Must-See Attractions At Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Jun 7, 2011
Aamina Zafar

The Waterlilly House - Used with permission by photographer Tariq Masud

Bask in the beauty of 300 acres of stunning gardens which are home to plants from around the world.

Anyone who is potty about plants or just wants a relaxing family day out, should visit Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The botanical haven in Surrey, UK is not only home to unique flowers and plants from across the globe, but also a variety of fish, magnificent trees and beautiful buildings. With so much to see, it can be a little daunting when deciding what you want to squeeze into your day. Here is Suite 101's guide to must-see attractions at the venue.

Passion for Plants

For exotics plants from rainforests across the globe, head to the Palm House glasshouse. The stunning building, which spans 4,880 square metres and rises to a height of 19 metres, is the world's largest surviving Victorian glass structure. Visitors can spot colourful plants and art sculptures of insects dotted across various points. Those with a head for heights can also climb up the tower above the palms and plants to enjoy a birds eye view.

Plant lovers will be wowed by the beauty of the Waterlilly House. Set inside Kew's many listed buildings, it features a 36-foot-wide pond containing a giant Amazon Waterlilly.

If you want to get close to nature, then make a stop at Kew's Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway. The path first guides you under the ground and then 18 metres up in the air so you can enjoy breath-taking views of tree tops.

Add a touch of royalty to your trip by wandering over to Kew Palace. The beautiful red brick building was built by a Dutch merchant Samuel Fortrey in around 1631. It was later purchased by George III. Although the palace is stunning - its true beauty is tucked away at the back in the Queen's Garden. The grounds include a collection of plants believed to have medicinal qualities. Now only plants that were extant in England by the 17th century are grown in the garden.

Taste of the east

Visitors can travel across countries at Kew by heading towards the Japanese Gateway. Opened in 1996 the most intricately carved panels portray an ancient Chinese legend displaying the devotion of a pupil to his master. The ornate gateway proudly stands within a traditional Japanese landscape.

Nearby, visitors can also see a traditional Japanese farmhouse known as Minka House. It was was donated to the gardens in 2001 by the Japan Minka Reuse and Recycle Association. The house stands amid the Bamboo Garden which features 1,200 bamboo species from China, Japan, and the Himalayas.

Fun for Kids

Creepy crawlers play a large role at Kew. This is obvious from the aptly named Climbers and Creepers attraction which is an indoor play zone. Children who are three to nine years old can wiggle through tunnels and slide down a giant pitcher plant.

To spot some real life insects, then head Stag Beetle Loggery to see an array of giant beetle.

But if your children want to play some more, then visit Treehouse Towers. It features giant swings, zip wires, scramble nets and slides and is the perfect way to keep the kids between three and eleven entertained.

Families can go back 3,500 million years inside the Evolution House which features a fuming volcano with glowing lava and even dinosaur footprints.

Water World

The garden is not just about plants. If you want to enjoy sea animals then head to the Palm House and the Princess of Wales Conservatory which are home to piranha, enormous catfish, freshwater stingray and water dragons.

Enjoy the peaceful sound of a waterfall inside the Rock Garden which features 3,000 alpine plants. The garden is at the foot of The Davies Alpine House which includes a stunning display of dianthus, small ferns, lavenders, and tulips. One of main attractions is the Chilean Blue Crocus ‘Tecophilaea Cyanocrocus’ which has scented cobalt blue flowers with a white centre.

Food and Drink

Strolling across the gardens can be tiring work, so you will be pleased to know that you can fill up your water bottle at one of the many water fountains. But if you've worked up an appetite then there are also four restaurant and cafes dotted across the site.

However, opt for a picnic within the gardens for the ultimate family day out. Stop under the shade of one of the many trees at Kew and enjoy a spot of lunch. You may even be lucky enough to see spot some of the gardens' geese which roam the land freely.