Kew Gardens: Does It Live Up To The Hype?

For over ten years I had lived in London but never visited Kew Gardens. It was one of those places we slightly took for granted as we lived close by. I have no idea why it took so long to visit Kew. Now we visit the world famous gardens multiple times a year and have Kew membership. So what draws us back? What makes Kew Gardens the most visited tourist attractions in London? What is there to see and is Kew Gardens worth a trip if you are visiting London?

What is there to see at Kew Gardens?

Despite visiting Kew Gardens many times over the last few years, there is still so much of the space we have yet to explore. Describing it as mere ‘gardens’ somewhat downplays the huge site. Spanning a 300 acre area, it has 30,000 different plants, a number of historical buildings such as Kew Palace and 14,000 different trees which tower above you. Many of them are old, withered and glaring, looking like they could have inspired J.R.R Tolkein’s fantasy books.Β A huge sense of history belies the gardens and you can almost imagine you are taking part in your very own period drama.

kew Gardens, london

Kew Gardens is a place where I always discover something new and makes a wonderful family day out or day trip from London and the surrounding area.Β  Whether it be wandering by the lake and admiring the wildlife which reside there or visiting Kew Gardens’ art gallery and huge, botanical conservatories with tropical plants galore living inside. For those feeling more adventurous there is a treetop pathway while younger children can explore the playground. Read on for more details on what to do at Kew Gardens.


Glasshouses at Kew

One of the top things to see at Kew Gardens is its large glasshouses. The recently restored Temperate House is an incredible space to see exotic plants (many of which are under treat of extinction) and marvel at the largest Victorian glasshouse. You can view it from high or low with spiral staircases up to see the canopy (not suitable for buggies).

The second conservatory is the smaller Palm House which is packed full of tropical plants. Many of the plants are familiar names from my spice cupboard (tamarind) as well as body lotions (Ylang, Ylang) or are named after luxury hotel chains (Banyan). It is fascinating to see them up close and educate all including my young girls.Β 

Tamarind Tree, Kew Gardens
This plant with a yellow trunk is a Tamarind tree

My girls always enjoy going through the “jungle” of the Palm House, fuelling their imagination and getting to see plants relating to the food they eat. My daughter loved seeing the banana plant (she eats enough of them). It is a great education to learn where they actually come from. Being transported somewhere tropical, especially after so long without travelling, is also welcome escapism with the heat of the glasshouse adding to the vision of more exotic shores.Β 

The Palm House, Kew Gardens, London

The Great Pagoda

One of the structures I have always wanted to take a closer look at after seeing it from afar, emerging from the gardens, was the Great Pagoda. It was originally builtΒ in 1762 as a gift for Princess Augusta, the founder of the Gardens. You can climb up to the top for a bird’s eye view (which we have yet to do). An additional ticket is required for a guided tour to climb the Great Pagoda.


What was more impressive was the Japanese gateway built in the early 20th century – a replica of one in Kyoto, Japan.

Children’s Garden

Kew Gardens has an incredible outdoor Children’s garden which recently opened. It is an interactive space to learn more about plants and how they grow which is designed for children aged 2 – 12. It comprises of climbing frames, slides, water play and sand to explore. My girls love it and the enclosed space allows them to enjoy some freedom. To visit the Children’s garden, you need to prebook a slot. There is also an indoor play area, Climbers and Creepers, which is currently being remodelled.

Eating at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens has a variety of places to eat from hot dogs and sandwiches to something more substantial. We had a lovely meal at The Orangery which serves fare such as sandwiches, risottos and quinoaΒ salads. It’s just as easy to take a picnic though and probably more fun for children (my daughter is obsessed with them) with no shortage of places to have it. The price of food and drinks inside the gardens can be fairly expensive.


Tips for visiting Kew Gardens with kids

Kew Gardens isn’t somewhere you can whizz around the whole ground in one afternoon. There’s so much there (and I have just covered a few of the attractions there). It’s probably best to plan what you want to see first and don’t try to do too much.

There’s also a lot of walking so take a buggy if you have young kids (it’s all pretty accessible). Some exploring of Kew Gardens is required. There are fantastic plants and trees dotted around but for me, the best bits are the botanical conservatories (which are also good if the weather is a bit chilly/rainy). My daughter really enjoyed what she saw and I know in years to come it will serve as an important educational tool.

