ACTIVITY | Exploring the Wonders of Kew Gardens: A Paradise for Young Explorers
Kew Gardens and Wakehurst have a 250 year old mission to understand and protect plants and fungi, for the wellbeing of people and the future of all life on Earth.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew currently employs over 1,200 staff at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst. Kew is led by its Director and overseen by the Board of Trustees.
It’s patron is the his Majesty, the King. It is a lush haven in Southwest London and has been in existsnce foe over two centuries.
Opening Hours
Kew Gardens opening times 2024/25
1 April to 30 April 2024
Daily, 10am to 7pm (last entry 6pm)
1 May to 31 August 2024
Weekdays, 10am to 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Weekends and Bank Holidays, 10am to 8pm (last entry 7pm)
(Gardens close at 5pm from 8 – 14 July due to our annual Kew the Music concerts)
(Gardens close at 4pm on Thursday 1 August due to our evening Summer Cycle Event)
1 September to 30 September 2024
Daily, 10am to 7pm (last entry 6pm)
(Gardens open at 11am on Sunday 15 September due to our Richmond Runfest event)
Members only 1 May – 30 September
Early access from 8am daily.
From 8.15am on weekends and bank holidays, the Children’s Garden will also open early for members accompanied by children.
For more information please visit our Summer early opening page.
1 October to 26 October 2024
Daily, 10am to 6pm (last entry 5pm)
27 October 2024
Daily, 10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm)
28 October to 11 November 2024
Daily, 10am to 4pm (last entry 3pm)
12 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Daily, 10am to 3.15pm (last entry 2.30pm)
Glasshouses
Daily, 10am to 5pm*
*Opening and closing times may vary. Please check the planned closures page before your visit.
Cafés and restaurants
Family Kitchen & Shop
- Daily, 10am to 5pm
- Hot food: 11.30am to 2.30pm
- Pizza: 11.30am to 3pm
Orangery
- Daily, 10am to 5pm
- Breakfast: 10am to 11am
- Hot food: 11.30am to 3pm
Pavilion Bar and Grill
- Daily, 10am to 5pm (last food orders at 3pm)
The Botanical Brasserie
- Daily, 10am to 4.45pm
- Breakfast: 10am to 11am
- Lunch: 11.30am to 3pm
- Afternoon tea: 2.30pm to 2.45pm
Victoria Plaza Café
- Daily, 10am to 4.45pm
Grab and go
- Grab a hot drink and a snack at one of our outdoor pop-ups
Shops
Family Kitchen & Shop
- Daily, 10am to 5.30pm (last entry 5.15pm)
Galleries gift shop
- Daily, 10am to 5pm
Victoria Plaza shop
- Daily, 10am to 6pm (last entry 5.45pm)
The Kew Online Shop
Galleries
Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art
- Daily, 10am to 5pm
Marianne North Gallery
- Daily, 10am to 5pm
Treetop Walkway
- Daily, 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.45pm)
Children’s Garden
- Daily, 10am to 5pm
Historic Royal Palaces attractions
Great Pagoda
- 11am to 4pm
Kew Palace
- 11am to 4pm
Royal Kitchens
- 11am to 4pm
Queen Charlotte’s Cottage
- Weekends/bank holidays only: 11:30am, last entry 3:30pm
Entry and exit
Victoria Gate (TW9 3JR)
Lion Gate (TW9 2DF)
Elizabeth Gate (TW9 3AE)
Brentford Gate (TW9 3AF)
The Kew Ferry Lane car park is close to Brentford Gate and open as usual.
Pay & Display still applies.
Please note: There are no lockers or baggage storage facilities available in the Gardens. You can check Stasher for luggage storage facilities nearby.
By bike
We love to welcome cyclists to our Gardens.
There are bicycle racks at all four gates. At Elizabeth Gate and Victoria Gate, the racks are inside the gates behind the booths.
Bikes left outside our gates are left at your own risk.
We do not allow bicycles, tricycles, roller skates, skateboards, and scooters into the Gardens.
By bus
Route 65 stops close to Lion Gate, Elizabeth Gate and Victoria Gate.
Route 110 stops near Kew Gardens station and Elizabeth Gate.
Routes 237 and 267 stop at Kew Bridge station.
By train
Kew Bridge station is 800m from Elizabeth Gate, via Kew Bridge. South West Trains run services from Waterloo, via Vauxhall and Clapham Junction. There is no level access at Kew Bridge.
Richmond station has lift and level access. Take 65 bus (in the direction of Ealing Broadway) to Lion or Victoria Gate.
By tube
Kew Gardens station is 500m from Victoria Gate. It is in Zone 3 and is served by the District Line (Richmond branch) and London Overground.
There is no level access from the westbound platform. It is possible to continue one stop to Richmond and catch a tube back to use the eastbound platform which does have level access.
