
Kew Palace London
A charming red-brick royal residence within the vast, world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, offering a glimpse into history and nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Kew Palace London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming red-brick royal residence within the vast, world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, offering a glimpse into history and nature.
"Step back in time at Kew Palace and explore the breathtaking beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens."

🚗 Park Smarter
Consider parking at the old deer car park in Richmond for an easier approach to the Lion Gate.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Grab sandwiches from Marks & Spencer for a delightful picnic in the gardens.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Untouched Royal Kitchens
Basement level of Kew Palace
Step back in time to see remarkably preserved 200-year-old kitchens, offering a glimpse into royal culinary life.

The Dutch House
Kew Palace
Discover the original 17th-century core of the palace, a charming red-brick building with a rich history.

Queen Charlotte's Cottage
Kew Gardens
A charming, rustic retreat offering a contrast to the palace's grandeur, set within the beautiful gardens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Combine with Kew Gardens Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smarter
Consider parking at the old deer car park in Richmond for an easier approach to the Lion Gate.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Grab sandwiches from Marks & Spencer for a delightful picnic in the gardens.
🚶♀️ Riverside Stroll
Enjoy a scenic walk along the Richmond riverside after your visit.
☕ Local Cafe Charm
Try 'Maids of Honour' near Kew Gardens for cream teas and local treats.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smarter
Consider parking at the old deer car park in Richmond for an easier approach to the Lion Gate.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Grab sandwiches from Marks & Spencer for a delightful picnic in the gardens.
🚶♀️ Riverside Stroll
Enjoy a scenic walk along the Richmond riverside after your visit.
☕ Local Cafe Charm
Try 'Maids of Honour' near Kew Gardens for cream teas and local treats.
👑 Royal History Tour
Don't miss the Royal Kitchens tour, especially on a Friday afternoon!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Kew Palace and Gardens for their stunning beauty, historical significance, and family-friendly atmosphere. The well-preserved kitchens and the vast, diverse gardens are consistently highlighted as major draws. Some find the palace itself smaller than expected, but the overall experience within the gardens is overwhelmingly positive.
"So much to see. A must visit. Variety of gardens to explore. The greenhouses and palm house are a must visit. There is a variety of eateries to choose from. Make sure you spend a whole day there you will still not see everything"
Tony Jackson
"Free entry- worth a visit! staff were friendly and helpful. No elevators (stairs only), however well preserved/presented and a very interesting walk around."
Winston C
"Free walk in museum (you still have to pay for your Kew Gardens ticket to access). It's small with limited capacity, during peak hours you will need to wait before you can enter. Suggest going to the toilet beside this first before entering.
This 3-storey palace is quite modest given that the royals used to stay here. Plenty of artifacts intact with the first 2 floors renovated to show how it was when Queen Charlotte and King George were living there.
The third level was left in its condition before refurbishment."
Tan Kai Ren
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kew Palace is easily accessible via the London Underground (District Line to Kew Gardens station) or by Overground train to Kew Bridge. Buses also serve the area. Many visitors find the Tube the most convenient option.
Driving is possible, but parking can be challenging and expensive. Some Reddit users suggest parking at the old deer car park in Richmond and walking, which is about a 15-20 minute stroll.
If you're staying in Richmond, the riverside walk is a pleasant option. Alternatively, public transport from Richmond station can get you to Kew Gardens.
One Reddit user noted that the Premier Inn on Lower Richmond Road might be noisy due to its location on a busy main road and isn't considered 'Kew' itself. Consider alternative areas like Chiswick or Turnham Green for a quieter base.
Yes, you can take the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow to Acton Town, then change to the District Line towards Richmond, alighting at Kew Gardens station. This is a straightforward journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book your tickets for Kew Palace and Gardens online in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Kew Palace opening hours vary seasonally and are generally aligned with the Royal Botanic Gardens. Always check the official Kew Gardens website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, general admission to Kew Gardens typically includes access to Kew Palace. However, it's always best to verify this when purchasing your tickets, as special exhibitions might have separate charges.
