The famous Royal Botanical Gardens have lots of things for visitors to look at, and are also a centre for botanical research and plant conservation. They are also of historical interest. Major attractions include the two huge Victorian glass-houses and their contents, several other conservatories, a number of buildings and follies including the famous Pagoda, two or three art galleries, a treetop walkway, a lake, plus the inevitable cafes and shop, set in 326 acres (132ha) of gardens. Kew Palace and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage (curated by Historic Royal Palaces) are also within the gardens.
On the whole, the exotic indoor plants (in the conservatories) are more interesting than the outdoor, and the more notable types are highlighted by display panels. Both the Palm House and the Temperate House have an internal gallery which the energetic can climb to walk around the palm-tree-tops, and enjoy views over the Gardens.
Update from Dec. 2021 visit: The visiting hours are now rather restricted, but I got in straight away without having to book or queue. Various installations were in place for “Kew at Christmas” opening a few days later, with some illuminations and installations already lit up during the day as a preview of what one would see on paying the stiff fee for the evening show. Not really my cup of tea except for some very pretty “birds”.
Some buildings were closed, but I visited some features not seen before – the treetop walkway (a stiff climb with the lift not in service), the Minka House, and some giant redwoods. By the lake, I was accosted by a pair of exotic ducks.
Practical details: The Gardens are within walking distance of two railway stations. There is limited parking in Ferry Lane (chargeable). An all-day stay in the Ferry Lane car park will cost several pounds. The gardens are over a mile long, so a visit to diverse parts of the gardens will involve a walk of several miles. For the less fit, there is a ‘Land Train’ which stops at seven points around the gardens. The big glass-houses however are within 500 metres of the Victoria Gate. You are advised to make an all-day visit, as the admission charges are quite steep, and even if you are there all day you are unlikely to be able to see everything. There is a small discount for repeat visits. In summer, the gardens close at 6.30pm or later.