There’s certainly a lot to learn, for all ages, and perfect for family trips with plenty of child-friendly attractions. For me, it lived up to the hype (and more) and now I have rediscovered this magnificent place, right on my doorstep, I’ll be going back again. I think it’s something to explore in several visits (especially with a toddler’s attention span) and to help with the cost, I’ve found out I can get a yearly passΒ (details below).Β 

Cost

Β£14 per adult if bought online beforehand (and you get to skip the queues) otherwise Β£15 at the gate.

Child (over 4) – Β£2.50 online (Β£3.50 at gate). Under 4s go free.

Family tickets – 1 adult, 2 children Β£18. For 2 adults, 2 children – Β£32

Local residents can get in a bit cheaper on Tuesday’s (Β£11) and if you plan on going frequently the yearly pass as a Kew Member works out at Β£62 if paying by direct debit (Β£72 if not). With this ticket you can take a friend and to add a child (over 4) it’s Β£5 a year.

For more information and special events, visit the Kew Gardens website.

Have you ever been to Kew? Did you think it lived up to the hype? I would love to hear your experiences.Β 

Kew Gardens is one of the most visited places in London but is it worth the hype?

 

Wander Mum


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Wander Mum

I've always loved to travel so when my two daughters came along, I didn't stop. Travelling as a family can have its ups and downs but I love showing my children the world and helping others navigate travelling with children in tow.

91 Comments
    1. Ah, I bet you miss the banana trees Merlinda. I would (and fresh bananas too)! It’s a really fab place – can almost imagine being somewhere tropical. X

  1. I LOVE Kew Gardens. We’ve been several times, but the last time we went was to attend our friend’s wedding which was held in the Greenhouses. Amazing and we got to ride the tour bus round the grounds. It’s such a pretty place, with so much to see. I think you’re right, though, you need to spend a full day to make the most of it. Looks like a lovely trip for you all xx
    Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Reviewed: Rest Detail Hotel, Hua HinMy Profile

    1. Oh wow – I bet that was a mega wedding!! What’s the tour bus like. Think we’ll be using that next time we go. We had a fab time. Thanks xx

    1. Thanks Ashley, it’s a great place. Must have been great going as a child. Hopefully my little one will have fond memories of going there now. X

  2. Great review – I am not far from Kew yet haven’t ever been. I too had imagined that it was a series of beautiful gardens that you walk through and had absolutely no idea how big it was. It’s funny how we tend to ignore important sites that are on our doorstep yet when I travel I make sure I don’t miss any! Must make more of an effort visit places like Kew and other London sites that have so much to offer.
    Nomita | Ebabee recently posted…How to choose a photography workshopMy Profile

    1. Thanks Nomita, you must go at some point! I’m totally the same – I guess things on our doorstep don’t have quite the adventure and excitement but now I have a little one, the local sites will get explored a bit more! X

  3. Always the way isn’t it, you live round the croner from these places but never visit them! Haven’t been to Kew in years but did go occasionally when I lived in South London. Have fond memories of it. #MMWBH

    1. I know John, it is always the way…so glad I eventually went. it’s such a beautiful place. I’ll defintely be going there more now. Thanks for reading x

    1. Hi Al, thanks for hosting…I can imagine Kew isn’t quite so picturesque in the rain! Hopefully there will sun on the revisit x

  4. Gosh it looks absolutely stunning – I too haven’t been despite living in London for 13 years but have also made it to the Botanical Gardens in Singapore (aren’t they amazing?)

    I think I went through a long phase of my life where Kew Gardens just wouldn’t have appealed as a place to visit but now I’m a bit older and a home owner and more interested in gardening I’ll definitely pay a visit and it’s handy to know some pre-planning is probably a good idea #BigFatLinky
    Lins @Boo & Maddie recently posted…Majestic Grand CanyonMy Profile

    1. The botanical gardens in Singapore are fab and that’s a bit what I was expecting at Kew but it is quite different – depending on which bit you visit – the size of the place for starters. Well worth visiting at some point though! x

  5. I’m looong overdue for a visit to Kew Garden’s. I’ve been a couple of times but not for a while.

    Love all your photo’s – the whole place with both it’s flowers and it’s buildings is so photogenic and you captured that wonderfully.

