The Kew Gardens, London : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Kew Gardens in London is one of the most beautiful botanic gardens in the world. Located in the heart of the world’s greatest city, the Kew Gardens is home to a huge variety of plants and trees, and provides a vital source of information, education and inspiration for people of all ages. From its breathtaking landscape to its vast array of vibrant and diverse plant life, the Kew Gardens offers a unique experience for visitors of all kinds. In this blog, we will explore the fascinating history and culture of the Kew Gardens, the interesting facts and information about the flora and fauna of the gardens, and a travel guide for those wishing to visit this incredible site. So, let’s dive in and explore the wonders of the Kew Gardens, London.

Interesting Facts About The Kew Gardens, London

1. The Kew Gardens is the world’s largest living collection of plants, with around 30,000 species of plants growing in its 126 acre site – that’s an area two-thirds the size of London’s Hyde Park!

2. Kew is home to the largest Victorian glass house in the world – the iconic Palm House which is home to some 1,400 species of plants.

3. Kew was the first botanical garden in the world, established in 1759 by King George III.

4. Kew contains the world’s largest and most diverse collection of preserved wild plants, comprising a seed bank of over a million specimens representing 6,500 species of plants from around the world.

5. It’s home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the world’s largest in situ conservation programme of its kind. It contains a staggering 64 billion seeds from all over the world, making it one of the most powerful tools in the fight against biodiversity loss.

6. Kew contains the biggest collection of historic trees in the world, with over 14,000 trees, some of which are over 500 years old.

7. Kew’s seed bank has supplied the seeds for over 700,000 trees of over 100 species on South Georgia island, restoring the island’s native forest – one of the largest successful replanting projects to date.

8. Kew hosts the biggest and longest running plant science event in the world, Kew’s science festival, with over 20,000 visitors each year.

9. Kew is a World Heritage Site, recognised for its “outstanding universal value”.

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History & Information About The Kew Gardens, London

Kew Gardens is a botanical garden in southwest London, England, founded in 1840 and currently managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It is one of the world’s largest and most diverse botanical collections, with more than 30,000 different kinds of living plants. Kew Gardens also features Kew Palace – a former royal residence – as well as the Temperate and Tropical Houses, the Pagoda, the Palm House and the Treetop Walkway among other attractions. Kew Gardens was the first botanical garden to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983.

The idea for creating Kew Gardens originated with King George III, who wanted to create a botanical garden to promote the study of plants and botany. To this end, he acquired the Kew Estate in 1760, and soon began laying out plans for the gardens. A group of botanists from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Chelsea began developing the layout of the gardens, which were opened to the general public in 1840.

Kew includes a diverse array of gardens and attractions, many of which were developed between 1840 and the present day. The Pagoda, which was built in 1761 and is the oldest structure in the gardens, is a particularly iconic attraction, as are the world-famous Temperate and Tropical Houses, which were added in 1848 and 1864 respectively. The garden also contains two lakes, several large greenhouses and several trails. In 2003, a series of treetop walkways was added, allowing visitors to view the gardens from 18 metres above the ground.

The gardens have been used extensively for studies and research, and have served as a public attraction since the 19th century. In modern times, Kew has taken an important role in conservation research and served as an important reference point for the horticultural industry. For instance, it has amassed a particularly large collection of orchids, many of which are available for purchase at the gardens.

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Travel Guide For Visiting The Kew Gardens, London

Kew Gardens are situated in the royal borough of Richmond upon Thames in London and are one of the most visited botanical gardens in the world. The gardens cover more than 300 acres and are home to the world’s largest collection of living plants. Here are a few tips and tricks to make the most out of your Kew Gardens experience.

Getting There

The best way to get to Kew Gardens is via public transportation. The closest underground station is Kew Gardens on the district line, which is a 10-minute walk away from the main entrance. There are also several local bus routes that you can take to Kew Gardens.

What to See

Kew Gardens is home to a wide variety of plants and features world-renowned glasshouses such as the Temperate House, The Princess of Wales Conservatory, The Palm House, and The Waterlily House. There are also tree-lined walks, a rock garden, and a beautiful arboretum.

Things to Know

Kew Gardens is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. There is an admission fee ranging from £7-£12 depending on the time of year. Free entry is available to children under the age of 16. You can also save money on admission by booking family tickets in advance.

Other Tips

Kew Gardens is a great place to spend a day or two exploring the outdoors. Be sure to wear sensible walking shoes and bring a refillable water bottle. It’s also a good idea to wear suncream and a hat, as it can get very hot in the summer months. Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants on site, so you can grab a bite to eat or a cup of tea to keep you going!

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Kew Gardens, London

Q. Where is Kew Gardens located?
A. Kew Gardens is located in the South West London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in the Royal Borough of Kew.

Q. How much does it cost to visit Kew Gardens?
A. The cost of admission to Kew Gardens depends on whether you are an adult, senior citizen, student or child. Prices vary from £8.25 – £17 depending on what type of ticket you purchase.

Q. Is Kew Gardens open all year round?
A. Kew Gardens is open every day throughout the year except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Q. How many plants are there at Kew Gardens?
A. Kew Gardens is home to over 50,000 different plants from every corner of the globe.

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