Kew Gardens - All about the royal botanic gardens at Kew

What is Kew Gardens?

Kew Gardens is a 300-acre botanical wonder in London, packed with 50,000+ living plants, historic glasshouses, and themed gardens. It's been around since 1759, and today, it’s a UNESCO site doing big things for conservation, like storing billions of seeds!

Quick facts about Kew Gardens

  • Official name: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
  • Location: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, England
  • Date of opening: 1759
  • Timings: 10am-7pm, every day
  • Established by: Princess Augusta
  • Architectural style: A mix of Victorian ingenuity, Georgian refinement, Chinoiserie accents, Baroque grandeur, and sleek contemporary elements.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: 2003
  • Number of visitors per year: Over 1.35 million guests
  • Collection size: Home to 50,000+ living plant species, 8.5 million preserved specimens, 750,000 library volumes, and 175,000 botanical prints and drawings.
  • Function: Botanical gardens

Plan your visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew

Opening hours:

  • 1 April 2025 to 30 April 2025: 10am to 7pm, every day
  • 1 May 2025 to 31 August 2025: 10am to 7pm (weekdays) and 10am to 8pm (weekends)
  • 1 September 2025 to 30 September 2025: 10am to 7pm, every day
  • 1 October 2025 to 25 October 2025: 10am to 6pm, every day
  • 26 October 2025 to 12 November 2025: 10am to 5pm, every day
  • 13 November 2025 to 4 January 2026: 10am to 3.15pm, every day
  • 5 January 2026 to 31 January 2026: 10am to 4pm, every day
  • 1 February 2026 to 28 February 2026: 10am to 5pm, every day
  • 1 March 2026 to 31 March 2026: 10am to 6pm, every day

Last entry: 1 hour before the closing time

Best times to visit: It depends on what you love—spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for golden leaves, or winter for festive lights. Weekday mornings or late afternoons are ideal for fewer crowds and great photos.

Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE, UK

Find on Maps

Kew Gardens is in southwest London, nestled in the charming riverside suburb of Richmond. The area’s leafy, relaxed vibe makes it a lovely escape from the city buzz, with cafes, pubs, and scenic walks along the Thames nearby.

Closest attraction: Bamboo Garden and Japanese Minka House (0.06 km)

History of Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew

  • Started in 1759: Princess Augusta, George III’s mom, transformed a 9-acre plot into a botanical garden.
  • Great Pagoda built in 1762: Designed by William Chambers, it featured dragons (restored in 2018) and became an iconic landmark.
  • Joseph Banks’ influence: The famous botanist turned Kew into a global plant hub, bringing in seeds from Captain Cook’s voyages.
  • Public opening in 1840: The garden expanded to 300 acres, with directors like William Hooker leading its growth.
  • Palm House in 1848: A stunning Victorian structure that became a symbol of innovative wrought-iron design.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2003: Kew received global recognition, housing 50,000 plant species and the Millennium Seed Bank, which safeguards 2.4 billion seeds.

Who built and designed the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew?

If you’re admiring Kew’s most iconic structures, you can thank Decimus Burton. The man behind the Palm House, Burton, worked with Richard Turner to create the world’s first large wrought-iron glasshouse in 1844. His neoclassical style also influenced the Temperate House and Main Gate. Before that, William Chambers (1723–1796) brought the Great Pagoda (1762) into existence, featuring dragons and showcasing his love for Chinese architecture, despite the drama with landscape legend Capability Brown.

Architecture of Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew

At Kew, you’ll spot everything from Dutch Baroque to modern designs! The oldest building, Kew Palace (1631), flaunts its Dutch Baroque style. Then, there’s the Great Pagoda (1761)—a quirky Chinoiserie gem. The Victorian era really raised the bar, though. Decimus Burton, working with ironmaster Richard Turner, created the Palm House (1844–1848)—the world’s first large wrought-iron glasshouse. Burton’s crowning glory, the Temperate House (1863), remains the largest Victorian glasshouse on Earth!

Additional information about the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew

Outdoor cinema

Every summer, Kew Gardens hosts Adventure Cinema’s open-air screenings, where you can enjoy movies like Mamma Mia! and Bridget Jones under the stars. Grab your blanket, a picnic, and settle in near the Pavilion Bar for cocktails that pair perfectly with the films.

Fun year-round events

Richmond Runfest lets you jog through the breathtaking UNESCO landscapes each September, while Summer Cycle tours give you a chance to bike past Kew’s iconic palm houses and pagodas. Want to unwind? Try Tai Chi by the Bamboo Garden for the ultimate zen vibes.

Children’s garden

If you’ve got kids aged 2-12, Kew’s Children’s Garden is a must-see! They can jump into Earth Garden’s sandpits, bounce on trampolines in Air Garden, and splash in Water Garden. Pro tip: For a quieter visit, try coming early or late in the day, and check out the Edible Science Garden for a hands-on food lesson!







Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew

How long does it take to cover the gardens?

With so many things to explore in the Royal Botanic Gardens, you need at least an entire day chalked out.

Are there any activities for children to do inside?

Yes, there are activities for children to enjoy here. A few of them are Children’s Quiet Garden Sessions, Little Explorers, and The Little Gardener.

Are there any parking facilities available?

Parking costs £7 per day in Kew Gardens and is on a first-come come first-served basis. Know more about Kew Gardens parking facilities.

Are there any dining options?

Yes, there are a few cafes and restaurants at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Can I bring outside food or beverages inside?

Yes, you can carry your own picnic and have designated spots inside the garden.

Where are the shops located?

Kew Gardens shops are located near Victoria Plaza, the Children’s Garden, the New Pavilion Building, and Victoria Gate. There is an online portal for the shops as well.

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