Does Kew Gardens open earlier for members?

Yes! Members can often enter the gardens before general opening time via Victoria Gate—perfect for early morning peace and plant selfies. Just flash your membership card.

Can I stay in Kew Gardens after closing time?

Nope, once the gates close, they really close! Staff begin clearing the gardens 15-30 minutes before the official closing time, so don’t start a deep woodland wander at 6:30pm.

Do Kew Gardens opening times change during the year?

Yes, they shift with the seasons. Think longer summer hours and early winter closures. Always check the day’s official time before heading out—especially around spring/autumn transitions.

Are there parts of the gardens that close earlier than others?

Yes! Some areas like the Children’s Garden, galleries, and certain paths may shut early for sessions, maintenance, or safety. Signs on-site will let you know.

Do the cafés close when the gardens do?

Nope, they usually close before the gardens. Last coffee calls tend to happen 30–45 minutes before closing. Don't wait too long to get that scone.

Are Kew Gardens opening times different during events?

Yes! During special events like Christmas at Kew or Kew the Music, general garden access often ends earlier to prep for the event. Check the site before you go.

Can I enter just before closing for a quick visit?

Technically, yes (up to the last entry time), but with 300+ acres, you’ll barely scratch the surface. This isn’t your average park, so arrive with time to wander.

What if it rains? Do the opening times change?

Rain or shine, Kew’s open. Glasshouses offer refuge, and a wet garden has its own charm. Severe weather (like high winds) may affect opening or closing of certain areas.

Kew Gardens Opening Times & Best Time to Visit 2026

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is open everyday from 10am to 7pm on weekdays and till 8pm on weekends.

Mar 1 TO Mar 31 Timings Days (Mar 1 TO Mar 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Tuesday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Wednesday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Thursday (Today)	10:00–18:00	17:00
Friday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Saturday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Sunday	10:00–18:00	17:00

May 1 TO Aug 31 Timings Days (May 1 TO Aug 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Tuesday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Wednesday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Thursday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Friday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Saturday	10:00–20:00	19:00
Sunday	10:00–20:00	19:00

Sep 1 TO Sep 13 Timings Days (Sep 1 TO Sep 13)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Tuesday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Wednesday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Thursday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Friday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Saturday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Sunday	10:00–19:00	18:00

Sep 14 TO Sep 14 Timings Days (Sep 14 TO Sep 14)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	Closed
Friday	Closed
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	11:00–19:00	18:00

Sep 15 TO Sep 30 Timings Days (Sep 15 TO Sep 30)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Tuesday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Wednesday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Thursday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Friday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Saturday	10:00–19:00	18:00
Sunday	10:00–19:00	18:00

Oct 1 TO Oct 25 Timings Days (Oct 1 TO Oct 25)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Tuesday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Wednesday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Thursday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Friday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Saturday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Sunday	10:00–18:00	17:00

Oct 26 TO Nov 12 Timings Days (Oct 26 TO Nov 12)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Tuesday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Wednesday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Thursday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Friday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Saturday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Sunday	10:00–16:00	15:00

Nov 13 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Nov 13 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–15:15	14:30
Tuesday	10:00–15:15	14:30
Wednesday	10:00–15:15	14:30
Thursday	10:00–15:15	14:30
Friday	10:00–15:15	14:30
Saturday	10:00–15:15	14:30
Sunday	10:00–15:15	14:30

Jan 1 TO Jan 4 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Jan 4)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	10:00–15:15	14:30
Friday	10:00–15:15	14:30
Saturday	10:00–15:15	14:30
Sunday	10:00–15:15	14:30

Jan 5 TO Jan 31 Timings Days (Jan 5 TO Jan 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Tuesday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Wednesday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Thursday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Friday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Saturday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Sunday	10:00–16:00	15:00

Feb 1 TO Feb 28 Timings Days (Feb 1 TO Feb 28)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–17:00	16:00
Tuesday	10:00–17:00	16:00
Wednesday	10:00–17:00	16:00
Thursday	10:00–17:00	16:00
Friday	10:00–17:00	16:00
Saturday	10:00–17:00	16:00
Sunday	10:00–17:00	16:00

