Kew Gardens Tickets

The short answer is no. The part of Kew Gardens you’ll find in West London, accessible by the District line and on the London Overground, is not included with your National Trust membership; you'll need a Kew Gardens ticket.

Kew Gardens are managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – an international botanical research and education institution.

If you are a National Trust member, you can visit Wakehurst in West Sussex which is Kew’s wild botanic garden and the UK’s largest conservation project.

Kew Gardens aren’t free, but the price of your Kew Gardens ticket will go towards funding research. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBGK) are a charitable organisation, so you’ll be helping a global resource for plant and fungal knowledge, as well as the continued maintenance of the gardens.

There is free entry for children under four, essential carers, and registered blind and partially sighted visitors.

There are a number of discounts available for jobseekers, local residents, and students on the official website.

Kew Gardens is not in the Congestion Zone. It’s worth noting that it’s inside the Low Emission Zone though, which applies to the most polluting heavy diesel vehicles. Unless you're driving a lorry from the ‘90s, you should be alright, and will only have to worry about the price of your Kew Gardens ticket.

Kew Gardens has a car park on Ferry Lane, near Brentford Gate (TW9 3AF). Parking is very limited though, and is based on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Parking costs £7 per day which can be paid on site or with the PayByPhone app

On weekends the Herbarium car park will operate as an overflow car park.

Can dogs go to Kew Gardens?

Only registered disability assistance dogs are allowed in Kew Gardens. You can’t bring your pet with you.

Can you picnic in Kew Gardens?

Yes, you can. You can’t bring your own BBQ or furniture, but you’re welcome to plant yourself down in a grassy area and enjoy lunch on your own picnic blanket. You won't have to pay any extra for your Kew Gardens ticket to bring your own lunch!

Can you cycle in Kew Gardens?

Unfortunately not. Bikes, trikes, balance bikes, roller skates, skateboards, and micro-scooters are not allowed.

The gardens at Kew can trace their way back to the 17th century when Henry Capell, 1st Baron Capell of Tewkesbury, formed a space for exotic plants. This was in turn enlarged by the widow of Frederick, Prince of Wales – Augusta. Their son, George III (the one who dealt with the American Revolution), further enriched the gardens.

The 18th century also saw Sir William Chambers (1723-1796) – a Swedish-Scottish architect – add to the gardens with the Chinese pagoda, which remains as one of Kew Gardens most impressive sights.

In 1840 the gardens were named a national botanical garden, opening to the public, with ownership passing from the Crown to the government.

So, the legacy of one of London’s most luscious locations is long, but these things take time to grow – and your Kew Gardens ticket helps build it!