Kew Gardens is one of the city’s hidden gems.
Located in South West London, this horticultural paradise is frequently missed by visitors to the city- when in reality it should be top of the list.
Kew Gardens is one of the world’s leading centres for research and is one of the most biologically diverse gardens on the face of the earth- it also makes for a truly incredible day out in one of London’s greatest attractions.
Make the most of your stay in the stunning Piccadilly London West End Hotel; it is a charming hotel with a wonderfully central location.
It makes for a perfectly central meeting place Near Piccadilly Circus where you can unite with your group for a day exploring the heavenly Kew Gardens.
Here is everything you need to know about one of the best gardens on the planet.
Getting There
Kew Gardens is easily accessible by public transport.
The nearest underground station is Kew Gardens on the District line. From your gorgeous hotel all you’ll have to do is hop on the Piccadilly Line at Piccadilly Circus and ride to South Kensington Station. Here you’ll change onto the District Line and get off at Kew Gardens- all you have to do then is walk through the gates!
It is also possible to reach Kew Gardens by train and bus, so check the routes.
Opening Hours
Kew Gardens is open daily all year round- except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The opening hours vary depending on the time of year, but generally, the garden opens at 10:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm in the summer months.
Check in advance to make sure you’re giving yourself enough time to explore!
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
The price of tickets varies depending on the season, with higher prices during peak periods.
There are also discounted rates for seniors, students, and children- and if you don’t have much time or money you can get an end of day ticket that allows you a couple of hours before the gardens close to explore!
Attractions
Kew Gardens is home to a vast array of plant species from around the world. One of the most iconic features of Kew Gardens is the Palm House, which is an absolutely stunning Victorian-era glasshouse that contains tropical plants.
Another popular attraction is the Treetop Walkway, which offers visitors a bird’s eye view of the gardens from a height of 18 metres, and allows you to walk in the canopy of some rare and beautiful trees.
You can also check out the awesome 163 foot tall Great Pagoda for stunning views.
Many visitors love exploring the Arboretum and exploring the Great Broad Walk Borders which offers a sensory overload.
Guided Tours
Kew Gardens offers a variety of guided tours for visitors, including walking tours and tram tours. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the history and significance of the garden.
There are several free tours that are included in the price of your ticket, but they have limited spots and fill up fast, so make sure you ask at the ticket desk as soon as you arrive.
Food and Drink
There are several cafes and restaurants located throughout Kew Gardens, offering a variety of food and drink options.
Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food and have picnics in designated areas- as you can imagine there are plenty of stunning spots to enjoy lunch in nature!
But make sure you don’t fill up too much, as your hotel is home to one of the best restaurants West End London has to offer!
Accessibility
Kew Gardens is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available throughout the gardens. There are also wheelchairs available for hire for visitors who need them.
Events
Kew Gardens hosts a range of events throughout the year, including outdoor cinema screenings, music concerts, plant based exhibits and seasonal events like Christmas at Kew.
Visitors can check the website to see what events are taking place during their visit.
Conservation
Kew Gardens is not just a tourist attraction but also an important centre for the research and conservation of plant species.
The gardens are home to several rare and endangered species, and the staff at Kew Gardens work to protect and preserve these plants. In fact, Kew operates many scientific exhibitions all around the world and its teams work in some of the most fascinating and endangered habitats on earth.
Gift Shop
Kew Gardens has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books, and other items related to the garden.
There is also a plant shop where visitors can buy plants to take home with them.
Top Tips for Visiting Kew
Here are some tips for making the most of your visit to Kew Gardens:
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved
- Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately
- Bring sunscreen and a hat if it’s sunny
- Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery
- Take advantage of the guided tours to learn more about the garden’s history and significance
- Plan to spend at least half a day at the gardens to see everything
Quick Facts About Kew Gardens
- Kew Gardens also has a strong commitment to conservation and sustainable practices, with a focus on protecting endangered species and reducing their carbon footprint.
- The gardens were founded in 1759 and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Kew Gardens is home to over 50,000 living plants, making it one of the largest and most diverse botanical collections in the world.
- The gardens are known for their iconic glasshouses, including the Palm House, Temperate House, and Princess of Wales Conservatory.
- Kew Gardens is also home to several rare and endangered species of plants, including the Titan arum, the world’s largest flowering plant.
- The gardens have a rich history of scientific research and have played a key role in the discovery and classification of plant species.
- Kew Gardens is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 2 million visitors each year.
Visit Kew
So there you have it, all the things you need to know before visiting Kew Gardens.
Don’t miss out on one of the city’s finest attractions- and perhaps one of the best botanical gardens in the world!
Take full advantage of your London West End stay package and extract every bit of joy from the city and visit Kew Gardens.