By car
Please note: Parking at Kew is extremely limited, with spaces in our car park available on a first come, first served basis. Please plan ahead if you are considering driving to Kew, as we cannot guarantee available space in our car park.
CONGESTION ZONE & ULTRA LOW EMISSIONS ZONE (ULEZ)
Kew Gardens is not located within London’s Congestion Zone. It is included in the ULEZ. We recommend checking the ULEZ before you travel if driving by car, details can be found here.
Kew Gardens car park (TW9 3AF)
Ferry Lane, near Brentford Gate.
- Limited parking available in the car park
- Parking costs £9 per day. You can pay on site, or with the paybyphone app.
- No charge for motorcycles and mopeds
- Blue badge holders park for free in disabled access parking spaces or other spaces if full
- Car park closes 30 minutes after the Gardens close
- The Herbarium car park will operate as a weekend overflow car park, opening at the point that the Ferry Lane car park gets full
Parking around Kew Gardens
- There is no parking allowed on Kew Road (A307) Check Richmond council website for parking updates.
- From Monday 3 May 2021, you will need to pay to park in visitor spaces at Kew Green using RingGo.
- Try the Just Park app to find parking near Kew Gardens.
- Restrictions apply on residential streets around Kew
- Three disabled access parking bays and drop-off area at Elizabeth Gate (TW9 3AB)
- There is no coach park at Kew
Richmond Athletic Grounds (TW9 2SF)
- Check out the Just Park app for Richmond Athletic Grounds. It’s about 20 min walk to Victoria Gate. Please note: Kew Gardens is not affiliated in any way with Just Park
By boat
Thames River Boats operate a special service from Westminster Pier to Kew Pier.
The easiest entrance for visitors coming from Kew Pier is Elizabeth Gate (postcode TW9 3AB). Elizabeth Gate is a 0.2 mile walk from Kew Pier across Kew Green.
Timings
Westminster to Kew:
11am
2.30pm
Kew to Westminster:
12.30pm
3.30pm
5pm
Sailing times may vary, check the Thames River Boats site for more information.
Ticket prices
If you can, adding a voluntary donation to top up your ticket is an easy way to support Kew’s vital science and conservation work.
If you are a UK taxpayer and add a donation of at least 10%, we can claim Gift Aid on the whole amount you pay.
Adult
PEAK (1 FEBRUARY TO 31 OCTOBER)
Online
Weekday: £20 (£22 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £22 (£24.50 with donation)
At the gate
Weekday: £22 (£24.50 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £24 (£26.50 with donation)
After 4pm (1 May to 30 September)
£10 (£11 with donation)
OFF PEAK (1 NOVEMBER TO 31 JANUARY)
Online
Weekday: £12 (£13.50 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £14 (£15.50 with donation)
At the gate
Weekday: £14 (£15.50 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £16 (£17.60 with donation)
Child (4 to 15)
PEAK (1 FEBRUARY TO 31 OCTOBER)
Online
Weekday: £5 (£5.50 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £6 (£7 with donation)
At the gate
Weekday: £6 (£7 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £7 (£8 with donation)
OFF PEAK (1 NOVEMBER TO 31 JANUARY)
Online
Weekday: £4 (£4.50 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £5 (£5.50 with donation)
At the gate
Weekday: £5 (£5.50 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £6 (£6.60 with donation)
Child (under 4)
All children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Free
Young person (16 to 29) and students
This ticket may be used by a young person or a student. Proof of eligibility for students (NUS and University cards only) will need to be checked at the gate. If you are aged 16 to 29, you do not need to produce a student card.
PEAK (1 FEBRUARY TO 31 OCTOBER)
Online
Weekday: £9 (£10 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £10 (£11 with donation)
At the gate
Weekday: £10 (£11 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £12 (£13.50 with donation)
OFF PEAK (1 NOVEMBER TO 31 JANUARY)
Online
Weekday: £6 (£7 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £7 (£8 with donation)
At the gate
Weekday: £7 (£8 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £9 (£10 with donation)
Family
PEAK (1 FEBRUARY TO 31 OCTOBER)
Online
Weekday
2 adults and 1 child: £38.50 (£42.50 with donation)
2 adults and 2 children: £43 (£47.50 with donation)
1 adult and 2 children: £26 (£29 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays
2 adults and 1 child: £42.50 (£47.60 with donation)
2 adults and 2 children: £48 (£53 with donation)
1 adult and 2 children: £29 (£32 with donation)
At the gate
Weekday
2 adults and 1 child: £45 (£50 with donation)
2 adults and 2 children: £48 (£53 with donation)
1 adult and 2 children: £29 (£32 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays
2 adults and 1 child: £50 (£55 with donation)
2 adults and 2 children: £53 (£58.50 with donation)
1 adult and 2 children: £32 (£35.50 with donation)
OFF PEAK (1 NOVEMBER TO 31 JANUARY)
Online
Weekday
2 adults and 1 child: £24 (£27 with donation)
2 adults and 2 children: £27.50 (£30.50 with donation)
1 adult and 2 children: £17 (£19 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays
2 adults and 1 child: £28 (£31 with donation)
2 adults and 2 children: £32.50 (£36 with donation)
1 adult and 2 children: £20.50 (£23 with donation)
At the gate
Weekday
2 adults and 1 child: £28 (£31 with donation)
2 adults and 2 children: £32.50 (£36 with donation)
1 adult and 2 children: £20.50 (£23 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays
2 adults and 1 child: £32.50 (£35.80 with donation)
2 adults and 2 children: £37.50 (£41.50 with donation)
1 adult and 2 children: £24 (£26.50 with donation)
Concessions
For visitors with a disability and senior citizens 65+. You may need to present ID.
