Kew Gardens Things to Do Tips by sue_stone Top 5 Page for this destination

Walking to Kew from Richmond

One warm and sunny spring day we decided to walk from Richmond to Kew, along the river. We headed down to the river via Richmond Green and Old Palace Lane, spotting a new pub to try hidden in the back streets on the way ; )

The walk took us around 1.5-2 hours, and we started by passing under Twickenham Bridge, followed the river past Kew Gardens and continued till we got all the way round to Kew Bridge. Not long after we started walking we passed by Richmond lock and its fancy looking footbridge that spans the river.

Further along the towpath we came across the old Meridian Line. The line, that these days is located in Greenwich, was originally located here! It ran from the Kings Observatory in Old Deer Park by the river, and you can still see the line marked on the towpath today. There are also a couple of obelisks in the area to help mark the spot. Very cool.

As we walked we enjoyed spotting Syon House across the river, and also having a closer look at the back of Kew Gardens, though there is no access to the gardens from the towpath.

By the end of the walk it was conveniently lunch time and we popped into one of the friendly pubs at Kew for a pint and a feed.

Kew Village

If you catch the tube/train to Kew you will find yourself in Kew Village. This is basically just the small group of shops by the station, but there is such a lovely villagey feel here, hence the name.

On your way to/from Kew Gardens you may well stop off at some of the Kew Village shops. If you need a meal there are a few cafes and some restaurants depending on your mood. Visit Ma Cuisine for a good priced French meal, or go upmarket (if you can get a table) at the Glasshouse. Or if you are just after a coffee there is even a Starbucks - which does seem rather out of place!

Also in the 'village' there is a great book shop, nice healthy food store, excellent butcher, garden centre and some other interesting shops to browse in.

Address: Just by the tube station, near Sandycombe Road

Directions: Nearest Tube: Kew Gardens
Nearest Train: Silverlink trains also arrive at Kew Gardens station

Website: http://www.visitrichmond.co.uk/guide/kew.htm

Kew Bridge

Kew Bridge is an attractive stone bridge that spans the Thames River, joining Brentford/Chiswick with Kew.

The current bridge was built in 1903. It replaced a wooden bridge that was built back in 1759.

It is a beautiful bridge, and can be admired from the Thames footpath, which is a great place for a stroll along the River.

Directions: Nearest Tube: Kew Gardens - about 10-12 minutes walk
Nearest Train: Kew Bridge - about 2 minutes walk

Website: http://www.touruk.co.uk/london_bridges/kew_bridge1.htm

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens are beautiful botanical gardens located in Kew, southwest London. The vast garden complex consists of formal gardens, manicured lawns, botanical greenhouses, fabulous old buildings and much much more. One of the main attractions is the Palm House, a metal and glass greenhouse filled with tropical plants. It is sooooo humid in there!

There are different events throughout the year, depending on the season. In spring there is a stunning orchid festival, which is well worth a look. In summer make sure you check out the giant waterlillies, and how about those gorgeous autumn colours once the warmer days have passed. Even winter has something to offer, with flowering trees and shrubs and those magical Snowdrops.

The gardens are home to an ice rink for around 6 weeks each winter (check website for this year's dates) and during the summer they stage some musical events.

The perfect day/half day out for all the family.

Address: Kew Road, Kew TW9 3AB

Directions: Nearest Tube: Kew Gardens
Nearest Train: Silverlink trains also arrive at Kew Gardens station
Bus: number 65 - from Ealing/Richmond/Kingston or number 391 - from Richmond/Fulham

Other Contact: info@kew.org

Phone: 020 8332 5000

Website: http://www.rbgkew.org.uk