This post lists ticket prices and visiting information for Kew Gardens in London (marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It also includes available discounts on walking tours, or those employing bikes, bicycles, tricycles, micro-scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and buses and tips to plan your visit.
ABOUT KEW GARDENS
London is known for being a ‘green’ city, with lush parks and gardens all throughout the capital.
Not only does London boast numerous accessible parks, but it is also home to the largest collection of living plants including varieties of climbers and creepers in the entire world!
This collection is housed in 121 hectares of gardens, set in one of London’s top tourist attractions: Kew Royal Botanical Gardens.
Kew Gardens began life centuries ago in the 1700s. Here in Kew (southwest of London), an exotic garden was put together by Lord Capel, John of Tewkesbury.
In July 2003, Kew Gardens (Temperate House) was put on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO and is now open to the public all year-round.
Kew Gardens today is not one simple garden. It is a cornucopia of fauna and flora from all over the world and from all climates and habitats. So, having a free walking tour is a must.
It is thought that there has been a Palace at Kew since the time of Queen Elizabeth I who gave a palace here to her friend and favourite, Robert Dudley.
However, the Palace as it stands today was built in 1631 by a Dutch merchant named Samuel Fortrey and was created in brick in a ‘Flemish bond’ method - a traditionally Dutch architectural feature.
TICKETS
This section lists the ticket prices for general admission.
But why pay full price when you could get in at a discount? Check out the discount section below to get in for cheap or free.
Also, check their refunds and cancellation policy to avoid any disappointment later on.
Some of these provide full refund and free cancellation.
Before booking for tickets, confirmation that it's not a bank holiday is necessary.
General Admission
- Adult: £13.50
- Youth (16 - 24): £6.75
- Child (4 - 15): £4.50
Advance Tickets
(Must book 2 or more days in advance)
- Adult: £11.00
- Youth (16 - 24): £6.00
- Child (4 - 15): £4.00
Guide Book
- Adult Book: £6
- Child Book: £5
DISCOUNTS
This section lists the possible discounts you can find on tickets to Kew Gardens. To get more discounts, the peak time is from February to October.
Attraction Discount Passes
If you're planning on visiting multiple museums and attractions, you should consider getting a tourist attraction discount pass.
The passes bundle admission prices for heavy discounts when you purchase upfront. Some include free entry to Kew Gardens after getting off at Kew Bridge Station.
Admission to Kew Gardens is included on the all-inclusive London Pass.
Don't forget to bring your digital voucher or printed copy at Elizabeth Gate, Lion Gate, or Victoria Gate.
Other attractions on this pass include:
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour
- Windsor Castle
- Banqueting House
- Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms
- London Transport Museum
Check out our post on London city passes for more information and attractions.
2 for 1 Kew Garden Tickets
If you’ve purchased a National Rail ticket at a National Rail station on the day of your sightseeing, it could be eligible to give you a 2-for-1 deal at more than 150 London sites and attractions.
Kew Gardens is one of the participating locations. In essence, you pay for one ticket and the 2nd entrance is free.
Check our full post for 2-for-1 discount details.
Historic Royal Palaces Members
If you love royal history, you might want to get a Historic Royal Palaces membership.
One membership allows you unlimited entry into all the palaces: Hampton Court, Kensington Palace, Hillsborough Castle, Kew Palace, Tower of London, and the Banqueting House.
It pays for itself quite quickly and includes a 10% discount in Palace shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Prices:
- Adult Membership: £62
- Joint (2 Adults) Membership: £94
- 1 Adult + 6 Children Family Membership: £82
- 2 Adults + 6 Children Family Membership: £122
KEEP IN MIND: The membership allows entry into Kew Palace, but it only gives a 10% discount for admission into the Gardens themselves.
Emergency Service Workers/Military Discount
All Emergency Service Workers and Military personnel who have a Blue Light Card are eligible for free admission to Kew Gardens.
Discount Sites
Every now and then a service such as Groupon will provide discounted admission to locations like the gardens or combo packages that include tickets to this attraction.
