Kew Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the world’s leading scientific gardens. Its 330-acre park displays the largest collection of plants and fungi 30 minutes from central London. Recognized as one of the world’s leading botanical gardens for its unique history, diverse historical landscape, rich architectural heritage, botanical collections, and scientific research and education, it was inscribed on the 2003 World Heritage List.
Kew Gardens was started in 1759 by Princess Augusta. In the 1770s, under the guidance of Joseph Banks, its influence on horticulture, plant taxonomy, and economic botany spread internationally. During a period of exploration in Britain, early botanists gathered specimens from around the world to keep them safe in one place.
Today, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew is recognized as a global center of excellence for the study of plants and fungi. It is based on unique living and preserved plant and fungus collections. There will be a variety of activities throughout the year for guests of all ages, including festivals, guided tours, and special exhibitions. At the park, visitors can see the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse. It has over 10,000 plants in temperate climates, some of which are rare and endangered.
Palm House is another Victorian glasshouse with a rainforest climate. Here is a unique collection of tropical plants from some of the most endangered environments on Earth. It controls 10 humid tropical climates from the dry desert of Princess of Wales. There is also a rising treetop walkway open to the public, which extends to the royal palaces. The walls of the Marion North Gallery, started by the brave artist herself, are completely lined with her paintings. It is one of two galleries dedicated to the art of botany, exploring the beauty and sophistication of plants around the world.
Kew Gardens Palace was the summer residence of King George III and is the closest royal building to Britain. Queen Charlotte’s house is at the opposite end of the garden, tied to a 300-year-old bluebell tree, and will be explored by a more courageous visitor.
The Great Palace, completed in 1762 as a gift to Princess Augusta and designed by William Chambers, once presented one of the finest views of London. After a major renovation project, it reopened to the public in 2018 to allow visitors to climb into the same scene. Eighty dragons carved out of submerged wood adorn each level, making it the most spectacular building in Kew Gardens.
Kew Gardens is a collection of interesting plants that change color throughout the season. The Great Broad Walk Boundary is a 320-meter ornate walkway that features themes over eight large beds. As the world’s largest double-plant border, the lake and the main rose garden take in a spectacular summer attraction.
As autumn falls, aboriginals become more seasonal. 14,000 trees are cleared over two-thirds of the park. Representing more than 2,000 specimens from around the world, it is a scientific treasure trove for conservation and biodiversity. During the winter months, you can enter the tropics through three of Kew’s glasshouses. Or you can explore the cherry blossoms that bloom throughout the spring.
Kew Gardens is located in Richmond Open Thames, London, southwest of the capital. The easiest way to reach the attraction is by the London Underground. Kew Gardens Station, the 3rd zone on the district (dark green) line, is 30 minutes from central London, followed by a five-minute walk to Kew Gardens.