    Will have to see if I can squeeze a visit in over the summer, though I heard last year they had a Christmas market thing which sounded pretty cool too. So might do that instead as I’ve never been to Kew at any other time except during the summer.

    #brilliantblogposts
    penny @onepennytourist recently posted…Disney Music – (not so) Wordless WednesdayMy Profile

    1. Thank you!! Yes, I think they always do something at Christmas too so something for all seasons. It’s fab. Thanks for stopping by x

    1. You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by – it’s definitely worth a look next time you are here – especially if it’s summer. Xx

  6. I live just down the road from Kew as well but hardly went before my daughter was born – we’ve had an annual pass for the last year and it’s been brilliant. There is so much much to do that we do lots of shorter visits and explore a different area or one of the temporary events. I still feel there’s loads more to discover and it’s lovely at any time of year too. #MondayEscapes
    Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…20 things to do in Cornwall with kidsMy Profile

    1. That’s really good to hear! Think I’ll probably get one because it’s definitively somewhere you want to explore bit by bit rather than all in one go. Xx

      1. Fun to read this again for #citytripping – we ended up renewing our pass but now they’be banned scooters (and kids’bikes) and she’s too old for a buggy, it’s tricky seeing much in a visit for now so have left it for this year.
        Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…City Tripping #33My Profile

        1. What? They have banned scooters and bikes…that’s annoying. I was just going to get the annual pass. I’m sure I’ll still get lots of use out of it but would have been handy to be able to take the scooter.

  7. The Mother says – It’s amazing that there are so many gorgeous places to visit on our doorstep which we never visit. There are several places near me that I keep meaning to visit and I’ve been living in Bucks my entire life!! Kew Gardens looks amazing and I really want to visit it now. Your photos were beautiful πŸ™‚ #MondayEscapades
    kidglloves recently posted…#MySundayPhotoMy Profile

  8. I think I probably went about 20 years ago which is a scary thought because it doesn’t feel that long ago (and I wasn’t a child!) Somehow on my short visits back to London I never think to go there but I remember last time we took the boat from central London which was a lovely way to go. Your review is really useful and maybe next time I’m over there I’ll go again. #MondayEscapes
    Phoebe @ Lou Messugo recently posted…Silent Sunday – 7 June 2015My Profile

    1. Haha! Where does time go? How fab to take the boat. I have to confess I’ve never taken it…something else to add to the list!! X

  9. We visited Kew last year with Monkey and my aunt and loved it! Like you say it really is huge with so much to see! The treetop walk was fabulous and I would love to climb the pagoda, I was heavily pregnant last time and dint fancy the climb! Xx #mondayescapes
    Caroline (Becoming a SAHM) recently posted…#MaternityMondays week 23My Profile

  10. Beautiful pictures!! What a stunning place.
    I think that not visiting nearby attraction happens often to everyone, with me too, so I understand you. How great that it finally happened… and how sweet that your daughter liked bananas and finally got to see where they come from, this is soooo cute πŸ˜€

    Thank you so much for linking up with #MondayEscapes again πŸ˜€
    Have a great day!
    Packing my Suitcase recently posted…Monday Escapes #3My Profile

    1. I know! I am SO glad we finally went and super cute that my little girl discovered the banana plant. Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes It’s really helping escape the Monday feeling!

  11. I just love Kew Gardens. I went there for a conference last year, and I enjoyed the gardens so much !!! The waterlily house, the palm house.. the herb gardens… everything is a feast for the eyes ! How lucky you are to live close-by πŸ™‚
    Gin recently posted…Meeting the pandas in Pairi DaizaMy Profile

  12. Same! 10 minutes away and “Must go to Kew…..”
    We’ve been years ago when the kids were tiny and I absolutely love it, but this summer (10 weeks in London) and last year (10 months in London) we just didn’t get around to it. We have bought an annual pass for ZSL London Zoo though, an excellent investment!
    We’re off to Romania next week to start building our house, so another year has gone when we haven’t been. One day!
    Alyson recently posted…Location Independent, Solopreneur, Diginomad….Freedom!My Profile

