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.

Plan a trip to see Royal Botanic Gardens

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Three Falcons Hotel

Three Falcons Hotel

4 out of 5
City of Westminster
Price was AU$3,262, price is now AU$2,580 per person
AU$2,580
per person
7 Oct - 11 Oct
found 22 hours ago
Return direct flight included
Sydney (SYD) to London (LHR)
8.8/10 Excellent! (353 reviews)
OUTSTANDING! Great rooms, great breakfast, great staff. The breakfast was a typical breakfast for a hotel, and completely correct. Toast, coffee, jams, meats, cereal. The rooms were clean and serviced daily. They had all amenities except a fridge, including a hair dryer and iron setup. The rooms are modern and come equipped with AC. The staff is incredibly friendly, the restaurant attached has Indian cuisine and it actually was my favorite meal while we were visiting (also had an English food selection on the same menu). Held our bags for us before and after check in while we waited for our flight. The location has several bus lines within a block and walking distance to 3 tube stations. Couldn’t have asked for a better 3 day stay. I will be back for sure.

Reviewed on 22 Aug. 2025

Kensington Court Hotel

Kensington Court Hotel

3 out of 5
London City Centre
Price was AU$3,471, price is now AU$2,755 per person
AU$2,755
per person
25 Oct - 30 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Brisbane (BNE) to London (LHR)
7.6/10 Good! (715 reviews)
The location of this hotel is excellent, a 5 minute walk from the Earl’s Court tine station and a 15 minute walk to the Natural History and V &A Museums. The hotel rooms are comfortable and reasonably spacious and the staff are attentive to guest requests. My wife and I would definitely stay at this hotel on our next trip to London.

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

The Franklin London - Starhotels Collezione

The Franklin London - Starhotels Collezione

5 out of 5
London City Centre
Price was AU$4,045, price is now AU$3,307 per person
AU$3,307
per person
7 Oct - 11 Oct
found 22 hours ago
Return direct flight included
Sydney (SYD) to London (LHR)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (490 reviews)
Classic Hotel in ideal Location. Rear garden are is an absolute delight.

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

Tours & day trips

See all 405 activities
London Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour & Thames River Cruise

London Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour & Thames River Cruise

Activity duration is 1 day
7.8 out of 10 with 1612 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$60 per adult
London Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour & Thames River CruiseOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 72 activities
London Borough Market Tea and Doughnuts Tour

London Borough Market Tea and Doughnuts Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$68 per adult
London Borough Market Tea and Doughnuts TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

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London Scenic Lunch Tour: A Gastronomic Adventure

London Scenic Lunch Tour: A Gastronomic Adventure

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$146 per adult
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Attractions

See all 42 activities
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter with Return Transfer

Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter with Return Transfer

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 2195 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$148 per adult
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Shows & concerts

See all 28 activities
London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 32 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$60 per adult
London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking TourOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit

Marianne North Gallery

Marianne North Gallery

You can browse the exhibits at Marianne North Gallery, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Richmond. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.

Marianne North Gallery
Queen Charlotte’s Cottage

Queen Charlotte’s Cottage

You can learn about the history of Richmond when you stop by Queen Charlotte’s Cottage. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

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Kew Palace which includes heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements

Kew Palace

Although the smallest royal residence in Britain, this lovely red-brick palace has a history that spans more than 400 years.

Kew Palace
Orange Tree Theatre which includes heritage elements

Orange Tree Theatre

A group of actors started this theater in the room of a pub but you’ll now find its productions in a much larger, theater-in-the-round venue.

Orange Tree Theatre
Syon Park which includes heritage elements

Syon Park

Part of a 16th-century estate with ties to the English Civil War, this park has a range of grasslands, meadows and gardens straddling the River Thames.

Syon Park
Syon Park featuring interior views and heritage elements

Syon House

You can study the exhibits at Syon House, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in London. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and shops in this vibrant area.

Syon House

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
Best Western Chiswick Palace & Suites

Best Western Chiswick Palace & Suites

3 out of 5
71-73 Chiswick High Road, London, England
Best Western Chiswick Palace & Suites
Premier Inn London Hammersmith - Talgarth Road

Premier Inn London Hammersmith - Talgarth Road

3 out of 5
181 Talgarth Road, Hammersmith, London, England
Premier Inn London Hammersmith - Talgarth Road
ibis budget London Hounslow

ibis budget London Hounslow

3 out of 5
20-28 Staines Road, Hounslow, England
ibis budget London Hounslow
Park Grand Heathrow

Park Grand Heathrow

4 out of 5
449 Great West Road, Hounslow, England
Park Grand Heathrow
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
St Paul's Hotel

St Paul's Hotel

4 out of 5
153 Hammersmith Road, London, England
St Paul's Hotel
Hotel 261

Hotel 261

2 out of 5
261-263 Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, London, England
Hotel 261
See all 25,836 properties in Royal Botanic Gardens
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.