Why go

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the largest and most diverse living plant collections in the world. It is also a working science institution, so a day here takes in landscape, architecture and research at once. Winter is a quieter time to visit. The glasshouses come into their own when it is cold outside, and off-peak tickets are noticeably cheaper.

What to see

  • The glasshouses. The Palm House, the Temperate House, the Princess of Wales Conservatory and the Davies Alpine House, all open from 10am to 3pm in winter.
  • The Treetop Walkway. A raised walkway through the tree canopy, open from 10am to 3pm (last entry 2.45pm) in winter.
  • The Rock Garden. A valley carved through the landscape with wild-collected plants from six mountainous regions.
  • The Natural Area. 37 acres of classic woodland, good for a quieter walk.
  • The galleries. The Marianne North Gallery and the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, both open until 3.30pm.

Note that the Historic Royal Palaces buildings in the gardens, Kew Palace, the Great Pagoda and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, are closed from 28 September 2026 until spring 2027.

Plan your visit

Opening hours are seasonal. Until 11 November 2026 the Gardens open from 10am to 4pm with last entry at 3pm. From 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 they close at 3.15pm, with last entry at 2.30pm. The glasshouses open from 10am to 3pm. The Gardens are closed in the daytime on 24 and 25 December. In short, start early in winter, because the light and the opening hours both run out quickly.

There are four gates. Victoria Gate (TW9 3JR) is closest to Kew Gardens station. Elizabeth Gate (TW9 3AE) is nearest Kew Bridge station and Kew Pier. Brentford Gate (TW9 3AF) is by the car park. From 2 November 2026 to 29 January 2027, Lion Gate, the closest to Richmond, opens at weekends only.

By Tube, Kew Gardens station is on the District line (Richmond branch) and the Mildmay line, 500 m from Victoria Gate. Kew Bridge station, with South Western Railway trains from Waterloo, is 800 m from Elizabeth Gate. Bus 65 stops near Elizabeth, Victoria and Lion Gates. Parking costs £10 a day in the Kew car park, which fills on a first come, first served basis, and the Gardens sit inside the ULEZ. There are no lockers or baggage storage, and bikes, scooters and skateboards are not allowed in the Gardens.

Accessibility

The Gardens are largely flat, with tarmac paths in most places. Wheelchairs are available at all public gates without booking, and mobility scooters can be reserved in advance. The Temperate House and Alpine House take wheelchairs and scooters; the Palm House takes wheelchairs but not scooters, and the upper floor of the Princess of Wales Conservatory is not accessible. Blue Badge holders park free in the Kew car park. Note that the westbound platform at Kew Gardens station has no level access; Kew suggests continuing to Richmond, which has lifts, and coming back. Essential companions and registered blind and partially sighted visitors go free, and monthly British Sign Language tours are free.

Tickets and saving money

Off-peak prices apply from 1 November to 31 January: £17 for an adult online or £20 at the gate. The best deal this season is £10 Tuesdays, which runs every Tuesday until 29 December 2026. Children aged 4 to 15 pay £2 online, under-fours go free, and young people aged 16 to 29 (and students) pay £7 online. Those on Universal Credit and some other benefits pay £1. Residents of Richmond, Kingston, Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth and Hounslow get a reduced rate. Christmas at Kew is ticketed separately and is not included in general admission.

Pair it with

Richmond is close by, with its riverside, Richmond Park and town centre an easy bus or short train ride away. If you prefer to arrive by water, river boats run from Westminster Pier to Kew Pier, depending on tides and season, which pairs well with a morning around the Houses of Parliament.