How long do you need at Kew Gardens?

Most visitors should allow at least half a day. The Gardens cover 320 acres, and moving between glasshouses, outdoor areas, and galleries involves significant walking.

Is Kew Gardens free to enter?

No. Entry requires a ticket, purchased either online or at the gate. Booking online in advance is cheaper than paying on arrival.

Do the glasshouses close earlier than the Gardens?

Yes. While the Gardens may stay open into the evening in summer, glasshouses and galleries typically close earlier, often around 17:00–17:30.

What is the best season to visit Kew Gardens?

Late spring through early autumn offers longer opening hours and full access to outdoor areas. Winter is quieter and cheaper but comes with reduced hours.

London · United Kingdom · Landmark

Hotels near the Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens, formally the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a 320-acre botanic garden in southwest London that works both as a public garden and a global centre for plant science and

Why stay near Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens, formally the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a 320-acre botanic garden in southwest London that works both as a public garden and a global centre for plant science and conservation. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s defined less by flower displays and more by the depth of its living collection — over 50,000 plants grown across landscapes, research plots, and historic glasshouses. People come prepared to walk: long paths link working Victorian structures, arboretums, and natural woodland areas. It’s a place to spend hours moving between indoor and outdoor environments, seeing plants from every continent and understanding how botany, history, and conservation intersect.

See the full London guide →