Kew Gardens

• The Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew, or Kew Gardens as it’s more commonly known, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts plants from all over the world.
• Kew Gardens is home to a beloved Adventure Playground inspired by the four elements of the earth and tailored to every age group.
• They also offer thrilling treetop walkways, zip wires and award-winning sensory installations.
• In the winter, don’t miss the famous Kew Gardens’ light show to get you feeling festive.

Set over 300 acres, the renowned Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew are a paradise for children and adults alike, with everything from tropical rainforests to treetop adventures. With its unique landscapes, gorgeous trails, flora and fauna plus iconic architecture, incredible playgrounds, treetop walkways and events on site, kids will love exploring this leafy green haven. Their renowned botanical gardens are home to thousands of plants from all over the world, spread out amongst an array of greenhouses which are perfectly attuned to various global climates.

Whether you've got mini adventurers, budding photographers or keen botany buffs, there's something for everyone at Kew Gardens! Younger kids can slide down a giant plant or wiggle through tunnels in the Climbers and Creepers playground, whilst older thrill-seekers can have a go on giant swings, zip wires, scramble nets, and even a mountaineering ramp. Take a stroll amongst the treetops on Kew’s elevated walkway offering stunning views of the gardens, and walk on water atop the boardwalk lake crossings that wind between beautiful floating islands on Kew Gardens’ ponds. Don’t miss the charming Japanese Landscape gardens, expansive Arboretum surrounding the greenhouses and see what all the buzz is about at The Hive sensory installation, where you can experience what it would be like inside a real life beehive!

One of the most popular day trips from London, Kew Gardens is also the sight of King George III’s family home, Kew Palace. Get a glimpse of royal life as you step inside this intimate royal palace, where rooms have been restored exactly to how they would have been 200 years ago. See what it would have been like to dine like a King or Queen at the Georgian Royal Kitchens and regal dining room, and peep the perfect princess bedrooms that look out onto King George’s gorgeous green gardens.

Kew Gardens has now reopened to the public following the COVID-19 pandemic but you must pre-book an entry slot before you go to limit the number of visitors. You can book your time slot for Kew or Wakehurst, their sister woodland area, via their website and can cancel any time. Visitors have 45 minutes from the start of their time slot to enter the park but can stay as long as they like. The toilets, shops and some outdoor food facilities are open and regularly screened, but for now most buildings remain closed including greenhouses and restaurants.

What to know before you go
 

• Kew Gardens is typically open from 10am to 7pm on weekdays and 8am to 8pm on weekends.
• A Kew Gardens ticket typically gives you entry to both the botanical gardens and Kew Palace, as well as its adjoining Royal Kitchens.
• Kew Gardens uses plenty of ramps and low-level attractions to make it inclusively buggy and wheelchair friendly.
• Baby changing facilities are dotted throughout the gardens in easy reach of all main attractions.
• There are five cafés and restaurants to choose from at Kew Gardens, all with children’s menus. The Victoria Gate Cafe and the Orangery serve a selection of sandwiches and cakes, and White Peaks has a "little adults" menu for kids, where you can warm baby bottles in the microwaves.
• If you prefer to eat outside of the gardens, Kew has plenty of family restaurants nearby. Head into Kew Bridge for Pizza Express or ASK Italian on Kew Green.
• Read more Kidadler tips to the perfect Kew day out here.

Getting there

• Kew Gardens (District line - Zone 3) is the nearest Tube station and is around a 15-minute walk to the gardens. 
• Alternatively, Kew Bridge Station is an 18-minute walk away and Richmond Station is a 15-minute walk away. 
• Buses that stop nearby include the 65, 391, 237 and 267.
• There’s limited free parking on Kew Road, and another car park on the nearby Ferry Lane, which costs £7 per day. Arrive early to find a space.
• Kew also encourage cycling or walking to the gardens and there are easy access routes for both.