Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Kew Gardens comprise 132 hectares (326 acres) of herbaceous bedding, water features, botanical glasshouses, a large arboretum and historic buildings located on the banks of the River Thames in southwest London. Founded in 1759, this vast oasis on the outskirts of the metropolis has become a favourite with visitors wishing to escape the pressures of the city, and has been extensively developed. Its attractions include an aquatic garden, a bamboo garden, a woodland glade, a conservation area and a Japanese landscape. There are several glasshouses to explore, one of which, Evolution House, showcases 3500 million years of plant evolution. Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, located within the grounds of Richmond Lodge, was a wedding gift to Queen Charlotte in 1861 and was also used by Queen Victoria until she presented it to the public upon her Diamond Jubilee in 1897; the building has now been restored to its original state. Visitors to Kew can either join in a guided tour, follow one of several themed trails, or wander around the attractions at their own pace.
Air: London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport, London Luton Airport. Rail: Train: Kew Gardens Station (from north and south London); Kew Bridge Station (from London Waterloo Station). Underground: Kew Gardens (District Line). Road: Bus: Public services.