The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a beautiful botanical garden registered as a World Heritage Site. It is located in the town of Kew in the Richmond area in southwest London and is one of the most famous botanical gardens in the world, attracting many tourists. The garden is filled with seasonal flowers blooming in profusion.
This botanical garden has a long history and was selected as a World Heritage Site due to its importance as a plant research institution. While there are many beautiful parks in London, the exquisite layout of this garden is truly worth seeing. In this article, we’ll introduce the World Heritage Site, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew!
What is the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew?
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is one of the world’s most beautiful gardens, registered as a World Heritage Site in 2003. Within its vast grounds of approximately 1.2 million square meters, greenhouses, flower beds, and ponds are luxuriously arranged. Flower beds are maintained so that visitors can enjoy the scenery and learn about rare plants in any season. It may be hard to fully explore the garden in just one day.
It began in the 18th century with the collection of tropical plants and was maintained as a palace garden. In the 19th century, it was opened to the citizens of London and has continued to delight visitors ever since. It also plays a crucial role as a research institution, famous for its seed bank that collects and stores seeds from more than 7 million plant species. As a leader in global botanical research and conservation, the garden is undoubtedly deserving of its World Heritage status.
Name: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB
Official/Related Site URL: https://www.kew.org/
How to access the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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From central London, take the District Line toward Richmond. You’ll reach Kew Gardens Station in about 30 minutes. The District Line conveniently stops at stations popular with tourists, such as Westminster and Victoria.
From Kew Gardens Station, it’s about a 4-minute walk through a quiet residential area to the Victoria Gate entrance.
Highlight of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ①: The Palm House
The Palm House is considered the symbol of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Built during the Victorian era, it is a rare and stunning glass structure with a domed shape, befitting a World Heritage Site. It features white framing and spiral staircases that harmonize beautifully with the greenery.
You won’t find another greenhouse as magnificent as this in London. As the name suggests, tropical rainforest plants like palm trees are planted inside, with mist being sprayed to maintain the environment. The lush, thriving palms look full of life.
The Princess of Wales Conservatory
The Princess of Wales Conservatory, a relatively new greenhouse within the Royal Botanic Gardens, was built in 1987 in memory of the late Princess Diana. It is known as a place she dearly loved, even after her divorce from Prince Charles.
It is a popular tourist spot due to its connection to Princess Diana. The structure is modern, consisting of interconnected triangular buildings. Inside are cacti, succulents, and carnivorous plants.
The conservatory is divided into sections for plants from arid and tropical regions, with each room having meticulously controlled temperature and humidity—befitting a facility recognized as a research institution and a World Heritage Site.
Notes for visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
There is a gift shop at the Royal Botanic Gardens, which sells plant seedlings, seeds, bulbs, and more. Although you may want to take some home to enjoy it, it is prohibited to bring them into the country.
Also, since visitors often walk across lawns during their garden strolls, it is best to avoid high heels such as stiletto heels that could damage the grass.
◎ Summary of the charm of the UK World Heritage Site "Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew"
We’ve introduced the enchanting floral paradise that the UK proudly offers—the World Heritage Site Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. With highlights like flower beds, the Temperate House, and a Japanese garden, there is plenty to see. The garden presents a different face each season, and every season is beautiful.
Just about 30 minutes from London, you can step into this captivating world. Be sure to enjoy this stunning World Heritage garden!