Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
World-famous botanic gardens and UNESCO World Heritage Site
At a Glance
Best Ages
All ages
Cost
Free
Time Needed
Half day to full day
Indoor/Outdoor
Outdoor with indoor glasshouses
Weather Fit
Great year-round; glasshouses ideal for rain
Stroller Access
Yes, mostly step-free paths
Washrooms
On-site with baby change
Food
Cafés and restaurants on-site
Parking
Paid car park nearby
Booking
Recommended at weekends
Parent Effort
Medium (walking & supervision)
Kew Gardens is a brilliant family day out that blends open-air exploration with awe-inspiring indoor biomes. Children can run through woodland glades, climb the Treetop Walkway, and stand beneath towering palms in the Victorian glasshouses — all while learning about the natural world.
About This Place
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Richmond, Surrey, holding one of the world's largest and most diverse collections of living plants — around 27,000 species across 132 hectares. Major features include the Victorian Palm House, the Temperate House (the world's largest surviving Victorian glasshouse), a treetop walkway, the Kew Palace, and extensive formal gardens. The site also operates significant botanical research and plant conservation programmes.
Official Website open_in_new- Monday – Sunday
- 10:00 – 19:00
Hours were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
- Admission
- FREE
Prices were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date rates.
Giant Glasshouses to Explore
Step inside the Palm House and Temperate House for tropical climates and towering plants.
Treetop Walkway
Walk 18 metres high among the canopy for a bird's-eye view of the gardens.
Seasonal Trails & Play
Family activity trails, natural play areas, and seasonal events run throughout the year.
World-Class Gardens
132 hectares of lawns, lakes, and themed gardens perfect for picnics and wandering.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Last entry
- One hour before closing
- Stroller access
- Most paths are step-free; some historic areas have steps
- Food policy
- Picnics welcome in designated areas
- Glasshouse temperatures
- Palm House is warm and humid; dress in layers
- Treetop Walkway
- Lift available; narrow walkways may challenge pushchairs
- Kew Palace
- Separate ticket or included with admission; limited opening season
Kid Fit by Age
Wide paths for prams, baby-change facilities, and calm green spaces.
Natural play areas, open lawns to toddle, and sensory plants.
Activity trails, glasshouse wonders, and plenty of space to run.
Treetop Walkway, interactive displays, and school-holiday workshops.
Science exhibits, photography spots, and independent exploring.
Conservation stories, art exhibitions, and impressive architecture.
Insider Tips
Arrive at opening to enjoy the glasshouses before crowds build
Pick up a free family activity map at the entrance
Check the daily guided walk schedule for child-friendly tours
- •Supervise children on the Treetop Walkway and near water features
- •Glasshouses can be hot and humid — bring water and take breaks
- •Some historic buildings have uneven floors and steps
- •Most garden paths are step-free and suitable for pushchairs
- •Lift available to the Treetop Walkway
- •Accessible toilets and baby-change facilities on-site
- •Some areas of historic glasshouses have narrow doorways
schedule Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings are quietest. Summer weekends and school holidays are busiest — book ahead. The glasshouses make rainy days just as enjoyable.
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxComfortable walking shoes
- check_boxWater and snacks for long garden walks
- check_boxWeather-appropriate layers
- check_boxCamera for the glasshouses and Treetop Walkway
- check_boxSunscreen and hats in summer
Location
Address
Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE
Phone
+442083325655