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Contents
Kew Gardens at a glance
- What are the Kew Gardens opening hour?
Kew Gardens generally open from 10am to 7pm (weekdays) and 10am to 8pm (weekends and bank holidays).
- Where is Kew Gardens located?
Kew Gardens are located at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE, UK.
- How many entrances does Kew Gardens have?
Kew Gardens have four main entrances.
- How many visitors does Kew Gardens get per year?
The gardens see over 1.35 million visitors every year.
About Kew GardensGetting to Kew Gardens
By boat
Closest stop: Kew Gardens Pier (1.1 km from the gardens)
Hop on a 1.5-hour Thames cruise from Westminster Pier, passing sights like the London Eye and Hammersmith Bridge. Boats to Kew leave at 11am and 2:30pm daily, with extra weekend sailings. Return trips depart Kew at 12:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5pm.
By bus
Closest stops: Kew Road/Victoria Gate (Stop R) and Kew Gardens Station (H)
On a budget? Buses are a great shout! Routes 65, 110, 391, and R68 get you to Kew in no time—just 10–15 minutes from Richmond or 35 from Earl’s Court. They run every 10–20 minutes from 5am to midnight, stopping just steps from Victoria Gate.
By train
Closest stop: Kew Bridge Station (1.2 km from the gardens)
Skip the traffic and catch a South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Kew Bridge. It’s a smooth 30-minute ride with departures every 15–30 minutes from 5am to 12:30am. From the station, it’s a short walk to Brentford Gate.
By tube
Closest stop: Kew Gardens Station (0.32 km from the gardens)
For an easy ride, take the District Line from Westminster to Kew Gardens Station—about 40 minutes direct. Trains run every 10–20 minutes from 5am to 12:30am, making it a super convenient way to reach the gardens without the fuss.
By car
Parking: Brentford Gate (limited paid parking)
Prefer the flexibility of driving? Head west from central London via the A4 or A316—it’s about a 30–35 minute trip. Visitor parking is available at Brentford Gate (£7–£9/day), or snag free street parking near Kew Green on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
By foot
Distance: 1.2 km from Richmond Station
Love a scenic stroll? Start at Richmond Station and enjoy a peaceful 20–25 minute walk along the Thames Path. With river views, charming houses, and birdsong along the way, it’s a lovely lead-up to your Kew Gardens visit.
Know before you go
Entrances
Facilities
Accessibility
Rules
Shop
Eat
Nearby
Stay
Kew Gardens has four main entrances, each offering a unique access point to the gardens:
- Victoria Gate: The main entrance, near Kew Gardens Station, featuring the visitor center, ticket office, café, and gift shop.
- Elizabeth Gate: Located near Richmond Station, this entrance is closest to Kew Palace, the Queen’s Garden, and the Orangery Restaurant.
- Brentford Gate: Situated near the parking area, it leads to the Children’s Garden, Climbers & Creepers play area, and Pavilion Bar & Grill.
- Lion Gate: On Kew Road, this quieter entrance provides access to the Japanese Garden and Temperate House, perfect for a peaceful visit.
- Restrooms: Washrooms are conveniently located throughout Kew Gardens, with accessible toilets and changing facilities at Brentford Gate.
- Baby-changing facilities: Most restrooms (except Stable Yard) offer baby-changing amenities, plus microwaves for warming bottles at The Orangery and White Peaks Café.
- Drinking water: Clean drinking water fountains are available at key spots, including Lion Gate, The Orangery, and Brentford Gate.
- Prayer room: A peaceful prayer and reflection space is available at Victoria Plaza, accommodating up to two people at a time, with a wudhu basin.
- Parking: Enjoy 300 parking spaces at Brentford Gate, available for £9 per day.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available in select areas, including Kew Palace. Ask staff for the best Wi-Fi spots.
- Dining: Indulge in diverse dining options at The Orangery and Pavilion Bar & Grill, featuring both takeaway and indoor/outdoor seating with baby facilities.
- Shopping: Discover botanical-themed gift shops throughout Kew Gardens, offering souvenirs, books, and unique gifts.
- Buggy parks: Covered buggy parks are conveniently located near Kew Palace and The Hive, perfect for families with little ones.
- Maps: General and accessibility maps are available throughout the gardens to make your visit a breeze.
- Wheelchair access: Kew Gardens is mostly flat, with accessible tarmac paths that make it easy for wheelchair users to get around.
- Ramp access: Major attractions, including the Shirley Sherwood Gallery and Treetop Walkway, offer ramps and lifts for smooth access.
- Mobility aid hire: Manual wheelchairs are available for free at entrances and Kew Palace. Mobility scooters can be rented, though they’re not permitted in certain historic buildings or on the Treetop Walkway.
- Accessible toilets: Accessible restrooms are conveniently located throughout Kew Gardens, including at key entrances and attractions.
