Kew Gardens, located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, is one of the world’s most renowned botanical gardens and a popular tourist attraction in London. It comprises 121 hectares of stunning gardens, nature reserves, and glasshouses, and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Nature Reserve. Kew Gardens is also home to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a world-leading botanical research and education centre.
History
Kew Gardens was originally created in 1759 as a royal garden for King George III and Queen Charlotte. The gardens were designed by Sir William Chambers and later expanded by Sir Joseph Banks, who was the president of the Royal Botanic Gardens. The gardens have been open to the public since 1845 and have since become one of London’s most popular tourist attractions.
Attractions
Kew Gardens is home to a variety of attractions and activities that make it a must-see for visitors to London. Here are some of the top attractions that you can experience at Kew Gardens:
- The Palm House: This iconic glasshouse is home to a variety of tropical and subtropical plants from all over the world.
- The Temperate House: This is the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world and is home to a stunning collection of temperate plants.
- The Kew Gardens Landscape: Explore the stunning landscape of Kew Gardens, including the Great Broad Walk, the Rose Garden, and the Japanese Garden.
- The Marianne North Gallery: This gallery is home to over 800 paintings of plants from around the world, painted by Marianne North.
- The Princess of Wales Conservatory: This conservatory is home to a variety of plants from different climates, including the desert, the tropics, and the Mediterranean.
- The Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art: This gallery is home to a stunning collection of botanical art from around the world.
- The Hive: This interactive installation is designed to connect visitors with the activity of bees in the wild.
Tours and Activities
Kew Gardens offers a variety of tours and activities that allow visitors to get the most out of their visit. Here are some of the tours and activities that you can experience at Kew Gardens:
- Garden Tours: Take a guided tour of the gardens and learn about the history and design of the gardens.
- Greenhouse Tours: Take a guided tour of the glasshouses and explore the stunning collection of plants.
- Family Activities: Kew Gardens offers a variety of activities for families, such as scavenger hunts and nature trails.
- Workshops and Classes: Kew Gardens offers a variety of workshops and classes, such as gardening classes and photography workshops.
- Talks and Lectures: Kew Gardens hosts a variety of talks and lectures on topics such as botany, horticulture, and garden design.
Admission
Admission to Kew Gardens is free for children under 16 years of age. For adults, tickets are £17.50 and include access to the gardens and glasshouses.
Tips for Tourists
Here are some tips for visitors to Kew Gardens:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the gardens.
- Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens.
- Visit the Kew website to find out about special events and activities.
- Allow plenty of time to explore the gardens – there is so much to see!
Practical Information
Kew Gardens is open daily from 10am to 6pm, with last entry at 5pm. The nearest tube station is Kew Gardens, which is on the District Line. The nearest bus stop is Kew Gardens Bus Station, which is served by the 65, 391, and 969 buses.
Kew Gardens is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. With its stunning gardens, nature reserves, and glasshouses, it is a must-see for visitors to London. From the Palm House to the Princess of Wales Conservatory, Kew Gardens has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a peaceful stroll through the gardens or an educational experience, Kew Gardens is sure to delight.
