets hiding in the garden’s treetops.
  • Visit on a rainy day when the glasshouses feel extra atmospheric and the gardens are practically empty.
  • Bring a fully charged phone and a power bank as there are no charging points in the gardens, and photo-taking drains batteries fast. Low power mode also helps!
  • Add Kew Gardens to your city sightseeing plan with a London City Card.

Beyond Kew Gardens

Windsor Castle

Royal drama, grand halls and centuries of secrets make Windsor Castle the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It’s where history still feels very much alive.

Tower of London

Crown Jewels, ravens and spine-tingling stories fill this legendary fortress. Once a palace and prison, the Tower has more royal plot twists than a soap opera.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kew Gardens tickets

Yes, sometimes due to weather or maintenance. Check the daily signage at the gates or ask staff if you’re set on a specific spot.