Enjoy the Changing Seasons at Kew Gardens
Once a Royal palace, the layout of the original gardens actually dates back to the 13th century. After the construction of the Palm House (finished in 1848) and Temperate House (finished in the latter part of the 19th century) Kew Gardens became what it is today, one of the only places in the UK where rarer and tropical plants are grown and cultivated.
In 2003, Kew Gardens was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, a huge honour marking the expansive gardens as having cultural, historical or scientific significance.
Set in over 300 acres of beautiful land, the gardens not only host a number of incredible events every year but are also a world-leading scientific organisation. It is home to the largest living collection of plants and fungi.
The two incredible glasshouses provide an almost tropical atmosphere, perfect for many of the more unusual and endangered plant species that are grown there.
Kew through the Seasons
In Spring, the gardens play host to an incredible event welcoming the season of renewal with Sounds of Blossom. Enjoy the beauty of spring pastels and young blossoms as you wander through the glass houses and gardens, accompanied by music from the Royal College of Music. Spend time with blooming flowers and blossoming trees and take time to reconnect with nature while enjoying time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Follow the gardens through the seasons. In Summer, when the sun is at its highest, enjoy walking through a shaded and secluded grove of conifers in the Pinetum, or explore the gardens following one of the many trails. The gardens are also home to a large collection of carnivorous plants to feast the eyes on, including Purple Pitchers and the oyster-shaped Venus Fly Trap.
No matter what the time of year, you can enjoy the warmth of summer in Temperate House, the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse, or view a collection of beautiful alpine plants and trees that thrive in high altitudes in Davies Alpine House.
During the winter months, the gardens are filled with illuminations as part of Christmas at Kew, highlighting the natural beauty of the gardens in the darkest nights of the year. Visitors can follow the trail of lights through the stunning collection of plants and indulge in tasty festive treats as you stroll or enjoy a three-course meal at the Botanical Brasserie.
Throughout the year Kew hold a number of events to highlight scientific work carried out in the gardens, the rare plant species grown and cultivated in the grounds, and educational programmes for schools.
Summer 2025 Kew is adding a new permanent garden to the grounds in the form of the Carbon Garden. Designed with the help of the Biffa Award, the Carbon Garden aims to show visitors the role that carbon plays in sustaining life on Earth. Focusing on fungi and plants and the contribution they make to healing the plant, the Carbon Garden will boost biodiversity at Kew.
Gardens and Your Health
Whether spending time with your fingers in soil or enjoying the fruits of your labours relaxing on a sunbed with a book, there’s no denying that being outside has incredible health benefits; both mental and physical. So, after a long week at work or a busy day full of meetings, there’s nothing better for the health than a relaxing stroll around a garden, taking in the sights and smells it has to offer, and enjoying the peace and tranquillity of your surroundings.
Make a Weekend of it with Charles Hope
Whether travelling for a business or looking for somewhere to stay for a relaxing getaway, Charles Hope has it all. Our apartments in Kew Bridge are ideally situated if you’re working or attending an event in the city, visiting the National Archives, or working at one of the nearby corporate offices. They’re just a short walk from the beautiful gardens so you can enjoy them at your leisure.
