Kew Gardens

Explore summer gardens, glasshouses, Henry Moore sculpture, botanical art and food stops in a structured full-day visit

Kew Gardens is a large west London garden day shaped by glasshouses, botanical art, designed landscapes, riverside approaches and summer planting. In summer 2026 it also has the Henry Moore: Monumental Nature exhibition across the Gardens, so sculpture, views and garden design can sit naturally alongside the Palm House, Temperate House, Princess of Wales Conservatory, Great Broad Walk Borders, The Hive, Japanese Landscape and quieter lawns.

The strongest first-time visit is a half-day or full-day plan rather than a quick park walk. Start through the gate that fits the arrival, put glasshouses, galleries and any exhibition priorities early enough that separate closing times do not catch the group out, and use lunch or coffee as a deliberate reset. The second half should flex with weather and stamina: treetop views, Henry Moore sculptures, family spaces, lakeside walking, or a slower botanical-art and conservatory focus.

Kew rewards choice, but the choice needs structure. Scenic arrivals such as a Mortlake riverside approach add atmosphere and distance. Summer evenings give more garden time, but food windows, galleries, glasshouses and elevated attractions close earlier than the Gardens. You should decide whether the day is mainly about plants, design, family time, photography, contemporary sculpture, or a calm west London escape before trying to cover every named feature.