Kew Gardens was somewhere I discovered fairly recently. Despite living close by, it had taken me five years to visit. Upon realising it does live up to its hype on a springtime walk, I vowed to get the annual pass. Doing so has given me the opportunity to explore the huge expanse of gardens in west London one bit at a time. With my close friend, Gen, over from Singapore, I decided to take her and my youngest, Cheeky, for a stroll to enjoy it’s autumn colours.
We’d come a little late in the season to get the full autumnal effect. Some of the leaves by the Palm House were just about hanging on long enough for me to take a photo on this rather cloudy day.
I had a bit more luck by the lake where you can see the Temple of Arethusa in the distance.
To start with we made a beeline (!) for The Hive – an outdoor installation which aims to educate about bees and their role in pollination as well as the challenges they face.
The lights and sounds made in the Hive are triggered by bee activity in a real beehive at Kew. Isn’t that amazing?
Unfortunately, the interactive space was closed on the day we went! We had to make do with photographs outside the 17 metre high structure.
There’s always something to discover in Kew Gardens’ 300 acre space. I still haven’t made it to the Giant Badger Sett, the Minka House and Bamboo Garden or Queen Charlotte’s cottage. With a 17-month old in tow, those would have to wait for another day.
Instead, we found the Secluded Garden and, of course, no visit to Kew Gardens with children is complete without a stop at the indoor kids play area, Creepers and Climbers.
There’s something wonderfully relaxing about Kew Gardens. Although the occasional aeroplane rumbles overhead it’s an oasis away from the urban noise of London.
A gaggle of geese had set up residence outside Kew Palace. The grand house is the former summer residence of the Royal family. The parents of the future George III started a garden around the palace which gradually grew in size and was the beginning of Kew Gardens as we know today.
The building of the greenhouses The Palm House and Temperate House in the mid-1800s made Kew Gardens a centre for scientific research and supplied seed, crops and advice to the developing British Empire.
It’s no wonder then that parts of the gardens evoke a Victorian feel. As my friend and I are former English literature students, the space brought back visions of Austen’s novels to us.
With no handsome gent to link our arm, take us for a walk and ask for our hand in marriage, we decided to have some photo fun instead and do some jumping shots
I joined in with this effort.
Hilariously, Gen’s dark trousers made it look as though she didn’t have any legs in this one!
Here was a contemplative shot…
And one in the rose garden.
We finally found lots of gorgeous autumn leaves so decided to have a bit of photo fun throwing the leaves up.
We rounded the afternoon off with a wander around the Palm House where Gen felt a bit closer to home with its balmy temperature and tropical plants inside the greenhouse.
We had a lot of fun exploring Kew Gardens in autumn and Cheeky seemed to enjoy herself too. Although we got some beautiful red autumnal colours, next year I’ll get there a little earlier in the season.
Visiting Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens opens at 10am. The nearest tube station is Kew Gardens.
Online ticket prices (until 31 January 2018)
Adults £12.75* / £11.50
Children (4–16) £2.50
Children under 4 free
Concessions £11.25* / £10
* Includes a voluntary donation
An annual pass for a family of four costs £79 or £69 if paying by direct debit.
Ooh Kew Gardens looks very beautiful! I bet its wonderful throughout the different seasons now that you have a pass! #CityTripping
California Globetrotter recently posted…The Beguiling Charm of GdaÅ„sk, Poland
Exactly! Really looking forward to seeing it at different times of the year!
What a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city! And fabulous jump shots ladies – I couldn’t help but smile, especially with the ‘no legs’ one ? #citytripping
Thank you! Haha I know, we had a good giggle with that one!
Looks like you had great fun! A brilliant idea to see the gardens in every season. I have only been twice, Spring (wonderful bluebells) and Summer to see Gypsy Kings. I must go next Autumn! Wilbur #citytripping
Wilbur recently posted…Balkans Tour 2017 – Timisoara, The Final Act
Yes, you must Wilbur! Definitely worth it!
