Royal Botanic Gardens Tours

Royal Botanic Gardens featuring heritage architecture and a park
Royal Botanic Gardens featuring a pond
Royal Botanic Gardens featuring heritage architecture
Royal Botanic Gardens showing a garden and a pond
Royal Botanic Gardens featuring interior views

This spectacular UNESCO site is a gorgeous public park and an important center 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 center 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 meters) 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.
Dreamtel London Kensington

Dreamtel London Kensington

2.5 out of 5
London City Centre
per person
Oct 18 - Oct 25
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
New York (JFK) to London (LHR)
6.6/10 (927 reviews)
The hotel was near to museums.

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2025

Treehouse Hotel London

Treehouse Hotel London

4 out of 5
London City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
per person
Oct 18 - Oct 25
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
New York (JFK) to London (LHR)
9/10 Wonderful! (428 reviews)
Right in the heart of London!

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

London Lodge Hotel

London Lodge Hotel

3 out of 5
London City Centre
per person
Oct 18 - Oct 25
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
New York (JFK) to London (LHR)
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
We enjoyed our stay at the London Lodge Hotel during our first visit to London! The hotel is located near a few tube stations and there are a lot of restaurants within walking distance. Staff was friendly and helped us sort through a room issue. Breakfast was convenient downstairs and rooms at AC unit to help with summer heat

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore Royal Botanic Gardens

Tours & day trips

See all 406 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 1596 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $39 per adult
London Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour & Thames River CruiseOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 69 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 $44 per adult
London Borough Market Tea and Doughnuts TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 63 activities
London Scenic Lunch Tour: A Gastronomic Adventure

London Scenic Lunch Tour: A Gastronomic Adventure

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $93 per adult
London Scenic Lunch Tour: A Gastronomic AdventureOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 45 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 2192 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $108 per adult
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter with Return TransferOpens in new tab

Shows & concerts

See all 25 activities
London: Entry Ticket to Frameless Immersive Art Experience

London: Entry Ticket to Frameless Immersive Art Experience

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $37 per adult
London: Entry Ticket to Frameless Immersive Art ExperienceOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit

Kew Gardens

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 theater scene.

Marianne North Gallery
Kew Gardens

Queen Charlotte’s Cottage

You can learn about the history of Richmond with a trip to Queen Charlotte’s Cottage. Discover the acclaimed theater scene and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Queen Charlotte’s Cottage
Kew Palace showing chateau or palace, heritage architecture 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 which includes heritage elements and interior views

Syon House

You can study the exhibits at Syon House, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to London. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.

Syon House

Best Lodging Options Near Royal Botanic Gardens

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
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
Hotel 261

Hotel 261

2 out of 5
261-263 Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, London, England
Hotel 261
Novotel London West

Novotel London West

4 out of 5
1 Shortlands, Hammersmith, London, England
Novotel London West
Holiday Inn London - West by IHG

Holiday Inn London - West by IHG

4 out of 5
4 Portal Way, London, England
Holiday Inn London - West by IHG
The Lensbury Resort

The Lensbury Resort

4 out of 5
Broom Road, Teddington, England
The Lensbury Resort
Heeton Concept Hotel - Luma Hammersmith

Heeton Concept Hotel - Luma Hammersmith

3 out of 5
28-36 Glenthorne Road, London, England
Heeton Concept Hotel - Luma Hammersmith
The Hoxton Shepherds Bush

The Hoxton Shepherds Bush

4 out of 5
65 SHEPHERDS BUSH GREEN, London, England
The Hoxton Shepherds Bush
See all 25,469 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, immerse yourself in stunning exhibitions that showcase nature's beauty. Enjoy nearby activities like catching a thrilling rugby match at Twickenham or exploring local theater and shopping options. With a blend of botanical wonders and vibrant entertainment, Kew offers a delightful experience for every visitor.

Shopping

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, offers delightful shopping experiences. Westfield London Shopping Centre is 4 miles away, featuring a variety of family-friendly stores. Harrods, located 6 miles away, is a must-visit for luxury items. Portobello Road Market, 5 miles away, has unique finds and local charm.

Recreation

Explore Wembley Stadium for an exhilarating sports experience, just 6 miles from Kew. For a touch of luxury, visit Wimbledon Tennis Club, located 5 miles away. Enjoy live music vibes at Shepherd's Bush Empire, a concert venue 4 miles from Kew, perfect for entertainment and relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of water sports at Back of Beyond Adventures, located 2 miles from Kew Gardens. For hiking enthusiasts, the Hillingdon Trail awaits 8 miles away, offering breathtaking scenery. Additionally, indulge in an adrenaline rush at F1K Indoor Karting Ltd, situated 10 miles from the gardens.

Nightlife

In Richmond, the Eventim Apollo offers a vibrant theater experience just 3 miles away, perfect for culture and romance. The Electric Cinema, 5 miles out, provides a cozy movie night atmosphere. For a thrilling evening, the Grosvenor Victoria Casino, 6 miles away, blends excitement with city vibes.

Find the best attractions near Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

When visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, travelers can explore a variety of attractions, including Kew Green and the historic houses nearby. This destination offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal spot for those interested in nature and history. Don't miss the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and its surrounding areas for a memorable visit in Richmond, England.

  • Hyde Park: Experience the lush green expanses of Hyde Park, an urban oasis just 6 miles from Kew. This park offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for family picnics, leisurely strolls, and outdoor activities, all amidst stunning landscapes and historical monuments.
  • Buckingham Palace: Located 7 miles from Kew, Buckingham Palace is a symbol of British heritage and royalty. Visitors can witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the rich cultural history through guided tours of the State Rooms.
  • Royal Albert Hall: Just 6 miles away, the Royal Albert Hall is a renowned entertainment venue. Enjoy world-class performances in this stunning arena, known for its exceptional acoustics and vibrant family-friendly events throughout the year.

Best time to go to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Visitor numbers around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 on your visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, consider traveling during the cheaper months of January to March, and booking your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates. Sundays are the most affordable days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find deals by filtering prices from low to high, and look for last-minute offers. Combine hotel stays with flights for package savings, and join Expedia's One Key program for exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. To discover the best prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.