Royal Botanic Gardens Tours and Activities

Royal Botanic Gardens featuring heritage architecture and a garden
Royal Botanic Gardens featuring a pond
Royal Botanic Gardens featuring heritage architecture
Royal Botanic Gardens which includes a park and a pond
Royal Botanic Gardens showing 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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Top Royal Botanic Gardens Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
Clayton Hotel Chiswick
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 explore stunning botanical gardens filled with diverse plant species. Enjoy engaging garden discovery tours or hop on tour buses for a leisurely way to see the sights. Nearby, you can also indulge in art exhibitions, catch a theatre performance, or enjoy some shopping, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and cultural experiences.

Shopping

At Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, enjoy shopping at Westfield London Shopping Centre, only 6.4km away, boasting a vibrant atmosphere with diverse shops. Harrods, 9.7km from Kew, offers luxury shopping, while Portobello Road Market, 8.0km away, features unique finds and a lively vibe.

Recreation

At Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, indulge in wellness activities like yoga amidst beautiful gardens. For entertainment, catch a concert at Shepherd's Bush Empire, or enjoy the luxury vibes at Wimbledon Tennis Club, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring the gardens.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Minorca Sailing, located 1.1km from Kew, where you can enjoy exhilarating water sports. For hiking enthusiasts, the Kingston Barge Walk, 6.4km away, offers stunning scenery and adventure. If you’re up for some speed, head to Surbiton Raceway, 11.3km away, for an exciting karting experience.

Nightlife

In Kew, the nearby Eventim Apollo offers a vibrant theatre atmosphere perfect for family and romance. For cinema lovers, Curzon Mayfair provides an intimate setting. The London Palladium Theatre, renowned for its cultural performances, adds to the enchanting nightlife experience just a short distance away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew offers a delightful mix of attractions, including charming streets, serene urban parks, and historic houses, perfect for those seeking cultural and family experiences. Nearby points of interest include the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, renowned for their stunning landscapes and historic significance. Whether exploring the gardens or immersing yourself in local history, Kew promises a memorable getaway.

  • Hyde Park: Experience the lush greenery and expansive spaces of Hyde Park, just 9.7km from the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s perfect for a family picnic, leisurely strolls, or simply soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere.
  • Buckingham Palace: Immerse yourself in British culture at Buckingham Palace, located 11.3km away. This iconic historic palace offers a glimpse into royal life, with stunning architecture and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
  • Marble Arch: Visit the historic Marble Arch, also 11.3km from Kew. This grand gateway represents London's rich heritage and serves as a key cultural landmark, making it a great spot for photography and exploration.

Best time to go to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

The best time to visit Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 HighSlightly High
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 SunnyAverageAverage
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

To save money during your visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, consider travelling between January and March, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can secure the best rates, particularly on Sundays, which are the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to compare prices and explore package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities. Additionally, look for eco-certified options for sustainable stays, and keep an eye out for last-minute deals for spontaneous plans. Lastly, make use of London’s affordable public transport to explore the area without breaking the bank.

  • 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 May to July, 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 Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best bargains and lowest prices, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.