A Day at Kew Gardens – What to See, Do & Know Before You Go

If you’re planning a London trip and looking for a green escape that feels miles away from the city buzz, a day at Kew Gardens needs to be on your list! This place isn’t just any park; it’s a massive botanical garden with glasshouses, treetop walks, royal history, and endless photo opportunities. Whether you’re a plant lover, history nerd, or just need a chill nature day, Kew delivers. Here’s everything I learned from my visit, from practical tips to my favourite things you absolutely have to see.

Why Visit Kew Gardens?

If you love nature, history, peaceful walks, or just want a break from London’s buzz, Kew Gardens is a total must. It’s not just a pretty place to stroll; it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a global leader in plant science and conservation.

From towering tropical palms to blooming wildflowers and epic Victorian glasshouses, the variety is unreal. You’ll learn about plants from all over the world, get major photo opportunities (trust me!), and maybe even discover a new favorite species you never knew existed.

And honestly? It’s just so peaceful. Even when it’s busy, you can always find a quiet corner to sit and soak it all in. For me, it was the perfect mix of slow travel, nature therapy, and garden geek-out, all in one ticket.

Practical Info & What to Know Before You Go

📍 Location:
Kew Gardens is located in southwest London, in the borough of Richmond. The full address is:
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3AE, United Kingdom

🚇 How to Get There:

Tube: The easiest way is by London Underground. Take the District Line to Kew Gardens Station and it’s just a short 5-minute walk to the Victoria Gate entrance.
Overground & Train: Kew is also accessible via the London Overground and South Western Railway.
Bus: Several London buses stop nearby, including the 65 which stops right at the gate.

⏰ Opening Hours:

The gardens open daily at 10:00 AM. Closing times vary depending on the season, but in summer it’s usually around 7:00 PM (last entry at 6 PM).
The glasshouses and galleries may close a bit earlier than the gardens themselves (I believe at 5.00PM), so check ahead if you’re planning a late visit.
🔗 Check official hours here

🎟️ Tickets:

Adult (standard): £22.00 online / £25.00 at the gate
Student: £10.00
Child (4–15): £6.00
Under 4s: Free
Discounts available for families and groups
👉 Tip: Always book online to save a few pounds and skip the queues!
🔗 Book tickets

🛎️ Facilities at Kew Gardens include:

Toilets (plenty across the grounds)
Gift shops
Cafés and restaurants
Picnic areas
Step-free access to many parts (but some older structures like the Palm House have stairs)
Seasonal exhibitions and events

My Must-Sees at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is massive – like, “give yourself the whole day” kind of massive. There’s no way you’ll see every inch in one visit, so here are the highlights I absolutely adored and think you should add to your must-see list:

Palm House

This iconic Victorian glasshouse is straight out of a dream! You step into a lush, tropical jungle complete with palm trees, vines, and that rich rainforest air. It’s also the only glasshouse at Kew where you can climb up the stairs to a raised walkway and take in the view from the top. It’s hot and humid up there, so not for everyone, but totally magical and worth the climb if you’re able.

⚠️Heads up:

major renovations are planned starting in 2027, and the Palm House will be closed for five years, so if it’s on your list, now’s the time!

Waterlily House

Small but stunning. This glasshouse is dedicated to, you guessed it, giant waterlilies, surrounded by steamy air, reflective water, and calming vibes. It’s like walking into a peaceful tropical dream. Definitely pop in, even if it’s a quick visit.

Princess of Wales Conservatory (my fave!)

I’m obsessed with this one! It’s the largest tropical glasshouse at Kew and feels like a full-on jungle adventure! You’ll wander through zones with ferns, orchids, towering tropical plants, waterlilies, and even colorful fish swimming in the ponds. You know those cute little tropical houseplants we all try to keep alive at home? They’re here, just growing massive and wild. I could honestly spend hours in here!

Temperate House

This is the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse and home to rare and endangered plants from all over the globe. It’s visually stunning and feels grand inside! Definitely one of Kew’s crown jewels!

Treetop Walkway

Walking above the trees? Sign me up. This steel walkway gives you a bird’s-eye view across the gardens and is such a unique experience. Fair warning: the climb is intense (it’s pretty high up!), but there’s usually an elevator available too, although when we visited, it was out of service. So double-check if you need step-free access. Totally worth the climb if you can manage it!

Syon Outlook (hidden chill zone!)

One of the most unexpected gems. At the far end of the gardens is this little rest area with benches and a view of Syon House in the distance. But the best part? You’re right under the flight path for Heathrow. Every couple of minutes, a plane takes off overhead and it’s honestly such a fun, weirdly relaxing place to sit and plane spot after a lot of walking.

Final Verdict: Is Kew Gardens Worth the Hype? (Spoiler: Absolutely)

Kew Gardens totally stole my heart, and my camera roll. Whether you’re a full-on plant nerd, a casual slow traveler, or just someone looking for a peaceful escape from the buzz of central London, this place ticks all the boxes. It’s not just a pretty garden, it’s a living museum, a jungle, a greenhouse wonderland, and a history lesson all rolled into one. From palm trees to plane-spotting, there’s something unexpectedly magical around every corner. I’d go back in a heartbeat (and probably will)!

Xo Bug Girl

Instagram: @thebuggirladventures