Kew Gardens
Exploring Kew Gardens: A Botanical Wonderland
Tucked away in southwest London, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew spans over 300 acres. Home to the largest and most diverse collection of plants in the world, Kew is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a center of botanical research, and one of the most beautiful places you can visit in and around London. Architecture, landscape, and natural beauty are interwoven with artistic precision in each of the gardens. Whether you’re a designer, architect, or simply a lover of beautifully built environments, Kew is incredibly inspirational!
Established in 1759, Kew Gardens began as a royal home and evolved into one of the world's leading plant science institutions.
Visitors can explore landscapes from all over the world, including a Japanese garden, a Mediterranean rock garden, and a glasshouse filled with tropical rainforests, among many, many other types of plants. There is a rose garden, the most massive rhododendron plants I’ve ever seen, and hundreds of varieties of beautiful and ancient trees.
Must-See Highlights and Favorites
The Treetop Walkway: This 18-meter-high walkway lets you stroll among the canopies of sweet chestnuts, oaks, and limes, offering a bird’s eye view of the gardens.
The Palm House (1844): A triumph of Victorian engineering, this glass and wrought-iron greenhouse was one of the first large-scale buildings to use curved glass. Its elegant symmetry and cathedral-like interior elevate plant display to an almost spiritual experience.
The Princess of Wales Conservatory: A modern glasshouse housing ten different climate zones, from desert to tropical rainforest — all under one roof.
Kew Palace: A hidden gem within the gardens, this former royal residence is rich with Georgian history and offers a glimpse into royal life in the 18th century.
Planning Your Visit
Walking the grounds, there are too many things to see in a quick trip. I would plan a half-day, buy an entrance ticket, and plan to eat in one of the cafes on the grounds. There is a self-serve restaurant in Kew Palace’s Orangery, which is a beautiful building simply of its own merit. Tea and snacks feel more delicious in a space with sunlight streaming through the tall, antique windows.
Kew Palace: I don’t know if this is a part of the grounds that is very appreciated. People seem to prefer other aspects of the park, but if you’re at all interested in history and architecture, like me, you must visit the palace. It is open to the public and free to enter. The history behind this palace is fascinating and sad because it was the last home of King George III, who suffered from ill health, both mental and physical, and was essentially imprisoned here for his own safety and recouperation. The surrounding gardens around the palace are absolutely beautiful. I would pay for an admission price just for this palace and garden, but it is included in the whole ticket for Kew.
The best thing about Kew is that you can take it at your own pace. If you feel like relaxing, you can find a beautiful spot under a tree or near a pond to people watch and snack, or you can spend hours exploring the various gardens and attractions.
Make sure you visit the gift shop as well, it has fabulous books, gardening and plant related gifts, and local snacks. I really enjoy a gift-shop, and this one does not disappoint. I bought quite a few post-cards to frame later.
Travel Planning
Kew Gardens is easily accessible via public transport and tickets can be booked online! The Kew Gardens train station brings you to a charming town with a flower market, a few cute shops, and a beautiful walk through a residential area to Kew Gardens. I highly recommend walking from the train station. It’s an easy walk and a charming area to explore. Just make sure you check the time-tables for the train because this station is not serviced as often as some of the larger stations.
https://www.kew.org/
