The world-famous gardens are one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It's a special place that recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Things To See And Do
There are over 50,000 living plants in the botanical collection. These are split amongst the arboretum, the rock gardens, the Princess of Wales Conservatory, and the lakeside. As you walk through all these spaces, you'll see plants from all corners of the world. The gardeners of Kew have brought them together to one site, to care for them lovingly.
Being such a large site, there are plenty of places to get some food and drink during your visit. You can even get some seasonal meals made from food foraged from the very gardens you're exploring.
If you're lucky enough to visit the gardens during the Christmas season, you can enjoy a walk unlike any other. The gardens are adorned with more than a million lights. It gives you a totally different perspective on these unique gardens.
Tickets
You need a ticket to go into the gardens. You can buy it online in advance to make entry quick and easy. Children under the age of 4 go free. 4 - 15-year-olds cost £4.50, and it's £10 for adults. You do also have to option to donate to help support Kew's conservation efforts.
You can visit the gardens between 10 am and 4:15. Make sure to get there before 3:15, or you won't be able to get in, but you will want longer than an hour here. It is well worth arriving in the morning; there is so much to see and do, that can take several hours to enjoy.
Getting There
It takes about an hour to get to Kew Royal Botanic Gardens from The Darlington Hotel. The best route is to get on the central line at Lancaster Gate. At Ealing Broadway, you'll want to get on the number 65 bus, and that will take you to Kew Road and the doorstop of the gardens.