What Travellers Say
Kew Gardens is an absolutely beautiful place and truly one of London’s gems. The gardens are vast, peaceful, and incredibly well maintained, making it perfect for a relaxing walk, a day out in nature, or even just some quiet time away from the city. Every section feels thoughtfully designed, and you can easily spend hours exploring the different landscapes, plants, and greenhouses. The variety is amazing — from wide open lawns to more curated gardens and iconic spots like the Palm House and Temperate House. It’s suitable for all ages and interests, whether you’re into plants, photography, or simply enjoying a calm outdoor atmosphere. The space never feels overwhelming despite its size, and there’s always something new to discover in every season. One thing to note, however, is the food inside the gardens. Unfortunately, the quality doesn’t match the overall experience of Kew. The options felt quite limited and overpriced for what you get, and the food itself wasn’t particularly enjoyable. I would strongly recommend eating beforehand or grabbing food outside the gardens and then heading in to fully enjoy your visit without disappointment. Overall, Kew Gardens is a must-visit and well worth the time. If you plan ahead with food, it becomes an even more enjoyable and memorable experience. I’d highly recommend it to anyone living in or visiting London. 🌿
Visited Kew gardens Orchid exhibition on Sunday in the Princess of Wales conservatory. Absolutely stunning with a Chinese theme. The dragon centre piece was amazing. Dispute the rain and time of year the gardens were lovely, can't wait to come back in the spring when the garden will be in full bloom.
the orchid collection was beautiful, so much care goes into the plants here! You could spend the whole day here, make sure to wear walking shoes and it’ll definitely take multiple trips to see everything but the breathtaking temporal art exhibitions like the current Singh Twins makes it worth every trip!!
Loved it. We went in September on a day that reached 28 degrees. The garden is absolutely stunning and honestly I cannot express how much I enjoyed it. I had wanted to go to Kew for years and it was well worth the wait. The green houses, the lily pads, it was all just fantastic. Seeing the history and the majesty of these gardens was better than anything I could imagine.
Today I had the pleasure of visiting Kew Gardens, and it truly exceeded my expectations in every possible way. From the moment I entered, I felt as if I had stepped into a completely different world — peaceful, beautifully maintained, and incredibly rich in nature and history. Every area of the gardens offers something unique, from wide open green spaces to hidden pathways full of colour and life. The glasshouses were especially impressive. Walking through them felt like travelling across different climates and continents in a single afternoon, surrounded by exotic plants, towering palms, and stunning collections that are clearly cared for with real passion. The treetop walkway was another highlight, offering fantastic views and a fresh perspective over the landscape. What I loved most was the sense of calm. Even though it is a popular place, it never felt crowded or rushed. There are plenty of benches and quiet corners to simply sit, breathe, and enjoy the scenery. The staff were also very friendly and helpful, and everything was well signposted and organised. Kew Gardens is not just a park — it is an inspiring experience, perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants to reconnect with nature and beauty. I strongly recommend visiting. I will definitely be returning again soon.
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Fun Facts
‘Kew Gardens’ is plural because in 1772 George III joined the Kew estate to the neighbouring royal estate at Richmond: two gardens became one.
The Great Pagoda’s 80 gilded wooden dragons were removed in 1784 and later vanished; a long-lived story claimed they were sold to cover George IV’s gambling debts.
Temperate House opened in 1863 even though it was only three-quarters complete, and the full structure was not finished until 1899.
Kew grows the world’s smallest waterlily, Nymphaea thermarum, extinct in the wild; its leaves are smaller than a 50p coin and horticulturists worked out how to propagate it in 2009.
A daguerreotype taken on 24 July 1847 is believed to be the first ever photograph of the Palm House interior, captured while the glasshouse was still under construction.
