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A Visit to Kew Gardens

Richmond Park is a vast natural land second to Hyde Park in Greater London. Most people who venture to Richmond are blissfully unaware that a second section of this land exists just north of the main park.

Separated by just a few streets and small neighborhoods, Kew Gardens is somewhat of Richmond’s better looking sibling. Instead of simply being a royal park, this is a royal botanical garden, and the wonders it holds are astounding.

Kew Gardens – by Max Letek –

How does one get into the Kew Gardens? Take the underground through to Richmond station, just as you would to get to Richmond Park. Upon exiting the station, head just a few minutes north by food, instead of the twenty minutes south it takes to get into Richmond. You’ll find yourself entering the Kew in no time.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 6pm

ADDRESS: Richmond TW9 3AB, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Richmond

The History of Kew Gardens

The Kew Gardens were founded in 1840. They have since officially become the largest and most diverse collection of botanicals on the planet. The herbarium alone houses over 8.5million plant and fungi specimens.

These grounds are so important to the Brits that Kew Gardens have had their own independent police force since 1847.

Kew Gardens – by Linford Miles –

Parks in this area of London began developing bak in 1625 when the royals were forced to retreat further out of the city due to the outbreak of the plague. It is then that the fountain for Kew Gardens can be seen taking shape, through until 1840 when they were officially adopted by the city as a national botanical garden.

Fast forward to July of 2003, and the Kew Gardens were officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

The oldest surviving trees in the Kew Gardens date back to 1762; there are five of them left.

Kew Gardens – by James Morley –

What to Expect from Kew Gardens

Upon entering Kew Gardens you’re likely to feel very much displaced from what you’ve come to know as London. This is a very different side to the British lifestyle; not something one will grasp via a simple guided walking tour through the city.

Kew Gardens – by Oliver Needham –

There are two main ponds in the park, as well as a few smaller bodies of water. Via a system of interconnected walkways you’ll make your way between all of the different sections dedicated to different types of plant work.

There are herbariums, compost heaps, Alpine Houses, greenhouses, conservatories, ornamental structures (mostly from Asia), bonsai collections and even temples.

Kew Gardens – by Rumman Amin –

To put all of Kew Gardens on paper would be an impossible task. This is place of endless discovery; one where you can return multiple times and possibly never see the same thing twice.

Mostly, it’s a haven for plant lovers. Every inch of these gardens is dedicated to either the study, showcase or preservation of thousands of plant species from all over the world. Botanists have Kew Gardens on their bucket lists from early on in their careers; walking around you might even spot a few who have finally made the journey.

Things to do in Kew Gardens

Picnic by a pond and then walk over it

The main pond in the Kew Gardens features a famous bridge known as Sackler Crossing. The pond itself is a picturesque place for a picnic or lazy afternoon with a book.

Afterward, make the long walk over this lengthy bridge and admire all the angles of the park views along the way.

The bride is renowned because instead of a solid edge it is made from individual metal slats that never touch one another, leaving great gaps through which you can virtually touch the water.

Sackler Crossing – by Txllxt TxllxT –

Have brunch at The Botanical

After a long self-guided stroll through the gardens it’s lovely to settle in at The Botanical, situated on the banks of the other main pond in the north.

The Botanical is one of few spots of refreshment inside of Kew Gardens. Because of this the prices are quite high. They do a great afternoon tea if you’d rather not splurge!

Climb the Treetop Walkway

No visit to the Kew Gardens is complete without experiencing the Treetop Walkway.

This is a viewpoint that is elevated 18 meters above the park; one makes their way up either via the stairs or the elevator (usually reserved for the elderly or people with disabilities).

At the top you’ll find panoramic views of the gardens in all their glory. On the way up there are also a few great picnic spots, so don’t leave your goods at the bottom.

Treetop Walkway – by Txllxt TxllxT –

Attractions in Kew Gardens

King’s Observatory

The King’s Observatory was only very recently opened to the public as an attraction after years of private use.

This was King George III’s creation. He intended it be used as a astronomical and terrestrial magnetic observatory; and it was for quite some time. I highly recommend doing the guided walking tour; you’ll learn the full history and development of this unique building. These walls have seen some things.

Kew Gardens, Natural Area

I always encourage anyone who doesn’t have a lot of time to explore Kew Gardens to simply make their way directly to the Natural Area instead of trying to do it all.

It’s the best condensed representation of everything these gardens have to offer. More than this, it’s a completely transportive area in which you’ll be immersed in plant life you likely didn’t even know existed in Britain.

Even in the dead of winter, this area of the gardens is still fascinating. One of the most significant examples of European biodiversity on the continent.

Kew Gardens – by Dinkum –

Mediterranean Gardens

Depending on what side of the gardens you enter into, the Mediterranean Gardens might be easier to access than the Natural Area.

As the name suggests, this is where all of the botanicals native to the Med are gathered and thrive virtually year round. It’s another spot where you feel like an alien who is experiencing Earth life for the very first time.

If you can visit early on in spring you’ll see an actual Judas tree in full bloom; a shade of pink you’ve never encountered in your life prior!

Mediterranean Gardens – by Rabe! –