Royal Botanic Gardens Tours and Activities

Royal Botanic Gardens showing a park and heritage architecture
Royal Botanic Gardens which includes a pond
Royal Botanic Gardens which includes heritage architecture
Royal Botanic Gardens showing a garden and a pond
Royal Botanic Gardens featuring interior views


This spectacular UNESCO site is a gorgeous public park and an important centre of botanical research.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a 300-acre (121-hectare) World Heritage Site, home to the largest collection of living plants on the planet. Whatever the weather, there’s lots to enjoy at this special attraction located just 30 minutes from the centre of London.

Initially established in the late 18th century, the gardens were opened to the public in 1840. Funded by royals and developed by landscapers, architects and botanists, the gardens have made many important contributions to botanical research over the years.

One of the landmarks in the garden is the 19th-century Palm House, a domed building constructed from wrought iron and curved sheets of glass. It houses a re-created rainforest environment where you'll find an array of exotic species, including rubber plants and cocoa trees. Be sure to find out more about the building it's an engineering masterpiece.

Take a walk along the Treetop Walkway, which offers a different perspective of a tree canopy from 59 feet (18 metres) up in the air. In the Princess of Wales Conservatory, see species from 10 climate zones, including cacti, orchids and giant waterlilies. Don't miss The Hive, a construction that aims to show you, through sound and visuals, what inside a beehive is like. Talk to one of the Explainers on hand at The Hive to learn more about this extraordinary experience.

There's also a large rock garden and alpine house, spectacular double herbaceous borders, a lake, grass garden, botanical art gallery, veggie plots and more.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is open daily, although hours vary by season. Check the official website to find out when there are scheduled closures. Free guided tours are available twice daily. There's also the Kew Explorer land train, which takes you on a tour of the gardens for a fee. To reach the gardens, ride the tube to Kew Gardens station or take one of the riverboat cruises that depart regularly from Westminster Pier during summer.

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Best Lodging Options Near Royal Botanic Gardens

Novotel London Brentford

Novotel London Brentford

4 out of 5
Great West Road, Brentford, England
Novotel London Brentford
Clayton Hotel Chiswick

Clayton Hotel Chiswick

4 out of 5
626 Chiswick High Road, London, England
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Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith by IHG

Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith by IHG

3 out of 5
124 King Street, Hammersmith, London, England
Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith by IHG
Novotel London West

Novotel London West

4 out of 5
1 Shortlands, Hammersmith, London, England
Novotel London West
Hotel 261

Hotel 261

2 out of 5
261-263 Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, London, England
Hotel 261
The Lensbury Resort

The Lensbury Resort

4 out of 5
Broom Road, Teddington, England
The Lensbury Resort
Heeton Concept Hotel - Luma Hammersmith

Heeton Concept Hotel - Luma Hammersmith

3 out of 5
28-36 Glenthorne Road, London, England
Heeton Concept Hotel - Luma Hammersmith
The Hoxton Shepherds Bush

The Hoxton Shepherds Bush

4 out of 5
65 SHEPHERDS BUSH GREEN, London, England
The Hoxton Shepherds Bush
Holiday Inn London - West by IHG

Holiday Inn London - West by IHG

4 out of 5
4 Portal Way, London, England
Holiday Inn London - West by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

At the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of activities, such as free tours and photo tours that capture the stunning flora. Enjoy the serene Botanical Bliss experience or unwind at the wellness centre. For a unique twist, don't miss the moonlit cinema, which adds a magical touch to your visit, while nearby, the vibrant options for theatre, shopping, and entertainment enhance your overall experience.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Westfield London Shopping Centre, located 6.4km from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, featuring a wide range of stores. Harrods, 9.7km away, offers luxury shopping, while Portobello Road Market, 8.0km away, is perfect for unique finds and local goods.

Recreation

At the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, immerse yourself in wellness at Richmond Green, where serene landscapes promote relaxation. For a dose of luxury, visit the Wimbledon Tennis Club, just 8.0km away, or enjoy the vibrant sports atmosphere at Wembley Stadium, located 9.7km from Kew.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Minorca Sailing, located 1.1km from Kew, where you can indulge in exciting water sports. Enjoy the Kingston Barge Walk, a 6.4km hiking trail that offers beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, 12.9km away, promises an exhilarating experience.

Nightlife

In the vibrant nightlife around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, catch a show at Eventim Apollo for a cultural experience, unwind with a film at Electric Cinema, or try your luck at The Park Tower Casino, all offering unique entertainment vibes to enhance your evening.

Find the best attractions near Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Whether you’re a culture lover or seeking family experiences, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, offers a variety of attractions including beautiful streets, urban parks, and historic houses. Explore the stunning gardens and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere that this iconic location has to offer. It's a perfect spot for tourists looking to enjoy nature and cultural experiences in Richmond, England.

  • Hyde Park: This expansive urban park, located 9.7km from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, offers a serene escape from the city. Enjoy leisurely strolls, family picnics, or outdoor activities amidst lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and beautiful gardens.
  • Buckingham Palace: Situated 11.3km away, this historic palace is the iconic residence of the British monarch. Immerse yourself in culture as you witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the stunning architecture and rich history of this royal landmark.
  • Oxford Street: Also located 11.3km from Kew, this bustling shopping street is a must-visit for city vibes. With its diverse range of shops, cafes, and entertainment options, it’s perfect for indulging in retail therapy or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Best time to go to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Visitor numbers around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, can be budget-friendly with some savvy planning. Consider exploring nearby free attractions like Hyde Park and Big Ben. For accommodations, the best savings are during the off-peak months of January to March; booking about a month in advance can yield lower rates. Mondays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Utilize Expedia's search tools for budget-friendly options and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can easily sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.