PEAK (1 FEBRUARY TO 31 OCTOBER)
Online
Weekday: £18 (£20 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £20 (£22 with donation)
At the gate
Weekday: £20 (£22 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £22 (£24.50 with donation)
OFF PEAK (1 NOVEMBER TO 31 JANUARY)
Online
Weekday: £10 (£11 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £12 (£13.50 with donation)
At the gate
Weekday: £12 (£13.50 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £14 (£15.50 with donation)
Universal Credit and Pension Credit
You will need to present proof of either your Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) on arrival.
£1 (£2 with donation)
Each benefit holder is entitled to one universal credit adult ticket each. Visitors may also purchase up to 4 additional tickets for children between 4 to 15 years.
Local resident
Proof of eligibility includes items with address, such as valid driver’s license, recent bank statement or utility bill. This will be checked at the gate,
PEAK (1 FEBRUARY TO 31 OCTOBER)
Online
Weekday: £18 (£20 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £20 (£22 with donation)
At the gate
Weekday: £20 (£22 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £22 (£24.50 with donation)
OFF PEAK (1 NOVEMBER TO 31 JANUARY)
Online
Weekday: £10 (£11 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £12 (£13.50 with donation)
At the gate
Weekday: £12 (£13.50 with donation)
Weekends and bank holidays: £14 (£15.50 with donation)
Pre-book your tickets and save
Nestled in the heart of London, Kew Gardens is a remarkable botanical paradise that captivates visitors of all ages. While its beauty and scientific significance are widely acclaimed, Kew Gardens holds a special allure for children, offering a myriad of exciting activities and educational opportunities. In this article, we will uncover the wonders that await young adventurers within the lush greenery of Kew Gardens.
1. Discover the Enchanted Children’s Garden:
At the heart of Kew Gardens lies a hidden gem – the Enchanted Children’s Garden. Designed with young explorers in mind, this whimsical playground offers a magical experience like no other. Children can embark on a journey through time and nature, traversing treehouses, a bamboo tunnel, and an awe-inspiring log trail. The Children’s Garden also features a water play area, allowing little ones to cool off and engage in sensory water play.
2. Engage with Nature at the Climbers and Creepers:
Climbers and Creepers, an indoor play area within Kew Gardens, provides an immersive environment for children to learn about the wonders of plants. Through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences, kids can discover the secrets of plant life and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. From exploring the giant tree roots to watching plants grow in the greenhouse, Climbers and Creepers nurtures a love for nature in young minds.
3. Get Lost in the Treetop Walkway:
For those seeking a thrilling adventure, the Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens is a must-visit. Children can take to the skies, walking among the treetops and gaining a unique perspective on the botanical wonders below. As they ascend to the heights, young explorers can spot wildlife and marvel at the diverse flora that thrives within the gardens.
4. Learn at the Kew Science Festival:
Kew Gardens hosts an annual Science Festival, an event that brings science to life in a fun and engaging way for children. Through interactive workshops, hands-on experiments, and captivating demonstrations, young visitors can delve into the world of plants, uncovering the mysteries of botany and environmental conservation. The Science Festival is an excellent opportunity for children to ignite their curiosity and develop a passion for scientific exploration.
5. Participate in Seasonal Workshops and Events:
Throughout the year, Kew Gardens offers an array of workshops and events specially crafted for children. From seed planting sessions to arts and crafts activities, these events provide hands-on learning experiences that encourage creativity, imagination, and environmental awareness. By participating in these workshops, children can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world.
Kew Gardens is a haven of discovery, offering a wealth of enriching experiences for children. From the magical realms of the Children’s Garden to the educational exhibits at Climbers and Creepers, young explorers can immerse themselves in nature, knowledge, and adventure. By visiting Kew Gardens, children have the opportunity to cultivate a lifelong love for the environment, foster curiosity, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Plan a visit to Kew Gardens today and watch your child’s imagination soar amidst the botanical wonders that await.
