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Young Adventurers – discover what you can do at Kew
A Parents' Visitor Guide
Here are some essential pieces of information to help you plan a visit to Kew for the whole family...
and remember children (under 17) get into Kew Gardens for FREE
Transport
We encourage you to visit Kew Gardens via public transport because it is usually more convenient - we have limited parking. The District Line on the Underground is convenient if you are travelling from the centre or West End of London. Buses serve those living north or south of Kew (Ealing down to Kingston) and the neighbouring suburbs. From north London, Silverlink trains run directly to Kew Gardens station. South West Trains stop at Kew Bridge station. For more information see How to Find Us.
There is a car park near the Brentford Gate, reached via Ferry Lane off Kew Green.
• It takes about 300 cars, so on busy days parking is hard.
• It costs £4.50 for a full day throughout the year.
• The car park closes half an hour after the Gardens close.
• Free parking is also available on Kew Road (A307) after 10am every morning. This provides easy access to our principal entrance at Victoria Gate (check roadside signs).
Size
The Gardens span over 300 acres, so it is great place to let the children run around. However, it is important to note the walking time between attractions.
Some examples with a 5 year old child are:
From Victoria Gate to the Pagoda - 30 minutes
Main Gate to Climbers and Creepers - 15 minutes
Pagoda to the River (via Cedar Vista) - 30 minutes
Click here to download a map of the Gardens within the Day Planner.
Buggy Access
Kew's landscape has many paths and most buildings have ramped access - Refer to your visitor handout on arrival for details. The only areas that are not accessible with buggies are the following:
• The Aquatic Display in the Palm House (no problem in the Princess of Wales Conservatory)
• Kew Palace
• The Pagoda
• The Waterlily House
• Queen Charlotte's Cottage
• Galleries in both Temperate House and Palm House
Baby changing facilities
There are baby changing facilities across the site, located in the ladies' toilets in most catering areas and Climbers and Creepers.
Indoor and outdoor
Kew Gardens spans over 300 acres; however there is plenty to do inside if the weather turns. Kew's main glasshouses cover over 4 acres, where you can discover plants from South Africa to the Sahara...
As well as the three main glasshouses there are over 10 other buildings, home to plants, paintings or interactive exhibitions... so no matter what the weather you'll find something to entertain the children.
Again, please note walking times, for example, from the Badger Sett in the conservation area, you will be walking 20+ minutes to reach another building for shelter- although there are always the trees' canopies!
Catering
There are four catering sites across Kew and each offers their own style of food and ambience. Try our special children's boxes where you can select five of your children's favourite items from sandwiches to fruit, crisps, juice and cake.
White Peaks (map ref: N4)
Here there are a range of freshly cooked char-grilled meals, including sausages, organic burgers and vegetable pitta, fries and children's meals, along with a selection of jacket potatoes and sandwiches. This menu is ideal for children and White Peaks is adjacent to Climbers and Creepers
The Pavilion (map ref: E9)
It is a quiet restaurant, ideal for lunch or afternoon tea. You can enjoy a fresh salad, special children's menus and seasonal hot dishes unique to the Pavilion. The Pavilion is located close to the Temperate House.
The Orangery (map ref: O5)
In this elegant Grade 1 listed building you'll enjoy freshly prepared main meals and cooked to order pasta dishes, along with specialty drinks and cakes. The Orangery is located close to the Main Gate.
The Victoria Gate Café (map ref: K9)
Take a break and relax with a coffee or one of the specialty teas and
freshly made sandwiches and paninis. It is located in the Victoria Gate
Visitor Centre.
Climbers & Creepers Activities
Climbers and Creepers (map ref: M3) is Kew's interactive play area, ideal for children aged 3-9 accompanied by their carers.
You may wish to explore the Gardens first because children tend not want to leave Climbers & Creepers!
During school holidays, there are themed activity sessions in Climbers & Creepers that involve planting, painting and making collages.
There are drop-in colouring sessions every morning at 11am -12.30pm and then specific activities in the afternoon, on which you will need to book a space.
Shopping
Why not visit the shop at White Peaks (map ref: N4) which offers a range of books, toys and gadgets for imaginative minds.
Picnics and Play
You are very welcome to bring a picnic but please do not bring picnic furniture or picnic in the Glasshouses or on planted areas. Please note that climbing trees, ball games, bikes and scooters are not allowed in the Gardens. Guide dogs only are permitted.