Photo: Philippe Gras / Unsplash
Just eight miles southwest of Central London, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew spreads across 320 acres of manicured landscapes and wild woodlands that have been drawing visitors since 1759. What began as Princess Augusta‘s private nine-acre garden has evolved into one of the world’s most important botanical institutions, housing over 30,000 plant species and earning UNESCO World Heritage status in 2003.
This summer, Britain‘s premier botanical garden transforms into an outdoor cultural venue, with tree-themed art installations, groundbreaking new gardens, and evening concerts that make the most of London’s long summer days.
Read on to find out more about the best things to do in Kew Gardens London in the summer of 2025.
Things To Do in Kew Gardens London
Celebrating Trees Through Interactive Art
Of the Oak, an art installation by Marshmallow Laser Feast that runs until September 28, is a must-see this summer. Centered around the famous Lucombe oak (one of Kew’s oldest specimens), this unique interactive exhibit does a stellar job of portraying the intricate relationships between the oak and the hundreds of species it supports.
A series of trails wind through the arboretum, begging you to slow down just enough to appreciate the gardens’ most remarkable trees. An interactive field guide helps identify different species and explains their ecological importance.
Inside the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, The Power of Trees exhibition continues the arboreal theme through September 14. Finnish artist Eija-Liisa Ahtila‘s video work, Horizontal, creates an atmospheric portrait of life in the boreal forest, projected across multiple screens to immerse viewers in the northern woodland environment.
The exhibition also features 20 new botanical illustrations from the Bedgebury National Pinetum Florilegium Society, marking the centenary of Bedgebury National Pinetum and its historic connections with Kew.
Family Adventures in the Arboretum
From July 26, families can join Oaklore, a performance-led journey created by Wild Rumpus. This theatrical experience transforms children into “Oaktivists,” tree guardians who embark on interactive missions across Kew’s 11,000-strong tree collection. Professional performers guide small groups through the arboretum, combining environmental education with imaginative play. The experience runs daily through August 31 and is included with regular admission.
The permanent Treetop Walkway offers a different perspective on the canopy, lifting visitors 18 meters above ground level. The 200-meter walkway provides views across the gardens to the London skyline, with information panels identifying tree species and explaining forest ecology.
Below, the Badger Sett gives youngsters a ground-level view of woodland life, with tunnels and chambers mimicking an actual badger’s home.
The Log Trail playground incorporates natural materials into its design, with fallen trees creating climbing structures and balance beams. Parents can relax on nearby benches while kids navigate the course, which includes rope swings and wooden platforms at varying heights. The Remarkable Trees trail provides a self-guided tour of Kew’s most significant specimens, from ancient oaks to exotic imports that tell the story of plant exploration.
Fitness and Wellbeing in Nature
In a much anticipated return on July 6, the Joe Wicks Festival brings fitness routines to four distinct sections of the gardens. Wicks leads high-energy workout sessions in the ReEnergise zone, while yoga sessions and family-friendly movement classes are available throughout the day.
The ReConnect zone features talks by authors and wellness experts on topics ranging from nutrition to mental health. Speakers share practical advice in 45-minute sessions, with time for questions. Over in the ReTreat zone, more contemplative experiences are featured including meditation workshops by the London Meditation Centre. Ice baths provide a novel recovery experience, while mobile massage therapists help visitors unwind between activities. The RePlay zone keeps younger attendees engaged with craft activities, storytelling sessions, and supervised games.
Throughout summer, Kew’s regular Wellbeing in Nature series continues with weekly sessions. Tai chi takes place Tuesday mornings on the Great Broad Walk, while forest bathing sessions explore the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku in the Natural Area. Temperate House yoga happens Wednesday evenings, using the Victorian glasshouse as a unique studio space. Sound bath sessions in the Nash Conservatory combine acoustic instruments with the natural acoustics of the historic building.
Enjoy cycling? Summer Cycle on August 7 opens the gardens to cyclists after regular hours. From 5pm to 9pm, riders can explore paths usually reserved for pedestrians, covering routes impossible during normal opening times. Bike rental is available, or visitors can bring their own. The event includes guided tours for different skill levels, from leisurely rides focusing on garden history to more athletic circuits covering the full grounds.
New Gardens and Seasonal Highlights
July marks the opening of the Carbon Garden, a permanent installation demonstrating how plants combat climate change. The space divides into four themed areas, each illustrating different aspects of the carbon cycle. The first section explains basic carbon science through interactive displays and interpretive planting, while the second shows potential future scenarios for London gardens if current warming trends continue, using drought-resistant species and altered planting patterns.
