Car Hire Kew

Set along the Thames near Richmond, Kew blends residential calm with scientific heritage, drawing visitors with its world-renowned botanic gardens and peaceful atmosphere. Its leafy streets, quiet paths and riverside charm make it a place best taken at a gentle pace. If you want to know the hearbeat of this place, the best way to do it is by finding a pub and starting a conversation with one of its 11,000 or so welcoming residents.

Access is straightforward—just off the M4 or via the South Circular—and there’s limited parking near the gardens if you’re coming by car. We arrived after a gentle drive from Hampton and the transition was immediate: dense traffic gave way to tree-shaded lanes and a soft hum of birdsong.

Spring and early summer show the gardens at their most vibrant but winter isn’t without appeal. On colder days, the glasshouses warm quickly and the Christmas light trail winds through the grounds, casting reflections on the water and drawing visitors from across the county.

Attractions In Kew

Much of Kew’s appeal lies in how smoothly one space leads to another. You move from a greenhouse into open lawns, then onto a raised walkway or a quiet footpath by the water. The transitions are gentle but each turn reveals something different.

The Great Pagoda

We could see the top of the pagoda long before we reached it. Its tiered roof rises above the trees, drawing you in with quiet confidence. Climbing to the top takes effort but the views are wide and clear when the weather cooperates.

Built in the 18th century, it’s a standout structure but what stayed with us were the small details—the carved dragons, the peaceful lawn that surrounds it and the stillness that lingers even when visitors are nearby.

Christmas At Kew

A popular option with those based in Kingston Upon Thames, this after-dark light trail transforms the gardens into something entirely different. You follow a winding path through illuminated trees, across glowing arches, past fire pits and food stalls.

The installations change slightly each year—some whimsical, some elegant—but the overall feel is warm, even when the temperature drops. Runs mid-November to early January.

The Hive

Positioned off the Broad Walk, this structure hums—literally. A low soundscape mimics a real bee colony, piped in from sensors elsewhere in the gardens. We stood inside, surrounded by thousands of metal rods, watching lights pulse in sync with the hive’s rhythm. It blends science and sculpture with ease. Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Princess Of Wales Conservatory

Each room here is its own climate zone—arid succulents to thick tropical foliage, misty corners, fish tanks and hanging vines. There’s plenty to look at and we appreciated how easy it was to slow down and let the atmosphere take over. Open daily from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Treetop Walkway

Tucked within easy reach of Twickenham, this raised path runs through the canopy with long views over the garden. Up there, it’s quieter—more wind, fewer voices and tree-level perspective.

The structure loops gently, with panels to read along the way. A lift makes it accessible, though it was out of service during our visit. Open 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Palm House

A short walk from the lake, this glasshouse is dense with growth. Palms stretch to the ceiling and a narrow spiral staircase brings you to a catwalk above it all. From there, you get a true sense of scale—leaves brushing the walkway, mist clinging to the windows.

We visited early and watched condensation gather on the glass as the sun came up. It’s humid and vibrant and full of subtle detail. Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Kew Palace

While driving in from New Malden, we hadn’t expected to find a royal residence tucked so quietly into the gardens. The building is compact, red-bricked and filled with Georgian character. Inside, it’s a walk through personal spaces—small rooms, preserved kitchens, worn wood floors. Entry is seasonal.

Marianne North Gallery

This small gallery packs in over 800 paintings by a Victorian explorer who travelled the world documenting flora. It’s atmospheric—dark wood panels, tall ceilings and an incredible sense of purpose behind every brushstroke. Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Lake And Crossing

An ideal detour for drivers coming from Hampton Court, this sculptural footbridge stretches across the lake like a whisper. Bronze slats rise and fall in gentle waves. We paused halfway across and watched ducks passing just beneath the surface.

Chokushi-Mon & Japanese Landscape

This shaded corner offers quiet relief on warmer days. Traditional architecture, raked gravel and low benches make it easy to linger. The area draws fewer crowds and feels designed for stillness. Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Kew Bridge

A short trip from Teddington, this Thames crossing feels more like a viewing point than a thoroughfare. We leaned on the stone balustrade with coffee in hand, watching rowers and gulls below. Open 24 hours.

Bonsai House

Small but compelling, this tucked-away glasshouse houses decades-old miniature trees shaped with care. It’s easy to miss among the larger attractions but worth a slow loop. Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Pause, Eat, Stay

Kew keeps things simple when it comes to food and rest—no overwhelming choices, just well-kept places that match the pace of the town. The Botanist on the Green serves up Sunday roasts and seasonal mains in a bright, airy space just across from the gardens. Antipodea, a laid-back café on the main stretch, does good coffee and light lunches—we stopped in for carrot cake and stayed longer than planned.

For accommodation, The Coach & Horses is a Georgian coaching inn with comfortable, botanical-themed rooms and thoughtful touches like Nespresso machines and stocked minibars. While not all rooms face the gardens directly, its location on Kew Green makes it a strong choice—especially if you’re driving in from Sunbury On Thames and want somewhere quiet to settle in.