Kew Gardens what to do and see: a complete visitor guide
For a top London attraction which combines all that makes London so special, head to Kew Gardens where you’ll find magnificent artistic displays of stunning, rare and beautiful plants, flowers and trees from around the world.
The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew holds a significant place in UK history and is intricately intertwined into the history of British royalty since the 1700s. What was once a royal secret grew to become the world-famous London attraction it is today?
From resplendent displays of living plants to rare trees, picturesque waterways, Kew Palace, children’s playgrounds, exciting events, legendary talks, courses and so much more, a visit to Kew Gardens is packed with so much to do and see.
Here’s our complete guide to all the best things to see and do at Kew Gardens.
Kew Gardens what to do and see: a complete guide
Why visit?
Kew Gardens is situated just outside Central London in the beautiful town of Richmond. Only a short journey by car, The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew are positioned in a picturesque setting by the waters of the River Thames.
Kew was once the domestic garden attached to the royal residence, part of which still sits on the perimeters of Kew Gardens today – Kew Palace.
The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew are famed for their spectacular collection of over 50,000 plants. You’ll find a dazzling array of plants, trees and flowers plus numerous magnificent glasshouses and other fine structures.
First begun by the ruling Georgian monarch’s mother, Kew Gardens has always had royal patronage and Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, is the current patron of Kew Gardens. Its prestige since its first design has meant all manner of influential figures have contributed to the collection at Kew Gardens over the centuries.
The result of so much support from the very top of British society for hundreds of years is the world-famous array of plants in existence today at Kew.
With living plants from all over the world, The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003 and a leading centre for biological research since the 1700s.
As one of the globe’s largest collections of living plants, you can expect to see all manner of striking, thrilling and stunning displays – counted amongst some of the best displays of botanicals anywhere in the world.
From the 250 year-old Old Lions trees to over two million crocuses, children’s playgrounds, the UK’s largest collection of bamboo which is over 100 years old, seasonal events, the Great Pagoda which dates back to 1762, the Arboretum filled with over 14,000 trees and lots more, there is an endless array of things to see at Kew Gardens.
Kew Gardens are open all year round with different things to see and do throughout the seasons. To see the largest number of flowers in bloom, visit between spring and summer although Kew Gardens remains beautiful all year. For weddings and events, Kew also has an array of stunning spaces for hire located within the Gardens.
What to see and do at Kew Gardens:
Kew Gardens started life as a humble 9 acres of pleasure garden planted in the grounds of Kew Palace by King George III’s mother in 1759. Today Kew is an enormous organisation, dedicated to understanding and protecting plants and fungus for the wellbeing of people now and in the future.
The distinguished organisation of Kew is headed up by our future king, Prince Charles. Kew is a dynamic hub with over 350 scientists as well as horticultural courses and lectures for the public, national projects and so much more.
Wakehurst, a magnificent 500-acre woodland is also part of the organisation and the world’s largest seed conservation project.
Due to its royal beginnings, the tiny pleasure garden at Kew Palace benefitted from the favour Kew Palace found amongst Georgian monarchs.
Kew Palace (the smallest of the British royal palaces) quickly became a favourite place for the royals to stay at the weekend during the reign of George II and Queen Caroline and was later the residence to which George III retreated when he became ill (some would say mad).
Kew Garden’s location in the grounds of a busy royal palace meant it quickly expanded in size and content over the centuries that followed with famous contributors to its collection including Capability Brown who created Rhododrendron Dell in 1773 and William Chambers who constructed the fantastic Great Pagoda in 1762.
Must see at Kew Gardens include?
• The Great Pagoda:
At 10 stories high, the Great Pagoda is a dazzling landmark of the Gardens that was gifted to Princess Augusta who first created the Gardens.• Great Broad Walk Borders:
Kew’s famous walkway of florals is a riot of colour and scents arranged in 8 circular beds. You’ll find lavender, sage, lilies, mint, geraniums and lots more.• Treetop Walkway:
For the best views across the site, head to Treetop Walkway.• The Bamboo Gardens:
Dating back to 1900, the Bamboo Gardens house the UK’s largest collection of bamboo.• The Crocuses:
: Kew’s display of over 2 million crocuses is a sight you won’t forget. Visit in spring or earlier summer months to ensure you don’t miss it.• Sackler Crossing:
Sackler Crossing is a striking, curved bridge that sits above a peaceful lake.• The Arboretum:
See over 14,000 trees from all over the world, a dramatic space that changes with each season.• Kew Palace:
Visit the much-loved home of many Georgian monarchs and see the how they lived in this family weekend residence.For your journey to Kew Gardens, book your chauffeur driven transportation to and from the Gardens today. We travel to all of London’s top attractions as well as all London airports and more. Call us today on: +44 203 417 2724/ 0203 4172724, send us an email at: bookings@airport24.co.uk or book your car online now.