Aww looks like you guys had an amazing time! I haven’t been to Kew since I was a kid, must make the time to return… #citytripping
Keri | Ladies What Travel recently posted…10 Epic Gift Ideas for Travel Addicts
I hadn’t either until recently but it’s worth a visit as an adult!
pretty autumn photos:)
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…Sunday Photo: Christmas in Vienna
Thanks Tanja.
I am the same as you – although I live close by, I have never visited! I regularly run past along the river, I must actually visit one day! #citytripping
Oh you must do!!
I love visiting the different botanical gardens in NYC, so know I would love Kew Gardens. What can I say I’m a sucker for nature. Looks like you had a lot of fun with your friend – love all the different shots! #citytripping
Corey with fifi + hop recently posted…24 Hours in New York City: Guide to a Local’s Travel Fix
Thanks Corey! Living in the city makes it even more important to go visit some green spaces every now and then.
It looks nice and peaceful!
beatravelling recently posted…Lima’s Archbishop’s Palace
It’s a great place to visit.
This is one crazy, fun post! There is so much cheerfulness going on! Few things beat spending time with a good friend. Love the colors and different spaces inside the gardens. #citytripping
Ruth recently posted…Luxembourg: Things to Do in One (or More) Day
You’re absolutely right! We had a fantastic day. Wonderful to spend time with her!
Thanks for hosting link up party!! Kew gardens look so beautiful and beautiful autumn colors. Loved your high jumps up in air. 🙂 I have been blogging for three weeks now and I just wrote a post on Mt. RIGI day trip from Zurich. let me know your feedback!! thanks https://www.modlotus.com/mt-rigi-winter-day-trip-zurich/
Thanks so much for linking up! Great post. Welcome to blogging, best wishes for your journey ahead!
We love Kew Gardens and have been a few times! Many years ago, on the way to our first visit we stopped to help another family get their stroller up the stairs, we ended up spending two days hanging out, including in the gardens, and have stayed friends ever since! Such a special place for all ages! #citytripping
Hilary recently posted…5 Places to Get Your Groove on in LA
Oh wow! What a wonderful story! Thank you so much for sharing! It certainly is a special place!
I love Kew and autumn seems a fab one to visit
Wandermust mummy recently posted…Manchester Christmas Market What to Eat, Drink and Buy that isn’t Gluhwein and Bratwurst
It’s a great London attraction.
I must be a little like you, I used to live within 5 miles of Kew Gardens when m y older kids were tiny and I don’t think I ever took them. To be fair I think it has changed quite a lot and become must more family friendly in that time. I can see now why you would want an annual pass. The open fields with those trees look so enchanting and I love all your fun photo poses. Gen looks like great company and the gardens sound like the perfect place for you all to visit together.
Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
Gen is really good fun – a great day out. Kew Gardens is really family-friendly these days! Lots to do there and the indoor and outdoor playgrounds too!
I adore Kew Gardens and love visiting at this time of year.
Your pic with the falling leaves is such fun! #countrykids
Thank you – it was really fun doing the photos!
I am very very impressed by those jumping shots!
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays recently posted…RED DOOR: ANCIENT OR MODERN?
Hehe – thanks!
Kew Gardens looks like a gorgeous place to visit. I’ve never been there despite living reasonably close by. It’s on my list of places to visit at some point though! The autumn colours are so pretty. Love the jumping shots. It certainly looks like you had a fun day out 🙂 #countrykids
Oh, you must go at some point Louise!
I remember visiting Kew Gardens on a lovely summer day many, many moons ago, when I lived in London. It seems to have only got better over time. Love the jumping photos, very funny!
#CountryKids
Thank you! They were fun to do. There’s more renovation work going on at the moment…so soon it should be ever better!
We’ve always wanted to visit Kew Gardens and see the Palm House in its full glory. Might try to visit in spring x you’ve inspired us! Popping over from #CountryKids
I do hope you go. The gardens in Spring are particularly beautiful!