The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Kew Gardens, London (2026)

One of the best outdoor activities in London is visiting Kew Gardens; it’s a fantastic day out for both children and adults. The gardens are lovely and provide stunning scenery, especially during the summer months. There are plenty of walking trails and glasshouses to explore, along with occasional exhibitions that are truly amazing to see.

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What makes Kew Gardens special?

Kew first opened in 1759 and has been welcoming visitors for centuries. The gardens are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the moment you walk through the gates, you’re greeted with lush greenery and beautiful flowers. The entire place is well-kept, and you can see how much work and care goes into keeping the gardens so vibrant.

Kew Garden is home to over 50,000 different living spices of plants from all over the world. Many of these plants are used for scientific research.

Visiting Kew Gardens 2026

There’s something for everyone at Kew. Families can enjoy wide open spaces for picnics or games while couples can enjoy a romantic picnic. If you go solo, you can explore at your own pace and enjoy all that nature has to offer. If you’re visiting with children, there’s plenty of activities to keep them entertained and educated. They can enjoy nature trails and interactive areas in the kids garden.

Map of Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens tickets and opening times

Kew Gardens is open daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (last entry is 6:00 pm).

Best things to see at Kew Gardens

Great Pagoda

Great Pagoda stands tall above the landscape, offering a glimpse into Kew’s rich past. You can climb the top (if it’s open) to see beautiful views across the gardens and beyond.

Palm House

The Palm House. Inside, it’s warm and humid. Towering tropical plants fill the space. They make you feel as though you’ve wandered into a rainforest.

Temperature House

The elegant Temperate House offers a completely different atmosphere, showcasing rare and endangered plants from across the globe.

Japanese Gardens

The Japanese Landscape offers a peaceful, calming space with traditional design.

The Hive

A large, interactive art installation designed to highlight the importance of bees and pollination. What’s so fascinating about the hive is, it’s connected to a real beehive at Kew.

Treetop

Go up the treetop to see the garden views, you may even spot some birds in the nearby trees.

Where to Eat at Kew Gardens Restaurants & Cafes

There are 5 main restaurants and cafes at Kew, not including the pop up vendors. The most popular is afternoon tea at The Botanical Brasserie. It’s best to book in advance, as tables fill up quickly. Other places like , The Orangery also serve tea and scones.

Food spots to visit at Kew:

• Victoria Plaza Café
• The Orangery
• Pavilion Bar & Grill
• Botanical Brasserie
• Family Kitchen & Shop

Can You Picnic at Kew Gardens?

Absolutely, yes! You can bring your own food and eat it in any of the garden areas; just make sure you clear away your rubbish.

What shops are at Kew?

There are 3 main shops. Victoria Plaza shop is the biggest selling garden items, books, homeware gifts. It is my favourite one as I always find something interesting to buy. There is also a Galleries gift shop, here you’ll find botanical art, prints and more gifts. For the children, Family Kitchen & shop is great for kids toys and books.

Where to Stay: Best Hotels Near Kew Gardens

If your traveling from afar and looking for hotels near Kew, these are great options for you.

Stay at stylish Georgian Richmond Hill Hotel featuring comfortable beds, an award winning menu and views of the River Thames. The location is perfect for walks along the river or woodlands, it’s another escape you’d want to stay forever. Read about my experience on autumn staycation near deer woodland.

Richmond Hill Hotel is 35 minutes walk to Kew Gardens and only a 10 minutes drive by car.

Why I love visiting Kew Gardens

A visit to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is one of the best things to do in London. It’s away from the busy city life, where you can truly relax in nature.It’s also great for your health. You get plenty of fresh air, and your step count easily increases with all the walking. Being around plants can really boost your mood.

Kew Garden is a great place for families, keeping children both entertained and educated at the same time. It’s truly one of the best things to do in London all year round. And it’s one of my favourite spots in London, and I highly recommend you visit Kew.

If you enjoyed this Kew Garden London guide, don’t miss my guide on Kew Gardens at Christmas —one of the most magical festive events in London.