  13. Ahh love Kew! Those pictures of the pagoda and inside the palm house brought it all back. Definitely a lot to see. Another tip on tickets…if you are a friend of Westonbirt Arboretum (i.e. have a yearly pass there) you can get into Kew and a load of other gardens and arboretums around the country too. It probably works reciprocally with the various other partners involved too. A really good deal if you like those kind of places!
    Kate , Baby Routes recently posted…Camping With Young Kids: Our 25 Top Tips So Far…My Profile

  14. I’ve never been to Kew, but I would love to visit one day as I’ve heard so much about it. I love the tropical plants, I can imagine it being especially intriguing to see the bananas growing!
    The pagoda is amazing and I love the sound of a tree top walkway, I haven’t been on one in years. Good value too, definitely going to visit one day!
    Thanks for linking up to #Whatevertheweather πŸ™‚ x
    Jenny Eaves recently posted…Briarlands FarmMy Profile

  15. Oh wow what a beautiful place with so much to explore. I am sure those trees really could tell many stories. I can’t get over how much there is to see! All of those beautiful buildings, the architecture, the plants, the trees, the play areas, the botanical conservatories! It looks incredible. I really want to go! It looks like you all really enjoyed it as well. I’m sure you had a well deserved sit down when you all got home. Thank you so much for linking up to #whatevertheweather x
    Chloe recently posted…#MYSUNDAYPHOTOMy Profile

    1. Hi Chloe, there is SO much – I barely scratched the surface. Definitely worth s visit and great for kids! Thanks for hosting #whatevertheweather x

    1. That’s interesting, I may give the palace a miss then until she is a bit older. I think I will invest in the annual pass…although with the weather we are having at the moment, I’m still waiting for a decent day to go!

  16. This place does indeed look HUGE. It reminds me a lot of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris with all the different conservatories. If you like Banyan trees, you should definitely go to Hawaii because they are all over the place and super cool! Mrs T is a riot, I can hear her giggling through these photos, and it’s adorable that she prefers picnics! Thanks for the link-up!
    Christy Swagerty (whatupswags) recently posted…Prancing About ParisMy Profile

    1. Hey Christy, I am definitely up for going to Hawaii – for lots of reasons!! I’ve been to Jardin des Plantes – is it worth a visit? Thanks for linking up xx

    1. I think ‘gardens’ is an understatement. There are so many different elements to it. If you have some time on your next visit to London and are into that sort of thing, it is worth a visit…is a different element to the London experience I guess and seems to be very popular with tourists.

  17. We love Kew Gardens and especially the playgrounds – both indoors and outdoors. It is huge though, and expensive I think. I’d love to go to the food or writing festivals there. The gardens really seem to lend themselves to festive activities!
    Katy recently posted…Election day(s)My Profile

    1. It is quite pricey but I guess if you spend the whole day there you get your money worth and the annual pass works out well. It has loads of festive activities – looking forward to going this Christmas.

  18. What a snooty face your little daughter has πŸ˜‰ Kew gardens as are all kind of gardens I think, are great for kids to run around as long as their is also a playground and ice cream!

  19. 14,000 trees? Is that a legit number? … in a guidebook or online somewhere? Maybe in an encyclopedia? πŸ˜‰

    Those gardens are beautiful. And I love those beautiful flowers! It definitely seems as though “gardens” is definitely an understatement for all there is to see and do on this property!

    #citytripping
    Mandy recently posted…The Historic Homes of CharlestonMy Profile

  20. Wow it looks very large. Not being British i have never heard of it but it certainly looks like a great attraction with plants tree’s and buildings worth seeing

  21. I spent one lovely day in Kew Gardens in July a couple years ago, but I honestly had no idea there was so much to do! I mostly just relaxed in the sun and read a book. I’d love to see the Pagoda and the flower gardens. I think it is great that you took your little one, as kids need to have a connection to nature to learn to value it. Really cute photos. πŸ™‚
    Lauren Bishop recently posted…Planting the Seeds of Change with Urban AgricultureMy Profile

    1. Yes, you are right, children are pretty fascinated by nature! Glad you had a great day in the gardens. It is the kind of place where you can do so many different things…including chilling out and soaking up the sun (well, it doesn’t come out very often!)

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