The Kew Garden Orchid Festival returns in 2026, transforming Kew’s Princess of Wales Conservatory into a vibrant winter escape inspired by China’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. While access is included with entry, pre-booked Kew Garden orchid festival tickets with timed slots are required. Here’s everything you need to plan your visit.
Important visitor information
Entry to the Kew Garden Orchid Festival is included with Gardens admission, but visitors must pre-book timed Kew Gardens Orchid Festival tickets. Special After Hours events require separate tickets. Last Gardens entry is 4pm (Feb) and 5pm (March).
What to expect during the Kew Garden Orchid Festival
Step into a tropical escape at the Kew Garden Orchid Festival, where thousands of orchids transform the Princess of Wales Conservatory into an immersive celebration of nature, art, and culture. Enter the glasshouse and move through climate-controlled zones filled with orchid displays, themed floral sculptures, and conservation exhibits.
Large-scale orchid installations: Expect vibrant floral sculptures inspired by China’s wildlife, culture, and artistic traditions, including dragons, lanterns, and symbolic plant structures.
Themed cultural storytelling: The displays celebrate China’s remarkable biodiversity and design traditions, showcasing orchids alongside cultural motifs and landscapes.
Conservation exhibits: Learn how Kew scientists collaborate globally to protect plant biodiversity, with educational displays explaining orchid conservation and sustainability efforts.
Orchids After Hours: Evening experiences allow visitors to explore illuminated displays, accompanied by live performances and music in a unique nighttime setting.
Immersive tropical atmosphere: The warm, humid conservatory creates a striking contrast to winter outdoors, making the Kew Garden Orchid Festival a seasonal highlight.
Dates: February 7–March 8, 2026 Timings: Daily from 11am Location: Princess of Wales Conservatory Included with admission: Yes (timed slot booking required) Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages
The main Kew Garden Orchid Festival display celebrates China’s biodiversity through thousands of orchids and large-scale floral installations. You can explore colourful sculptures, cultural motifs, and educational exhibits highlighting plant conservation and international scientific collaboration.
Orchids After Hours
Dates: Select evenings during the festival (varies by schedule) Timings: Evening sessions after normal closing hours Location: Princess of Wales Conservatory Included with admission: No (separate ticket required) Age restrictions: Suitable for adults and older children
The After Hours event offers exclusive access to the Kew Garden Orchid Festival after dark. Wander through illuminated orchid displays while enjoying live music, performances, and a relaxed evening atmosphere inside the tropical glasshouse.
Plan your visit to the Kew Garden Orchid Festival
The Kew Garden Orchid Festival runs from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Displays open daily from 11am.
Last entry is 4pm until February 28 and 5pm during March. Visitors must arrive before final entry times, even if holding later time slots.
Quiet sessions take place on Mondays (February 9, 16, 23 and March 2) from 11am to 12pm, offering a calmer experience for visitors who prefer reduced crowds. Weekday mornings are generally the best time to visit.
The Kew Garden Orchid Festival takes place inside the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens, Richmond, London.
By Tube: District Line or London Overground to Kew Gardens Station (approx. 500m from Victoria Gate).
By train: South Western Railway to Kew Bridge Station, followed by a 1km walk to Elizabeth Gate.
By bus: Routes 65, 110, 237 and 267 stop near multiple entrances.
By car: Limited parking is available near Brentford Gate. Pre-booking may be required for parking spaces.
Restrooms are located throughout Kew Gardens, including near the conservatory and visitor facilities.
Dining outlets across the Gardens provide meals, snacks, and hot drinks during the festival season.
Gift shops offer orchid-themed souvenirs, plants, and botanical products.
Free Wi-Fi is available in select visitor areas.
Mobility scooter hire can be arranged in advance via Kew’s accessibility services.
Parts of the Princess of Wales Conservatory are historic and include varying terrain, but all the Kew Garden Orchid Festival display areas are accessible.
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are permitted during the festival. Advance scooter booking is recommended.
Quiet sessions are available on selected Mondays for visitors who prefer reduced sensory stimulation.
Essential companion tickets are available for visitors requiring assistance.
Assistance dogs are welcome throughout Kew Gardens.
Visitors must pre-book timed Kew Gardens Orchid Festival tickets before arrival.
Photography is permitted, but visitors should avoid touching plant displays or obstructing pathways.
Flash photography may be restricted in sensitive display areas.
Visitors are encouraged to follow staff guidance to protect delicate plant collections.
Kew Gardens offers several dining venues open during the Kew Garden Orchid Festival season.
Family Kitchen & Shop: Serves pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and ice cream—ideal for families visiting the Gardens.
Orangery: Offers light meals, cakes, and hot drinks in a relaxed indoor or terrace setting.
Pavilion Bar & Grill: Serves grilled dishes and Mediterranean-inspired meals, ideal for lunch stops.
Botanical Brasserie: Provides modern British dining and afternoon tea experiences, with reservations recommended.
Victoria Plaza Café: Quick snacks, sandwiches, cakes, and coffee for visitors on the go.
Frequently asked questions about the Kew Garden Orchid Festival
Entry to the Kew Garden Orchid Festival is included with general Kew Gardens admission, but visitors must pre-book a timed slot. After-hours events require separate tickets.
Most visitors spend around 60–90 minutes exploring the orchid displays inside the conservatory.
Yes. Quiet sessions take place on selected Mondays from 11am to 12pm, providing reduced visitor numbers and a calmer environment.
Yes. The festival is family-friendly, with colourful displays and educational exhibits suitable for all age groups.
Yes. The festival takes place inside the conservatory, making it a weather-proof winter attraction.
No. Orchids After Hours requires separate Kew Gardens Orchid Festival tickets specifically for evening sessions.
