Kew Gardens and Its Attractions
Kew Gardens, also known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, is a magical destination that draws millions of visitors each year. It is located in southwest London, and it is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Kew Gardens is home to over 50,000 different kinds of plants, including rare and exotic specimens that are not found elsewhere in the world. It also houses a magnificent collection of trees, including some that are over 200 years old. In addition to the plants and trees, Kew Gardens has several other attractions that are worth seeing. These include the Palm House, the Water Lily House, the Princess of Wales Conservatory, and the Treetop Walkway.
The Palm House
The Palm House is one of the most iconic buildings in Kew Gardens. It is a stunning glasshouse that was built in the 1840s to house tropical plants. It has a beautiful curved design and a central dome that is 66 feet high. The Palm House is home to a wide variety of plants, including palms, ferns, and cycads. You can also see a collection of carnivorous plants in this glasshouse.
The Water Lily House
The Water Lily House is another popular attraction in Kew Gardens. It is a small glasshouse that is home to a beautiful collection of water lilies. The water lilies are grown in small pools that are filled with water from the River Thames. The flowers are delicate and beautiful, and they come in a range of colors, including white, pink, and blue.
The Princess of Wales Conservatory
The Princess of Wales Conservatory is a large glasshouse that was opened in 1987. It is home to a wide variety of plants, including cacti, orchids, and ferns. The conservatory is divided into ten different climatic zones, each with its own temperature and humidity levels. Some of the zones you can explore include the desert zone, the tropical zone, and the aquatic zone.
The Treetop Walkway
The Treetop Walkway is a unique attraction in Kew Gardens. It is a 59-foot-high walkway that winds through the trees. The walkway is made of steel and timber, and it provides an amazing view of the gardens below. The walkway is 656 feet long, and it takes about 20 minutes to complete. It is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the gardens and to see the trees up close.
The Car Parking Situation
With so many attractions at Kew Gardens, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the gardens. But what about parking? Does Kew Gardens have a car park? The answer is yes, Kew Gardens does have a car park, but it is limited.
The Main Car Park
The main car park at Kew Gardens is located off Kew Road, and it has space for approximately 500 vehicles. The car park is open from 8 am to 8 pm daily, except on Christmas Day. The parking fee is £7 per day for cars and £4 per day for motorcycles. The car park has disabled parking spaces, but they are subject to availability. It is important to note that the car park can fill up quickly, particularly during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early.
Alternative Car Parks
If the main car park at Kew Gardens is full, there are alternative car parks nearby. The closest alternative car park is at the National Archives, which is located about a 10-minute walk from Kew Gardens. This car park has space for approximately 400 vehicles, and the parking fee is £6 per day. Another alternative car park is located at Brentford Gate, which is about a 15-minute walk from Kew Gardens. This car park has space for approximately 250 vehicles, and the parking fee is £7 per day.
Public Transportation Options
If you prefer not to drive to Kew Gardens, there are several public transportation options available.
London Underground
The nearest London Underground station to Kew Gardens is Kew Gardens Station, which is on the District Line. The station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the gardens. Other nearby stations include Richmond Station and Gunnersbury Station, both of which are on the District Line and are approximately a 30-minute walk from Kew Gardens.
London Overground
The nearest London Overground station to Kew Gardens is Kew Gardens Station, which is on the North London Line. The station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the gardens.
Bus
Several bus routes run near Kew Gardens, including the 65, 237, 267, 391, and 481. The closest bus stops are located on Kew Road and Sandycombe Road.
Conclusion
Kew Gardens is a beautiful and fascinating destination that offers a range of attractions for visitors of all ages. Whether you choose to drive or take public transportation, there are plenty of options available to get to Kew Gardens. With a car park on site and several alternative car parks nearby, parking should not be an issue. And if you prefer to use public transportation, there are several convenient options available. So, go ahead and plan your visit to Kew Gardens today!