Kew Gardens often offers concessions for seniors, students, and children. Check their website for details on family tickets and any special offers.
Kew Palace is located within the grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, so general admission to the gardens is required to access the palace.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To fully enjoy both Kew Palace and the vast gardens, plan for at least half a day. Many visitors spend a full day exploring everything.
Yes, Kew Palace and Gardens are very family-friendly. There's a great kids' play area, and the gardens offer plenty of space to explore.
Beyond Kew Palace, don't miss the Palm House, the Treetop Walkway, the Princess of Wales Conservatory, and the Japanese 'Pagoda'.
Yes, guided tours are often available, particularly for the Royal Kitchens, offering deeper insights into the palace's history. Check the schedule upon arrival.
While Kew Gardens is large, it rarely feels overwhelmingly crowded, especially on weekdays. The palace itself can be more intimate.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Within Kew Gardens, there are several cafes and restaurants offering a range of options, from light snacks to full meals. The Orangery and White Peaks are popular choices.
Absolutely! Kew Gardens is a fantastic spot for a picnic. Many visitors bring their own food and find lovely spots to enjoy it.
There are cafes within Kew Gardens, and the nearby village of Kew also has local coffee shops. 'Maids of Honour' is a well-regarded cafe for tea and cakes.
The cafes and restaurants within Kew Gardens generally offer a variety of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices. It's always a good idea to check menus on-site.
Dining within Kew Gardens can be moderately priced. Bringing your own picnic is a budget-friendly alternative.
📸 📸 Photography
The red-brick exterior of the Dutch House, the manicured gardens surrounding the palace, and the historic Royal Kitchens offer great photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally permitted inside Kew Palace, but flash photography is usually not allowed to protect the artifacts and interiors. Always look for signage.
The Palm House, the Treetop Walkway, the Japanese Pagoda, and the diverse plant collections in the conservatories are all incredibly photogenic.
Absolutely! Most smartphones can capture stunning images of Kew Palace and Gardens. Focus on good lighting and composition.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited within Kew Gardens and around Kew Palace to protect visitors and the delicate environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds. The Treetop Walkway offers a unique perspective that kids often find exciting, and the various conservatories are like stepping into different worlds.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Utilizing public transport like the Tube or Overground is generally more economical than driving and paying for parking. Look for concession tickets if you qualify (students, seniors, etc.). The sheer size of the gardens means you can spend hours exploring without needing to purchase additional activities.
couples
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea at one of the garden's cafes or find a secluded spot for a picnic amidst the blooms. The historic charm of Kew Palace itself adds a touch of old-world romance to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Royal Residence Through Time
The palace offers a unique glimpse into royal life, with its interiors preserved to reflect different periods. A standout feature is the remarkably intact 200-year-old Royal Kitchens, providing a fascinating look at the domestic workings of a royal household.
While the palace itself is intimate in scale compared to other royal residences, its historical significance and the stories it holds make it a compelling visit. It provides a more personal and less grand perspective on the monarchy's past.
Exploring the Expansive Kew Gardens
Key attractions within the gardens include the iconic Palm House, a Victorian glasshouse filled with exotic plants, and the Princess of Wales Conservatory, showcasing a variety of climates. The Treetop Walkway offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to stroll among the tree canopy. For a different kind of architectural marvel, the Japanese 'Pagoda' provides stunning views.
Kew Gardens is also a hub for scientific research and conservation. The sheer scale and variety of plant life mean that a single visit can be as relaxed or as energetic as you wish, with plenty of places to sit and enjoy the fresh air.
Family Fun at Kew
One of the highlights for younger visitors is the dedicated children's play area, which is well-regarded and provides a fun, engaging space for them to burn off energy. Several of the garden's cafes are conveniently located near this area, allowing parents to relax while keeping an eye on their children.
Beyond the play area, the diverse plant collections and the chance to see a real palace add an educational element to the visit. Packing a picnic is also a great way to make the day more enjoyable and budget-friendly for families.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit