London Weekend Break

Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are arguably the best to visit in the UK, but unlike many attractions in London (Kew is actually some way out of the city) these gardens are not free.

The standard charge is just over twelve pounds for an adult with under seventeen's getting in free, but few other concessionary rates apply.

Kew is massive and spreads over 300 acres with eight separate zones focusing on differing areas of horticulture. The gardens comprise formal and informal areas, plus wildlife sections, greenhouse displays and a museum. Some of the structures containing the many exhibits are now important buildings in themselves and the history of the gardens date back over two hundred years.

The gardens and enclosures at Kew manage to create a number of differing environments enabling it to house what is probably the most diverse collection of plants and flora in the world. In addition to being a stunning visitor attraction, Kew is a place of great scientific value for not just its many and varied collections, but also the level of scientific research that it undertakes.

Highlights of many tourist's trips to Kew are the Aquatic garden and the glass houses which contain the majority of tropical and subterranean species. Some of the plants on display in these green houses are nothing short of spectacular and there are always the outdoor areas for those wanting some scenic exercise.

Kew is ideal for the whole family and will entertain and enthrall anyone with even the remotest interest in plants.

Garden opening times vary depending on the time of year, so check before you visit. There is a restaurant and refreshment facilities.

The nearest tube station is Kew (you take the District line to Richmond).