Kew Gardens

Please note that visiting Kew Gardens has been affected by Covid-19 and the new government guidelines. The latest information can be found here.

We’re so lucky to have Kew Gardens right on our doorstep. It may be an internationally important botanical research institution, but it’s also a fantastic place for the kids to get some fresh air and run off some energy. The area it covers is vast, but if their little legs can carry them there’s so much to explore all over the Gardens. There’s also a network of pushchair-friendly paths, and there’s also a land train to get you around which is an attraction in itself!

The main area aimed at kids is the Children’s Garden that opened in 2019 after an extensive repurposing of the old playground area. It’s aimed at children aged 2-12yrs and a fun, interactive space to climb, run, jump and explore, with all the play equipment themed around things  that a plant needs to grow – earth, air, sun and water. Because it’s so popular, tickets must be booked in advance.

Another key attraction of interest is the Great Pagoda, which was completed in 1762 and after a major restoration can now be claimed – all 253 steps. An extra charge applies if you want to climb the Pagoda, but it is worth it for the adventure and the amazing views from the top. Nearby there is also the Log Trail and Badger Set in the Natural Area, both of which will keep the kids busy for a long time.

Of course, one of the things Kew Gardens is famous for is its incredible glasshouses. There are two iconic Victorian glasshouses – the Palm House and the Temperate House – which are probably of more interest to the grow-ups, but children will walk in awe through the giant plants contained in them. The more modern Princess Of Wales Conservatory, which opened in 1987, has a succession of different themed areas and is a really interesting place to explore. It also contains a huge pond with glass walls and other tanks to watch all sorts of fish. While you’re there you can also see if you can spot one of the Chinese water dragon lizards, who are free to roam the conservatory and help out by eating unwanted bugs!

A more recent addition to Kew Gardens is The Hive, which was originally conceived as a temporary installation, but proved so popular it stayed. At a towering 17 metres tall, it recreates life inside a beehive. You can walk right Walk into it and immediately enter the whirring world of a real beehive at Kew. One thousand LED lights glow according to the vibrations of bees that live in the Gardens, and in the background a musical symphony responds to this activity. Sounds bizarre but it is truly mesmerising.

In terms of basic facilities, there are a few cafes located around the Gardens – the family-friendly White Peaks near Brentford Gate, the Orangery near Elizabeth Gate, the Victoria Gate Cafe, and the Pavilion Bar & Grill near Lion Gate. There are Aldo gift shops at White Peaks, the Victoria Gate Cafe and the Pavilion.

The Gardens are open every day of the year, and often run special events in half-terms and school holidays.

.

You can also follow Family Hub on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and sign up for our newsletter.