Royal Botanic Gardens

Price guide: Expensive

Kew, London, TW9 1BR

Price guide: Expensive

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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - Spring Bulbs - © RBG Kew
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By Nigel Tisdall, your London expert

I write for Marie Claire, The Daily .... Read more
#10 of 30
expert-rated things to do in London
Expert overall rating:4.4 out of 5
Value for money:
4.5
4.5
Recommended for:
Couples, Families with younger children, Mature travellers, Singles, Education, Great views / scenery, Nature / wildlife, Relaxation, Romance

Best for Romance - Expert review of Royal Botanic Gardens

Last updated 13 March 2011

Escape into a beautiful world of gardens and glasshouses that was born over 250 years ago.

Set beside the Thames in well-heeled Kew, these World Heritage-listed botanic gardens were once the private pride of royalty. Now they are open to all and offer a very appealing mix of enchanting blooms, exotic plants, venerable trees, historic glasshouses and gloriously landscaped parkland. Great for kids and lovers, this is a place where you can easily spend the best part of a day - but if time's short or your legs are tired hop on the Kew Explorer tour vehicle that circles the gardens giving an introductory commentary. I love visiting the Temperate House and Palm House, but don't miss the fabulous giant sculptures of seeds near the Orangery, and take a walk along Syon Vista to the river.

Price advice: 

Admission costs £13.90 adult, £11.90 concessions, including a £1.50 donation in support of Kew's work. Children under 17 are free. Additional charges apply for Kew Palace and Kew Explorer tours.

Expert tips: 
You can get a bite to eat in four cafes and restaurants but it's also fun to take a picnic - you can pick something up in the shops beside Kew Underground station.
If you're a keen gardener, check the website before you go to see what's in bloom and where.

More information on Royal Botanic Gardens:

Price guide:
Expensive
Type:
Historic site, Park / garden
Address:
Kew, London, TW9 1BR
Telephone:
020 8332 5655
Website:
http://www.kew.org
Months open:
All year round
Opening times:
Gardens open Mon-Sun 9.30am, closing times vary from 4.15pm to 6.30pm according to the season. Opening hours for glasshouses, galleries and other sites can be shorter - see www.kew.org for details.
Indoor/outdoor?:
Both

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