Resident Discounts
If you're a local resident, you'll be eligible for a discounted rate that is even lower than the standard prices:
- General Admission: £12
- Advance Tickets: £10
Senior/Disability Discount
Senior citizens over the age of 65 and disabled visitors are both eligible for the following concession prices:
- General Admission: £12
- Advance Tickets: £10
Blue Light Card | NHS Discount
If you're a Blue Light Card holder, there currently aren't any discounts at Kew Garden as of May 2nd, 2023. They are making changes to how the card works, and in the future this will likely change. We'll let you know when and if this card will provide a discounted rate.
Free Entry at Kew Gardens
Technically there are no free days offered at Kew Gardens, but there are ways to get in for free or almost nothing, including the following options:
- Children under 4 | Free
- Kew/Wakehurst Members | Free
- Corporate Members | Free
- Community Access Scheme Member | Free
- Essential Carers | Free
- Blind Visitors | Free
If you receive Universal Credit or Pension Credit, you're eligible for £1 tickets (£2 with donation).
PLAN YOUR VISIT
This section lists the important information you need to know to get there and plan a fun day in the gardens.
If you're looking for discounts, check the section above.
How to Get There
From the centre of London, it won't take any more than 45 minutes or so to get to the front gates of the garden.
There's an Underground Station - Kew Garden - which is on the District Line, running straight along the River Thames.
There's only a short walk to the gardens from the station.
You could also take a train from Waterloo Station (you could purchase your ticket here and then use it for the London 2 for 1 Promotion) to Kew Gardens Station, which is a quick half-hour journey.
Richmond Station is served by both the Underground and National Rail and from here there are buses that run to Kew: 237 and 267.
These buses will take you straight to the gates of the gardens.
We recommend using this Google map for directions from anywhere in the London area.
Operating Hours
The opening hours vary by season, so you should check the website to make sure they're open when you want to visit.
- The gardens open at 10:00 am every day (Monday to Friday). Timings are different for Saturday, Sunday, or other bank holidays.
- They close between 15:30 (3:30 pm) and 19:00 (7:00 pm) in the evening.
- CLOSED on December 24 and 25
How long should you stay?
Kew Gardens are massive, with multiple points of interest as well as restaurants and cafes.
Most people spend half a day on the property, while some people can stay all day.
What to Expect
You can find multiple cafes and restaurants if you get hungry or thirsty, including an atmospheric Orangery.
There is also a treetop walkway that is fun for the whole family to explore and playgrounds for the little ones.
If you're interested in exotic plant life, you can visit the glass greenhouses and open-air gardens throughout the property.
Of course, there is also Kew Palace, which has a separate fee unless you have a Royal Palaces Membership.
Christmas at Kew
Join the most wonderful time of the year at Kew Gardens as the magical winter trail lights up the evening skies for 2022.
You can enjoy annual after-dark festivities with family and friends, as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour on your way to the panoramic Palm House light display.
Journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the Fire Garden, spot larger-than-life illuminations and say hello to Father Christmas along the way.
Along the route, our delicious independent street food vendors will offer tasty festive delights, from hot food and sweet treats to spiced winter warmers and hot chocolate.
Date: Wednesday 16 November 2022 – Sunday 8 January 2023
Time: 4:20 pm – 10 pm (last entry 8:20 pm*) *24 December 2022: last entry 7:20pm
Price: Adult: Off-peak £21.50/ Peak £28.00
Child (4-15): Off-peak £14/ Peak £16.50
Family (2+2): Off-peak £65/ Peak £76
How long does it take to walk through Kew Gardens?
The walking tour through Kew Gardens can vary in duration depending on the pace, but typically it takes around 2 to 3 hours to explore the vast botanical wonders, art galleries, and iconic gates.
What is the best time to visit Kew Gardens?
The best time to visit Kew Gardens is during the spring months, like April, when the flora is in full bloom, or in August, when the weather is pleasant. Additionally, visiting in the morning or late afternoon allows for a quieter and more enjoyable experience amidst the beauty of the gardens.
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