Royal Botanic Gardens Tours and Activities

Royal Botanic Gardens featuring a pond
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This spectacular UNESCO site is a gorgeous public park and an important centre 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 centre 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 metres) 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

Corinthia London
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Top Royal Botanic Gardens Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.
Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.
Brentford
Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.
Clayton Hotel Chiswick
Clayton Hotel Chiswick
4 out of 5
626 Chiswick High Road, London, England
Clayton Hotel Chiswick
The Lensbury Resort
The Lensbury Resort
4 out of 5
Broom Road, Teddington, England
The Lensbury Resort
Dorsett Shepherds Bush
Dorsett Shepherds Bush
4 out of 5
58 Shepherds Bush Green, London, England
Dorsett Shepherds Bush
Novotel London West
Novotel London West
4 out of 5
1 Shortlands, Hammersmith, London, England
Novotel London West
Holiday Inn London - West, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn London - West, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
4 Portal Way, London, England
Holiday Inn London - West, an IHG Hotel
The Hoxton Shepherds Bush
The Hoxton Shepherds Bush
4 out of 5
65 SHEPHERDS BUSH GREEN, London, England
The Hoxton Shepherds Bush
Royal Garden Hotel
Royal Garden Hotel
5 out of 5
2-24 Kensington High Street, London, England
Royal Garden Hotel
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.