Kew Gardens

Other things to do in the Kew area

Our local area features beautiful Royal parks and historic houses, theatres, museums and galleries rich with exhibits. Richmond Upon Thames has a compact town centre ideal for an afternoon's shopping and there is also a wide range of restaurants, cafés and pubs.

Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is home to the world's largest and most diverse collection of living plants. Set in 121 hectares (300 acres) beside the River Thames, it holds 40,000 different species. Six magnificent glasshouses display plants from rainforests to the desert. The Marianne North Gallery, the People and Plants exhibition and several restaurants and shops, make this is a wonderful day out. The Church of St. Anne's by the main gate is also worth a visit. Queen Anne approved its construction in 1710 and the painter Thomas Gainsborough is buried in the Churchyard.

Wander along the Thames Path

Thames riverside path

Stroll along the river and see the local sites such as Kew Pier and Oliver's Island. Follow one of the five walking routes in the area with the help of signs and leaflets. There is the Thames Path National Trail, the Capital Ring, the London Loop, the River Crane walk and the Beverley Brook walk. If you would like to learn about local history while you stroll, consider taking a guided walk with one the Richmond upon Thames Heritage Guides.

Take a boat trip on the Thames

There are two ferry services along our stretch of the River Thames, offering trips between historical sites.

For more information about the Kew area, go to www.visitrichmond.co.uk, or visit the Tourist Information Centre in Richmond upon Thames who will be pleased to advise you. Their address is:

Tourist Information Centre
Old Town Hall
Whittaker Avenue, Richmond
Surrey, TW9 1TP
Phone: +44 (0) 208 940 9125
Fax: +44 (0) 208 940 6899