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Nature/outdoor

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

4.7 (54,240)$$ · Mid-range

Kew Gardens spans over 300 acres along the Thames in Richmond and holds more than 50,000 species across its glasshouses, arboretum, and themed gardens, the product of over 260 years of botanical research. Highlights include the steamy Palm House and Waterlily House, the Xstrata Treetop Walkway 18 metres above the ground, and the Hive art installation, alongside seasonal displays that shift dramatically from spring bulbs to autumn colour. It's as much a scientific institution as a pleasure garden, and reviewers consistently note there's more here than a single visit can cover.

✨ Reasons to go

  • 1A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 260 years of botanical research history.
  • 2Home to more than 50,000 plant species across 300 acres of glasshouses, arboretum, and themed gardens.
  • 3The Xstrata Treetop Walkway lifts visitors 18 metres above ground for a canopy-level view.

💡 Good to know

  • 1Buy tickets online in advance to skip queues and save money
  • 2plan your route around the areas that interest you most, as the grounds are vast
  • 3allow at least half a day, and check seasonal highlights like bluebells or autumn foliage before visiting.

⏱️ Typical visit

2h

🕰️ Best time

morning, lunchtime, afternoon or early evening

🚶 Walking intensity

Active — lots of walking

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Address

Richmond, UKGoogleApple
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Booking

Booking recommended

What people say

"A huge place with so much to see! Plan your time wisely so you can make the most of the areas you really want to visit. The tree walk is nice, but be prepared for lots of stairs. Everything is very clean and well organized. A wonderful place for anyone who loves greenery and nature. We visited in the summer and it was fantastic — I’d love to see all that greenery in winter too!"

Adva Zarka