Visiting Kew Gardens in summer

Home

Things to do

Day trips and breaks

Business Life

Local Highlights

South Western Railway June 27, 2025 4 min read

In this article, you'll learn the following:

Explore Kew in full bloom
Family-friendly days out
Kew Gardens summer events and exhibitions
Book your visit to Kew Gardens with SWR

If you’re looking for things to do in summer in London, Kew Gardens is a must-visit attraction. From family-friendly activities to peaceful gardens, it’s the perfect escape from the city on hot summer days. Plus, it’s easy to get there on our network. Our guide to visiting Kew Gardens has everything you need to plan summer day trips from London and the South West – read on to find out more.

Explore Kew in full bloom

Kew Gardens Pagoda

Kew is among the best gardens to visit in the UK in summer, and is home to over 50,000 living plants. With various gardens and glasshouses to explore, these are the best areas to see summer flowers in full bloom.

Rose Garden

Home to 170 species of rose, the Rose Garden is one of the most spectacular areas of Kew to visit during summer. Head there during the morning or early evening to enjoy the fragrant scents of these stunning flowers.

Waterlily House

Built to showcase the giant Amazon waterlily, the Waterlily House is only open during the spring and summer seasons, when these incredible plants come into bloom. The circular pond spans over 10 metres, and is also home to fish and aquatic plants.

Great Broad Walk Borders

Originally designed as a promenade to the Palm House, the Great Broad Walk Borders are some of the longest in the country, stretching 320 metres. They’re at their best in summer when the flowers and grasses are in full bloom, showcasing a rainbow of colour.

Family-friendly days out

Kew Gardens Temperate House

Kew Gardens is one of the best family-friendly outdoor activities London has to offer, with dedicated areas for little ones to play and explore, and an exciting range of events during school holidays. Don’t miss these attractions when you visit.

The Children’s Garden

The Children’s Garden is an interactive outdoor space that’s perfect for little ones, letting them climb, run, jump and explore.

Treetop Walkway

The Treetop Walkway lets you get closer to Kew’s trees and observe their complex ecosystem. At 18 metres above ground, this unique viewpoint will delight kids and adults alike.

The Hive

Designed by artist Wolfgang Buttress, The Hive is a striking 17-metre-tall installation surrounded by wildflowers. Adorned with thousands of LED lights, it recreates the inside of a beehive and celebrates these incredible insects, who are vital to our ecosystems.

Kew Explorer land train

Hop aboard the Kew Explorer land train for a guided tour of the grounds. You’ll learn about the various flora and fauna at Kew, as well as the historic buildings.

Picnics on the lawns

Nothing beats a picnic during summer, and Kew Gardens provides the perfect backdrop. You can bring your own picnic to enjoy throughout the gardens, or head to one of the on-site cafés to grab a bite to eat.

Kew Gardens summer events and exhibitions

Kew Palace

There’s plenty to see and do at Kew Gardens throughout the season, whether you’re looking for summer outdoor activities with kids or taking advantage of the good weather with a leisurely day out at London’s parks and gardens. Find out more about what’s on here.

Joe Wicks Festival

This summer wellbeing festival is hosted by fitness coach Joe Wicks, promising a fun, family-friendly day out. Join in with a range of wellness activities, from yoga and meditation to ice baths and massages. Head to a talk or workshop to learn more about sleep, nutrition and mental health, and enjoy delicious food and drinks from pop-up vendors.

When: Sunday 6 July 2025, 9:30-18:00.
Price: Tickets cost £42 for adults, £15 for children (ages 3-16), and £103 for families (2 adults, 2 children). Discounts are available for Kew Gardens members. Entry to the gardens is included in the price.

The Power of Trees

The Power of Trees is a fascinating exhibition exploring the beauty of trees and our connection to them. Blending visual arts and science, and inviting visitors to reflect on their connections with trees, the exhibition includes botanical illustrations, video and sound installations.

When: 12 April to 14 September 2025.
Price: Entry is included with your Kew Gardens ticket.

Of the Oak

Of the Oak is a multisensory, immersive art installation celebrating oak trees, created by artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast. It highlights the symbiotic relationships of the 2,300 species that oak trees support, as well as the important work Kew is doing to protect them.

When: 3 May to 28 September 2025.
Price: Entry is included with your Kew Gardens ticket.

Book your visit to Kew Gardens with SWR

Ready to plan your summer day out at Kew Gardens? Getting there is easy on our network, with regular services from London Waterloo to Kew Bridge. From there, it’s an 18-minute walk to Kew Gardens.

Plus, we have plenty of affordable ticketing options for your journey. Choose from Advance, Semi-Flex Return and Sunday Out tickets, or opt for GroupSave tickets when travelling with family and friends.

Our customers can enjoy discounted entry to this popular London attraction with the Kew Gardens 2FOR1 SWR Rewards offer, so book your tickets today!

While you’re here, sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news, offers, competitions and travel inspiration sent straight to your inbox.