- Free companion tickets: Companions, carers, and support workers accompanying disabled visitors receive free entry, with Blue Badge or similar documentation required.
- Guide dogs: Trained assistance dogs, including guide dogs, are welcome throughout Kew Gardens and inside buildings like Kew Palace, with water available upon request.
- Pets: Due to venue restrictions, pets are not allowed at this experience.
- Age restriction: Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Photography guidelines: Photography and videography are allowed for personal use only. Tripods must be approved in advance.
- Prohibited items: Bicycles, scooters, ball games, drones, and large bags/suitcases are not permitted on site.
- Picnicking: Picnicking is only allowed in designated areas. BBQs and open flames are not permitted.
- No smoking: Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere in the gardens.
Explore the gift shops for plant seeds, botanical prints, and a range of garden-themed items to take home.
- Family Kitchen & Shop (Located near the Family Kitchen): Enjoy stone-baked pizzas, plant-based dishes, ice cream, and kids’ books, along with nature-inspired toys and planting kits for little ones.
- Galleries Gift Shop (Near Shirley Sherwood or Marianne North Galleries): Discover botanical art prints, gardening books, luxury stationery, and Kew-branded souvenirs—perfect for art and nature lovers alike.
- Victoria Plaza Shop (Near Victoria Gate entrance): Find Kew’s top-selling items like botanical candles, honey, teas, gardening tools, and seasonal gifts such as Christmas ornaments and Easter seeds.
- The Orangery: A chic café offering seasonal meals and freshly baked treats, perfect for a relaxing break amid the gardens.
- Victoria Plaza Café: A cozy spot for light snacks, freshly made sandwiches, and hot drinks. Ideal for a quick refuel!
- Pavilion Bar & Grill: Enjoy a BBQ-inspired menu with plenty of vegetarian options, all set in a laid-back garden atmosphere.
- Botanical Brasserie: For a more refined dining experience, indulge in a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients in an elegant setting.
- Family Kitchen & Shop: A family-friendly spot with stone-baked pizzas, fresh salads, and ice cream—great for a fun and tasty meal with the little ones.
- Picnic-Friendly Areas: Feel free to bring your own food and enjoy a peaceful picnic in the designated areas.
- London Museum of Water & Steam (0.9 km): Explore massive steam engines and discover how clean water revolutionized London. A must-see for engineering enthusiasts and curious minds!
- The Musical Museum (1.1 km): Dive into the world of mechanical music, from self-playing pianos to grand theatre organs, with live demos and plenty of quirky charm!
- Richmond Park (4.5 km): London’s vast green space, famous for roaming deer, scenic views, ancient oak trees, and plenty of space for walking or cycling.
- Budget: Travelodge London Kew Bridge (1.2 km I €70), Tribe Caribe (3 km I €59), Chiswick Lodge Hotel (3.7 km I €66)
- Mid-Budget: Kew Gardens Hotel (1.4 km I €145), Holiday Inn London - Brentford Lock by IHG (2.8 km I €126), Hilton London Syon Park (5.1 km I €138), (5.1 km I €138)
- Luxury: Coach & Horses (Hotel) (0.4 km I €185), Maids Guest Rooms (0.8 km I €174), Kew Gardens National Archive B & B (1.1 km I €185)
Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Kew Gardens
Are there any hidden garden areas at Kew Gardens I shouldn’t miss?
Definitely check out the Queen’s Garden, which is tucked away near Kew Palace, often overlooked by visitors but offers a peaceful, beautiful retreat with a rich history.
What’s the best time of day to see the glasshouses at Kew?
Early morning is ideal. The light inside the glasshouses is soft and gives an ethereal glow to the plants. Plus, the glasshouses are less crowded before midday.
What’s the most photogenic spot at Kew Gardens?
The Palm House and Temperate House are iconic for photography, but if you're after something quieter, try the serene Japanese Garden or The Hive for unique shots.
Can I visit the Treetop Walkway if I’m afraid of heights?
While the walkway offers stunning views, it might not be for everyone. If you’re uneasy about heights, you might want to skip it, but the views from the Palm House are just as breathtaking without the vertigo!
Can I charge my phone anywhere at Kew Gardens?
There are no public charging stations, so bring a power bank and use low-power mode to save battery life.
Are mobility scooters allowed everywhere in Kew?
They’re allowed on most paths, but not permitted in historic buildings or on the Treetop Walkway due to access limits.
Can I arrive by bike and park it safely?
Absolutely! There are bike racks at all main entrances, but cycling inside the gardens isn’t allowed.
Do the glasshouses stay open during heavy rain?
Yes, they stay open! In fact, they’re perfect to visit when it rains—warm, atmospheric, and almost crowd-free.
Is the Treetop Walkway open in bad weather?
It may close during strong winds or icy conditions, so check for updates at the entrance or on the app.