KEW Gardens is one of the most important botanical gardens in the world, with over 50,000 living plants.
The London attraction, which is home to the world’s largest living plant collection at a single site, dates back to the 18th century when it was used as a royal pleasure ground.
It became a national botanical garden in 1840, and throughout the decade and into the 1850s, many of the site’s key landmarks were built including Palm House.
The gardens even contributed to the war effort during World War II as vegetables and medicinal plants were grown and the Great Pagoda was used by British bombers for secret aerodynamic testing.
Finally, after decades of groundbreaking moments, Kew Gardens was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
Peak tickets cost from £24 online or £27 at the gate for adults and off peak tickets cost from £16 online or £19 at the gate for adults.
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Peak tickets cost from £6 online or £8 on the gate for kids and off peak tickets cost from £5 online or £7 on the gate for kids.
Or you can opt for a yearly family member ship for £118, which includes two kids and two adults.
The experience
Upon entering the garden you quickly realise how big it is.
The gardens appear to sprawl on for miles and miles, with numerous different attractions and features to be explored.
I found the best way to approach the attraction was just to let myself wander and then see the different attractions as I came across them.
This meant a much more chilled pace than the usual hustle and bustle of the capital’s attractions.
You can grab a map though, which I found handy when I later wanted to find specific sites in the gardens.
And if you can’t quite navigate the map, there are signs everywhere to point you in the right direction.
The whole attraction really does feel like a hidden oasis in the capital, and what I can only imagine the Garden of Eden would look like.
What is there for adults?
Whatever season you choose to visit Kew Gardens, there is something different to see.
When I visited, the orange, red, yellow and brown leaves of autumn were in full swing making the entire destination look like a painting.
Of course, pretty much all of the things to do at Kew Gardens are suitable for adults.
A personal favourite of mine was the Princess of Wales Conservatory which features 10 temperature-controlled climate zones.
In each area, there is something to explore that is fascinating – it essentially feels like walking through the jungle.
You’ll see Venus flytraps, orchids and giant cheese plants.
There is the Temperate House, which is the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse and is home to rare and threatened plants.
Also make sure to head to Palm House, especially before it closes and undergoes refurbishment in 2027.
Inside you will find an indoor rainforest, with tropical plants including the oldest pot plant in the world.
Reopening in spring 2026 is also Kew Palace, which is the oldest building within the gardens.
The pretty red house was the summer home of King George III in the 18th century and features 10 rooms spread across three floors, including the royal’s living quarters.
At the opposite end of the estate is Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, which is currently open to the public.
What is there for kids?
Kids are not forgotten about when it comes to Kew Gardens.
In 2019, the destination opened a sprawling Children’s Garden around the size of 40 tennis courts.
The playpark features a four metre high canopy wrapped around the a 200-year-old oak tree, a living bamboo tunnel, trampolines, hammocks and periscopes.
And after all the running around, directly next to the playpark visitors will find the Family Kitchen and Shop.
The food hall serves a range of dishes including pizzas from £13.50, salads and sandwiches.
At the opposite end to the food hall, there is a large shop which sells mostly kid-related items – think plush toys, nature colouring books and bug hunting kits.
Another spot that is great for kids, is Kew Gardens’ new Carbon Garden.
Having only opened in summer of this year, it is a great new spot to explore for returning visitors and children alike.
The garden shows the essential role plants and fungi play in tackling climate change and in the centre is a pavilion that was created using low-carbon, natural materials.
Elsewhere in the gardens, visitors will find the Treetop Walkway, which allows you to walk level with the tree canopy and even see London‘s skyline.
Then there’s also Kew’s Kitchen Garden, which isn’t just a spot for adults – kids can also have fun discovering lots of familiar fruits and vegetables growing.
Is it accessible?
One thing I noticed when exploring the gardens is that it is predominantly flat and all the paths are nice and wide.
The gardens also have accessible maps available, highlighting points of sensory interest and accessible routes.
