Royal Botanic Gardens Kew |
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On 3 July 2003 the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew was officially inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The world famous Kew Gardens offers visitors something of interest in all seasons: Displays of welcome spring flowers, colourful summer borders and the tints of autumn to be found in the arboretum. Even in winter you can marvel at exotic plants in the warmth of the many glass houses or enjoy a visit to the two art galleries in the gardens.
Kew's present 300-acre site, in which 33,000 species are grown, has vastly increased from the original 9 acres, where in 1759 Princess Augusta, mother of George III, laid out a private botanic garden in the grounds of Kew Palace. New
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When you come to Kew, you will want to visit the fascinating glass houses. Why not start at the Palm House, designed by Decimus Burton in the 1840's? It stands 65 feet high and inside, in the steamy atmosphere, most of the known palm species grow.
The Waterlily House, which is even hotter, has creepers and plants overhanging the circular pool with its beautiful lilies.
The old Alpine House has been replaced by a new, larger one, designed by the twice Stirling Prize winning architects Wilkinson Eyre.
The Princess of Wales Conservatory, opened in 1987 contains plants growing in 10 climatic zones. There is also an underground exhibition hall, showing an ecological slide show. Largest of the glass houses is the Temperate House, where you can see beautiful blooms, originating from South Africa and the Caribbean. Newest of all is Evolution House; in its hi-tech atmosphere visitors are taken on a 3,500 million year journey, telling the story of the evolution of the planet.
At Kew there are leafy walks to enjoy, including high among the treetops thanks to the 18m high Xstrata Treetop Walkway; the Rhododendron Dell to delight you in early summer and lakes to keep cool by. Admire the ten storied Chinese Pagoda standing 163 feet high, and many other interesting features in the 18th Century garden, which was laid out by Capability Brown.
For further information about the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew's 2011 visitor programme see Kew Gardens web site (link above).
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
All year daily, Garden from 09.30am closing times vary, from 4.15pm in winter to 7.30pm in summer.Conservatories close earlier. Closed 24th and 25th December. |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
Adult £13.90; Concession £11.90; Child under 17yrs (accompanied by an adult)Free.Disabled visitors: £11.50. Essential carers of wheelchair users and blind/partially-sighted visitors Free.Registered blind/partially-sighted visitors Free. |
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Directions
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Underground Station: Kew Gardens Train Station: Kew Bridge |
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Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Postcode for SatNav: TW9 3AB |
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Nearby Attractions
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Musical Museum
(< 1 Mile)*
During your visit to the Musical museum you will experience the fascinating world of automatic musical instruments through a continuous demonstration in which the instruments are explained and played. |
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Kew Bridge Steam Museum
(< 1 Mile)*
Steam power comes alive at London's Kew Bridge Steam Museum. Built in the 19th century to supply London with water, the museum is recognised as the most important historic site of the water supply industry in Britain. |
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Boston Manor House
(1 Mile)*
Boston Manor House is a fine Jacobean manor house built in 1623 and situated in parkland containing a lake and ancient cedar trees. |
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