Highlights
- The Palm House, the Victorian iron and glass landmark built in the 1840s
- The Temperate House, the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse, restored and reopened in 2018
- The Treetop Walkway, 18 metres up in the tree canopy
- The Hive, an aluminium installation inspired by honeybees
- The Rock Garden and the 37 acre Natural Area woodland
About Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Kew's story as a botanic garden formally begins in 1759, growing out of the exotic garden that Princess Augusta, Dowager Princess of Wales, developed at Kew Park. Over the following centuries it became a centre for plant science and conservation, and in 2003 the gardens were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today Kew combines landscaped grounds beside the Thames with historic buildings and some of the most diverse living plant collections in the world. It is a place to wander for a whole day, from formal vistas and glasshouses to quieter woodland and rock gardens.
What to see
- Palm House: built between 1844 and 1848 by Decimus Burton and Richard Turner, and an early large-scale use of wrought iron in a glasshouse.
- Temperate House: the world's largest surviving Victorian glass structure, reopened in 2018 after a five-year restoration.
- Treetop Walkway: a 200 metre walkway 18 metres above the ground.
- The Hive: a 17 metre honeycomb structure exploring the life of bees.
- Rock Garden and Natural Area: wild-collected mountain plants, and 37 acres of woodland.
Planning your visit
There are four gates: Victoria Gate (closest to Kew Gardens station), Elizabeth Gate (closest to Kew Bridge station and Kew Pier), Brentford Gate (car park) and Lion Gate (closest to Richmond). From 2 November 2026 to 29 January 2027, Lion Gate opens at weekends only. Parking is limited and costs £10 a day; bicycles must be left in racks at the gates.
The gardens are largely flat with tarmac paths, and a small number of wheelchairs are available at the gates. Essential companions and registered blind or partially sighted visitors enter free. There are no lockers or luggage storage.
Some attractions are closed this season: Kew Palace, the Great Pagoda and Queen Charlotte's Cottage closed on 28 September 2026 until spring 2027, and the Waterlily House is closed for renovation. Kew has also announced plans to close the Palm House for a multi-year renovation from 2027, so check the planned closures page before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Kew Gardens?
During the peak season (2 September to 31 October 2026) adult tickets are £28 at the gate or £25 online. From 1 November they fall to £20 at the gate or £17 online. Children aged 4 to 15 pay £4 (£2 online) and under 4s go free. On Tuesdays until 29 December 2026 a £10 adult ticket is available.
Can I bring my dog to Kew Gardens?
No. Only recognised guide, assistance and service dogs are allowed, and Kew asks visitors to leave pets at home.
Is there parking at Kew Gardens?
There is a car park at Brentford Gate (TW9 3AF), charged at £10 a day and offered on a first come, first served basis. Blue Badge holders park free. Parking on Kew Road is prohibited, so public transport is recommended.
How do I get to Kew Gardens by public transport?
Kew Gardens station (District line and Mildmay line) is about 500 metres from Victoria Gate. Kew Bridge station is 800 metres from Elizabeth Gate, and Richmond station is a 15 minute walk from Lion Gate.
Sources
- kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/tickets
- kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/opening-and-closing-times
- kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/planned-closures
- kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/getting-here
- kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/dos-and-donts
- kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/accessibility
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kew_Gardens
- itv.com/news/london/2025-07-16/kews-palm-house-to-shut-for-renovations-as-part-of-push-towards-net-zero