The Ultimate Guide to Kew Gardens, London

Getting to and exploring Kew Gardens

There are many ways to get to Kew Gardens: taxi or ride-share, Thames River Boat from Westminster Pier to Kew Pier, train from London Waterloo, or underground. I recommend the latter, as it is the quickest, taking 20 minutes from South Kensington on the District Line (green) to get to Kew Gardens station. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Victoria Gate entrance.

Tickets are cheaper when purchased online, and there are concessions for seniors, students, and the disabled.

On entry, you will be given a map and free trail guides, including ones for families, wellness, and first dates! There are complimentary walks led by expert volunteer guides that begin at 11 am. These are an excellent introduction to the Gardens and can be booked at the Tour Desk at Victoria Plaza. Kew’s behind-the-scenes scientific research and global conservation work is vital to protecting plants for our future and fighting biodiversity loss and climate change. So, we are also supporting these important causes when we visit.

It’s not possible to see all of Kew’s 326 acres in one visit! The Kew Explorer tram is a good option to get a narrated overview of the grounds. The entire loop takes 40 minutes, and tickets can be purchased at Victoria Plaza. After the ride, I suggest you choose areas to revisit on foot. Comfortable walking shoes are essential!

From Victoria Plaza, head to the Princess of Wales Conservatory. This is climate-controlled to house tropical and desert plants. There are the most amazing cacti, carnivorous plants, tropicals, and, of course, the giant Bolivian waterlilies, first discovered by Kew scientists, which can grow up to three meters wide! In February, the Orchid Festival is held here, with a different country theme each year. Thousands of bromeliads and orchids are displayed in a floral fantasy representing the country’s animals, landmarks, and customs. This year, alpacas, flamingoes, and Macchu Picchu were a part of the Peru display. There are often cultural evenings showcasing food and music, and these must be booked online in advance.

In late March to early April, the cherry blossom season begins. Kew is renowned for its many cherry varieties ranging in color—from white to pale and deeper pinks. The blooms last two to three weeks, with different varieties blooming at different times. The magnolias make a fantastic showing, as well, with many rare species in the garden. I have to say that this is the most magical time to visit, with seas of daffodils and tulips turning up the flower power!

As the weather warms up in May, the Waterlily House is opened, and the giant and regular waterlilies, fairy-like flowering vines, and unusual tropical plants make this small glasshouse my top pick of the indoor displays.

Across from the Waterlily House is the iconic Palm House. Temperatures here are steamy to keep this rainforest of rare and endangered palms and shrubs happy.

As you exit the Palm House, you’ll smell the roses before you see them! There are over 170 varieties in the Rose Garden, and peak bloom is in June. Aromatherapy at its finest! I can never seem to leave until I have smelled them all. There are guided rose walks and wine walks in the Rose Garden in June.

In July and August, there are many outdoor activities, including concerts, sporting events, and outdoor cinema. I attended a showing of Grease, which was both fun and dramatic with Kew Palace as the backdrop. This was one of the homes of Queen Charlotte and King George III, and it is open in summer, with tours given by costumed hosts. The Queen’s garden is definitely worth a visit, with statues, a fountain, and plants that may have been present in the 18th century.

Christmas at Kew is known as the foremost festive light display in the capital, running from November to January. Tickets sell out months in advance, and I have to say it is an essential activity for the holiday season!

There are many wellness offerings at Kew, including tai chi, Pilates, and yoga in the Temperate House, which is the largest glasshouse in the world. I was fortunate to book a forest bathing session, and I highly recommend it. Two expert guides from the Forest Bathing Institute led our group of 25 on a guided sensory walk through the Arboretum, which is home to approximately 11,000 trees. This certainly helped me disconnect from stress, and I felt much more relaxed at the end.

The Japanese landscape, complete with a replica of a temple, stone lanterns, and a gravel garden, is another space that lends itself to quiet contemplation. The Chinese pagoda nearby is whimsical, with its many dragons, and is popular with children.

The Japanese garden with the Chinese pagoda in the background

There are two unique art galleries at Kew: the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, which is the world’s first public gallery dedicated to classical and contemporary botanical art. The Marianne North Gallery is a jewel box of a space with over 800 botanical paintings beautifully displayed from the artist’s solo travels around the globe in the 19th century. Truly unmissable!

In September, there is a Downton Abbey–themed exhibit to coincide with the release of the new movie during the same month. Fresh floral mannequins representing various characters in the show will be on display for a week. There are also outdoor sculpture exhibits, which lend drama to the landscape.

Kew Gardens is also a fantastic day trip for families. There are family tickets, and the recently opened Children’s Garden—the size of 40 tennis courts—was designed for 2- to 12-year-olds. At its center is a 200-year-old oak tree, and there are adventures at every corner. There are Volunteer Explainers around the gardens who will share fascinating stories about Kew’s science and history. Young Scientist Backpacks for little explorers can be pre-booked online and collected at Victoria Plaza. Located next to the Children’s Garden is the Family Kitchen & Shop. There is kid-approved food and lovely gifts and books on sale.

The shopping at Kew is not to be missed, with botanical-themed gifts, plants, food, clothing, toiletries, books, and much more!

Where to eat at and near Kew Gardens

There are five main restaurants at the gardens, all with indoor and outdoor seating. They range from the casual Victoria Plaza Cafe to the more upscale Botanical Brasserie, which serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.

Picnics are allowed, and there are many benches throughout the grounds. My top tip would be to pick up goodies at Gail’s Bakery in Kew Village as you exit the Kew Gardens underground station. Their baked goods, sandwiches, quiches, salads, and smoothies are excellent.

The Kew Village Market takes place on the first Sunday of the month, and the food is fresh and delicious. Lorna’s Indian Kitchen is a favorite stall serving delicious curries. Find sushi, samosas, burritos, crepes, salads made with organic produce, and much more.

Q Verde is a Mediterranean restaurant located in Kew Village—perfect for dinner before heading to Kew Gardens station. This family-run establishment serves handmade pastas in an authentic Italian atmosphere, with warm and friendly service. The black truffle ravioli, zucchini fritti, and tiramisu are standouts.

Richmond has many options for dinner after a day at the Gardens, and is 10 minutes away by taxi or bus. Take the 65 toward Kingston.

Scott’s is an upscale seafood restaurant with terrace views of the River Thames. The decor is glamorous, and the service is attentive. Highlights include oysters flown in fresh daily from various parts of the UK, seafood platters, great cocktails, and live music.

Petersham Nurseries in Richmond is a restaurant in an opulently plant-filled conservatory. There is also a beautiful garden center and an extremely Instagram-friendly lifestyle store. However, the food speaks for itself, and the focus is on quality and sustainability. Go for the Cornish crab and roast lamb and the raspberry sorbet with fresh raspberries and cream to follow.

Petersham Nurseries outdoor tearoom

Visit Kew Gardens’ website for opening times, to purchase admission tickets, and to see what’s on. Dress in layers so you can add or remove as the temperature changes. Take an umbrella, water, and a sun hat, and wear sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. If you plan on visiting more than three days within a year, it makes sense to purchase a membership.

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