The glasshouses are open every day from 10am to 5pm.
Closed: The gardens are open all year except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Best time to visit the Kew Gardens

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekday: Visiting Kew Gardens on weekdays typically offers a more serene and relaxed experience, with fewer crowds and shorter queues at attractions and facilities. Visitors can explore the gardens at their own pace and enjoy a quieter ambiance, perfect for contemplative walks and peaceful moments amidst nature.
Weekends: Conversely, weekends at Kew Gardens tend to be busier, especially during peak hours, with more visitors flocking to the gardens for leisure activities and family outings.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak season (March-August): During the peak season, Kew Gardens bursts into vibrant bloom and outdoor events and exhibitions. Enjoy extended opening hours, guided tours, and special events. Expect more visitors, especially on weekends and during school holidays, and a higher demand for tickets. Some areas of the gardens might feel crowded, particularly near popular attractions like the Temperate House or Treetop Walkway.
Low season (September-February): In contrast, the low season offers a quieter experience. The annual Christmas at Kew light display is a magical experience. However, expect fewer blooms compared to spring and summer. Colder weather may limit outdoor exploration.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

Kew Gardens facilities opening times

Family Kitchen & Shop

10am to 6pm, everyday

Hot food: 11.30am to 3.30pm
Pizza counter: 11.30am to 4pm

Orangery

10am to 6pm, everyday

Hot food: 12pm to 3.30pm
Breakfast: 10am to 11.30am

The Botanical Brasserie

10am to 6pm, everyday

Breakfast: 10am to 11am
Lunch: 12pm to 3.30pm
Afternoon tea: 2.30pm to 5.45pm

Pavilion Bar and Grill

11am to 5pm, everyday

Victoria Plaza Café

10am to 6.45pm, everyday

Family Kitchen & Shop: 10am to 6pm, everyday
Galleries gift shop: 10am to 5pm, everyday
Victoria Plaza shop: 10am to 7pm, everyday

Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art: 10am to 5pm, everyday
Marianne North Gallery: 10am to 5pm

Kew Palace: 11am to 4:30pm, everyday
The Pagoda: 11am to 4:30pm, everyday
Queen Charlotte’s Cottage: 11:30am to 3:30pm, only on weekends

Treetop Walkway: 10am to 6pm, everyday
Children’s Garden: 10am to 6pm, everyday
Glasshouse: 10am to 5pm, everyday

Exception to the Kew Gardens opening times

The Children’s Garden water feature is temporarily closed for essential maintenance—but all other play zones remain open for muddy-kneed adventures.
The Kitchen Garden is currently closed for building works and is set to reopen by May 2025.
The Board Walk in the Natural Area is currently closed.
The Marianne North Gallery will be closed all day on 23 and 24 April, and again on 13 May 2025.
On 30 April, 1 May, and 18 July 2025, the last entry to the Marianne North Gallery will be at 3.30pm.
The Shirley Sherwood Gallery will be closed on 13 May 2025.
Last entry to the Shirley Sherwood Gallery will be at 3.30pm on 1 May and 12 June 2025.
The Temperate House will be closed all day on 13 May 2025.

How long do you need to tour Kew Gardens?

With over 300 acres of botanical brilliance, Kew Gardens can be a quick leafy escape or an all-day wander through glasshouses, treetop walkways, and world-class galleries. Your ideal visit really depends on your pace and curiosity!

2-3 hours

Stroll through the Temperate House (the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world), check out the Palm House, and catch panoramic views from the Treetop Walkway. Pop by the Princess of Wales Conservatory for a steamy tropical fix. Ideal for a quick nature hit with a side of wow.

4-6 hours

Add a wander through the Great Broad Walk Borders, visit the Hive installation, and explore the Japanese Landscape. Pause at The Orangery for lunch or a cuppa. If you're visiting with little ones, the Children’s Garden makes a perfect mid-day stop.

6+ hours

Take your time meandering through themed gardens, hidden corners, and art galleries like the Marianne North and Shirley Sherwood. Explore the Arboretum, enjoy guided tours if available, and stop for a picnic in the Rose Garden. Don’t forget to swing by the gift shop on your way out!