Royal Botanic Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens which includes heritage architecture and a garden
Royal Botanic Gardens featuring a pond
Royal Botanic Gardens which includes heritage architecture
Royal Botanic Gardens featuring a park and a pond
Royal Botanic Gardens featuring interior views


This spectacular UNESCO site is a gorgeous public park and an important centre of botanical research. 

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a 300-acre (121-hectare) World Heritage Site, home to the largest collection of living plants on the planet. Whatever the weather, there’s lots to enjoy at this special attraction located just 30 minutes from the centre of London.

Initially established in the late 18th century, the gardens were opened to the public in 1840. Funded by royals and developed by landscapers, architects and botanists, the gardens have made many important contributions to botanical research over the years.

One of the landmarks in the garden is the 19th-century Palm House, a domed building constructed from wrought iron and curved sheets of glass. It houses a re-created rainforest environment where you'll find an array of exotic species, including rubber plants and cocoa trees. Be sure to find out more about the building it's an engineering masterpiece.

Take a walk along the Treetop Walkway, which offers a different perspective of a tree canopy from 59 feet (18 metres) up in the air. In the Princess of Wales Conservatory, see species from 10 climate zones, including cacti, orchids and giant waterlilies. Don't miss The Hive, a construction that aims to show you, through sound and visuals, what inside a beehive is like. Talk to one of the Explainers on hand at The Hive to learn more about this extraordinary experience.

There's also a large rock garden and alpine house, spectacular double herbaceous borders, a lake, grass garden, botanical art gallery, veggie plots and more.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is open daily, although hours vary by season. Check the official website to find out when there are scheduled closures. Free guided tours are available twice daily. There's also the Kew Explorer land train, which takes you on a tour of the gardens for a fee. To reach the gardens, ride the tube to Kew Gardens station or take one of the riverboat cruises that depart regularly from Westminster Pier during summer.

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Things to do near Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

A trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, offers a delightful array of activities, including exploring stunning landscapes and diverse plant collections. Visitors can also enjoy nearby cultural pursuits, such as art exhibitions, lively theatre performances, and charming shopping experiences. The gardens provide an ideal blend of natural beauty and vibrant local culture.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at Portobello Road Market, where you can find unique gifts and souvenirs with a vibrant atmosphere. Harrods is also nearby, offering luxury items. If you're up for a drive, Westfield London Shopping Centre has a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

At Wembley Stadium, immerse yourself in the electric sports atmosphere, just 3.7km from Kew. Experience luxury vibes at Wimbledon Tennis Club, located 3.1km away. For vibrant entertainment, enjoy a concert at Shepherd's Bush Empire, a mere 2.5km from the gardens.

Adventure

Experience exhilarating water sports at Minorca Sailing, located 435m from Kew Gardens. For a scenic adventure, hike the Kingston Barge Walk, 2.5km away, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. For a thrilling day, head to Surbiton Raceway, 4.3km from Kew, for some exciting go-karting fun.

Nightlife

For a vibrant night out, visit Eventim Apollo for a captivating theatre performance, just 1.9km from Kew. Alternatively, catch a romantic film at Electric Cinema, 3.1km away. For some family fun, head to Airport Bowl, 3.7km from Kew, and enjoy arcade adventures.

Find the best attractions near Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Visitors to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, can immerse themselves in a range of attractions, including the stunning Kew Gardens and various historic houses. This urban park is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Famous for its diverse plant collections and beautiful landscapes, Kew offers a delightful blend of nature and history, making it an ideal destination for tourists looking to explore the charm of Richmond.

  • Hyde Park: An iconic urban oasis, Hyde Park offers a serene escape amidst the bustling city. Located 3.7km from Kew, it features expansive green spaces, picturesque walking paths, and the lovely Serpentine Lake, perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls with family.
  • Buckingham Palace: Situated 4.3km away, Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch. This historic palace exudes culture and grandeur, with the Changing of the Guard ceremony being a must-see, showcasing British traditions and royal heritage.
  • Marble Arch: Also 4.3km from Kew, Marble Arch is a historic gateway that represents London's rich history. With its impressive architecture and cultural significance, it's an ideal spot for photos and a brief rest amidst the city's vibrancy.

Best time to go to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

The best time to visit Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

To save money on your visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays typically offer the cheapest rates, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and type, including eco-friendly options. Additionally, explore package deals that combine flights and accommodation for better savings. Don't forget to check for cheap parking options nearby!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organise your results by price, starting with the most affordable options, allowing you to easily identify the cheapest hotels available. Furthermore, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, along with your flights and activities.