Nature-based climate solutions are the focus of the third section, with rain gardens that manage stormwater and perennial plantings that help eliminate carbon. Finally, individual actions demonstrating how home gardeners can contribute to carbon reduction are the focus of the final area. A pavilion constructed from natural materials houses detailed information about Kew’s research into climate mitigation through plants and fungi.
The Wild Rose Garden flowers for its first full season this summer, displaying over 70 wild rose species. Located near Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, the garden traces rose evolution from ancient species to modern cultivars. Interpretive signs explain how wild roses spread across continents and their role in developing today’s garden varieties. Peak flowering occurs in June and July, with some species producing decorative hips that extend interest into autumn.
The formal Rose Garden reaches peak bloom in midsummer, with over 170 varieties arranged in traditional beds. Evening is a great time to visit to take advantage of enhanced fragrances as temperatures cool. The Great Broad Walk Borders stretch 320 meters, creating Britain’s longest double herbaceous border. Summer displays feature bold combinations of perennials, grasses, and annuals maintained by a team of specialist gardeners.
Evening Entertainment and Cultural Events
Kew the Music runs from July 8-13, bringing major musical acts to an outdoor stage near the Palm House. Highlights include:
- Craig David presenting his TS5 show on Tuesday, mixing classic garage anthems with current house tracks.
- The Human League performs Wednesday, delivering synth-pop hits from their four-decade career.
- UB40 featuring Ali Campbell takes the Thursday slot
- DJ Spoony presents Garage Classical on Friday, combining UK garage classics with orchestral arrangements.
- Alison Moyet performs Saturday, celebrating 40 years as a solo artist
- The Gipsy Kings close the festival on Sunday
Audiences are encouraged to bring blankets and folding chairs with them and can set up their picnic spots from 5pm (shows start at 7:30pm). If you don’t bring food and drink of your own, food vendors offer alternatives while the attraction’s bars serve wine, beer, and cocktails.
Theatre on Kew presents Shakespeare and family shows from July 18 through August. The Australian Shakespeare Company performs Macbeth on select evenings at 7:30pm, using minimal sets to let the garden setting enhance the atmosphere. Daytime performances include Alice in Wonderland and The Dream Fairies – Adventure to Bubble Land, aimed at younger audiences. Shows run Wednesday through Sunday, with matinee and evening options.
Things To Do in Kew Gardens London: Tips & Tactics
- Arrive early and you’ll avoid the crowds… and the heat. Kew members can enter from 8am, gaining two hours before general admission at 10am. The gardens cover significant ground, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. Free maps at entrance gates highlight seasonal points of interest as well as walking times between attractions.
- Food & Drink: Water fountains are located throughout the grounds with additional seasonal kiosks selling drinks and ice cream. The Orangery Restaurant offers table service dining, while five cafés provide quicker options. Victoria Plaza near the Palm House includes indoor and outdoor seating. The Pavilion Bar and Grill operates seasonally with views across the lake.
- Accessibility services include mobility scooter rental from both entrance gates, though booking ahead is recommended. The Kew Explorer land train provides hop-on service around major attractions, and most glasshouses and galleries are wheelchair accessible (alternative routes are clearly marked where historic buildings present challenges).
- Photography is encouraged, with early morning and late afternoon providing the best light. Tripods can be used except in glasshouses where they might obstruct paths. The gardens’ Instagram account regularly features visitor photos tagged with #KewGardens.
- Getting to Kew Gardens is a breeze and takes only about 30 minutes from Central London, with the Underground’s District Line running directly to Kew Gardens station, just 500 meters from the Victoria Gate entrance. If arriving from South London, the London Overground will deposit you at Kew Bridge station, an 800-meter walk to the Elizabeth Gate. The number 65 bus stops right at Victoria Gate, while cyclists can lock their bikes at racks near both entrances. If you’re driving, be aware that parking isn’t available at Kew for special events, though Richmond Council operates several car parks nearby.
- Admission starts at £21.50 for adults when booked online, but savvy visitors can take advantage of several deals. After 4pm, tickets drop to just £10, making late afternoon visits particularly appealing during summer when the gardens stay open until 7pm on weekdays and 8pm on weekends.
- Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE
- Website: Visit www.kew.org to find out more about the best things to do in Kew Gardens London.
Finally, to make sure you get the most oout of your summer visit, book a night or two at one of these luxury hotels near Kew Gardens Richmond. Each are within walking distance of this must-visit attraction in London.
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Travel and lifestyles writer Bryan Dearsley is Editor of LuxuryUK, a leading source of news and reviews relating to luxury lifestyles and travel in the United Kingdon.