For visitors who use British Sign Language, they can head off on one of the monthly walking tours led by specially-trained guides and the tours are free.
All of the cafes have level access as well and visitors can borrow a mobility scooter or wheelchair from the attraction.
In the glasshouses, such as the Temperate House, routes around the plants and exhibits are wide enough for wheelchairs and scooters as well.
Though Kew Palace is currently closed, it is also accessible for wheelchair users.
Hearing loops are then also installed at the gate tills, retail shop tills and the catering counters.
As far as I found, the only places not so accessible are the upper levels of the glass houses where you can walk around the edge, looking on the plants from above.
Any add ons?
Many of the exhibitions at Kew Gardens are included with entry, such as the much-loved Orchid Festival in spring each year.
However, there are some additions at the park that you can pay for.
For example, if you wish to use the Kew Explorer land train, which explores the gardens, it will set you back £5 per adult and £2 per child.
It stops at various points throughout the park including Victoria Gate, the Temperate House and The Japanese Gateway.
The other thing you may pay extra for are some of Kew Gardens’ events, such as Christmas at Kew 2025, dubbed “London’s most enchanting festive light trail”.
The trail features numerous larger-than-life illuminations, with tunnels of light and even a visit from Santa whilst exploring the trail.
It costs from £27.50 per adult and £18 per child.
As the show and trail takes place at night, it is not included with entry to the gardens.
Is there a shop and cafe?
Several! You won’t be caught short if you need a drink or want a quick bite to eat whilst visiting Kew Gardens.
You can head to the Orangery for cakes, coffees and light meals, including salad bowls for £8.50 each and toasted sandwiches for £6.10 each.
It is a light and airy venue ideal for people watching whilst enjoying a meal.
Coffee costs between £2.75 and £4.20, though if you don’t have your own cup you can add another 15p to the cost of your coffee.
There is then the Pavilion Bar and Grill, which serves a variety of burgers and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
For a slightly more fancy option head to The Botanical Brasserie, which features modern cuisine and serves afternoon tea as well.
Finally, close to one of the entrances, is the Victoria Plaza Cafe with coffee, cakes, drinks, sandwiches and snacks.
Here canned drinks cost around £2.75 each.
It is located right next to the shop, so the ideal place to stop off at the end of your visit.
Prices across the dining spots weren’t bad in my opinion.
In addition to the Family Kitchen and Shop, the shop by the Victoria Plaza Cafe is large and has tonnes of gifts, books and gardening finds.
There is even an outdoor garden centre bit and a stand with house plants.
Prices didn’t shock me too much either, with postcards costing around a £1 each.
What else is there to do in the area?
Richmond is just down the road from Kew Gardens, which is a great town to explore on the River Thames.
Of course, Richmond is famous for its park with a herd of deer, but after all the walking around you might want to snuggle up in one of the pubs.
For example, you could head to The White Cross, with a beer garden that floods every month due to the proximity to the River Thames.
What would seem a rather annoying set back to punters actually encourages more people to visit, with pub staff often handing out wellies to guests.
However, to get to Richmond it will take around 40 minutes walking or a 20 minute bus or train – so it does require additional travel.
The closest train station to the attraction is Kew Gardens Train Station itself, which is just a three-minute walk away.
By the station there are also some quaint coffee shops and even a pub that sits on the train platform.
There are several bus stops around the perimeter of the gardens including Kew Road/Victoria Gate (Stop R) and Kew Bridge (Stop 7).
Final verdict
There is enough to see and do at Kew Gardens to fill more than a day’s visit.
The truly breathtaking attraction has something for everyone, and even the information signs have details for plant enthusiasts and facts for little ones as well.
Despite raining for some of the time I visited, there are many indoor attractions to dive into meaning the weather doesn’t ruin your day.
And with every location on the site being relatively flat it is ideal for leisurely strolls, waddling toddlers and those with accessibility needs.
For the entrance fee, I do think you get a lot for your money.
Having now seen the gardens in autumn, I can’t wait to explore them in the other seasons.