Kew Gardens- a plant lover’s dream
Nestled just beyond the bustle of London, Kew Gardens has long been at the very top of our garden bucket list. And so it was with great anticipation that earlier this fall we traveled from the arid Rocky Mountains of Colorado to verdant England and finally Kew, where the very essence of nature thrives in masterfully constructed glasshouses.
Look out below for a list of our tips for visiting the gardens!
Our journey began with a swift ride on the metro from our hotel in Chelsea (the charming Beaverbrook Town House.) The evergreen landscape of Kew Gardens stretched before us, encompassing a staggering 330 acres of enchantment. Our goal was only to bask in the glory of the famed Palm House, a towering botanical sanctuary standing over 350 feet long and 64 feet wide, constructed in the 1884.
The Palm House is unlike any place I have ever seen, not just in sheer size and density of greenery. It is simply magical, a giant glass box framed in iron filagree bursting to the brim with plants!
There is not much more this girl she could ask for!
Yet, the gardens at Kew held so much more than we could have ever imagined.
The Water Lily House in particular is brimming with otherworldly. It felt aa though fairies danced amidst the lily pads, casting spells of magic upon the petals. And while no signs prohibit shouting or running in these spaces, every visitor, young and old, seemed naturally compelled to whisper, to slow down and let an almost sacred hush fall over everyone so enraptured by the gardens.
As we wandered through the gardens, we marveled at the sheer diversity of flora, a kaleidoscope of colors and textures that surprised us at every turn.
Our enchantment deepened as we ascended the treetop walkway, beholding panoramic vistas of the gardens that took our breath away.
Kew Gardens is truly a paradise on earth, where nature and human ingenuity intermingle, putting the beauty of the world on full display.
Visiting Kew Gardens is an unforgettable experience, one that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who venture there. Whether you are a nature lover, an avid gardener, or simply seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Kew Gardens is the perfect destination.
Tips for your Visit to Kew Gardens
Take the underground. It will take you to within a five minute walk of the garden entrance.
There are free and clean bathrooms at the coffee shop at the metro exit. Just buy a drink first.
Plan on at least 4 hours. After 4 we were tired but needed more, so we came back the next day for another 4 hours.
I'd skip the pagoda climb if I went again. Cool history, okay view.
Eat someplace else, the food was...bad and expensive. Tea and dessert is okay at the restaurant overlooking the lake in front of the palm house.
Stop by the gift shop at the main entrance and be prepared to buy every garden lover you know their Christmas and birthday presents.
Do NOT miss the waterlily house.
The Hive is massively over-rated.
On Sundays you hear way fewer planes overhead as it is quite close to the airport, which is kind of a pity ambiance wise.
The garden has tons to offer in every season but unlike American Botanic Gardens it is not bursting at the seams with flowers at every turn.
So why not embark on a journey to this mystical haven, and immerse yourself in the wonder and magic of the natural world? You are sure to come away with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and majesty of our planet, and a deep sense of awe and wonder at the marvels of plants!
I personally cannot wait to go back, perhaps in the Spring and again near Christmas time!
The next stop on our London garden tour was Chelsea Physic Garden, a botanical garden so different from Kew it made for the perfect foil the next day! Read about our visit here (coming soon).
