Kew Gardens, London
Kew Gardens were created by Lord Capel of Tewkesbury, who called it Kew Park. It was subsequently expanded by Princess Augusta, the widow of Frederick, Prince of Wales. A Chinese pagoda - there was a rage for things Oriental in the 18th century - was added to Kew Gardens in 1761, and is still standing today. King George III added to the gardens with help from William Aiton and Sir Joseph Banks.
Kew Gardens became the national botanical garden in 1840. Under director William Hooker, the gardens were expanded to 30 hectares (75 acres) and the arboretum extended to 109 hectares (270 acres). Today its size is 120 hectares (300 acres).
The Palm House of Kew Gardens, built between 1844 and 1848, and was the first large-scale structural use of wrought iron. Its glass panes were all hand-blown. The Temperate house, built in the 19th century, is twice the size of the Palm House, and is now the largest Victorian glasshouse in existence.
It was at Kew that rubber trees were successfully propagated for cultivation outside South America, and this leads to the rubber plantation industry of Malaya, now spread to neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. In 1987, Diana the Princess of Wales opened Kew's third major conservatory, the Princess of Wales Conservatory, to commemorate Princess Augusta's associations with Kew. In October of that year, however, Kew Gardens lost hundreds of trees to the Great Storm of 1987.
Unesco inscribed Kew Gardens as a World Heritage Site in July 2003.
List of Parks in London
Want to share your London travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
Join the London Travel Tips Facebook GroupMore information for visiting London
Here are some related articles to help you get to know London better.- Cost of Living in London: Discover the true cost of living in London, including housing, transport, groceries, and more - plus tips for budgeting in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Driving in London: Planning to drive in London? Learn about roads, car rentals, parking, tolls, and key tips for tourists and visitors from outside the capital.
- Driving Tips for Visiting London: Thinking of driving to London? Discover the best times to travel, congestion tips, parking apps, breakdown help, and petrol advice for a smoother journey.
- Evolution of London's Streets: Discover the fascinating history of how London's streets developed from ancient footpaths to today's complex network of roads across the capital.
- History of Immigration to London: Discover the rich history of immigration to London, from Huguenots to Bangladeshis, and how diverse communities have shaped the city's vibrant identity.
- How Big Is London Compared to Other World Cities?
- How London's Streets Measure Up: A Global Comparison of Road Widths
- How Streets of London are Named: Discover how London streets get their names, who decides them, and how historic, political, and public influences shape street naming in the capital.
- How the Grosvenor Family Came to Own Much of Mayfair, Belgravia and Pimlico: Explore how the Grosvenor family came to own much of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico, and learn about their historical connection (or lack thereof) with the British royal family and government.
- Living and working in London
- London's Quiet Collapse: How Living Standards Fell as Costs Skyrockted (1975-2025): Explore how London residents endured rising costs and falling living standards from 1975 to 2025 - from rocketing rents to wage stagnation and inflation.
- Marvel of the London Underground: Discover the history, challenges, and triumphs of the London Underground - the world's first underground railway and a vital transport lifeline for the UK capital since 1863.
- Moving to London: Expat Tips for Settling in Westminster: Essential advice for expats moving to London's Westminster: neighborhood insights, cost of living, transportation, housing, healthcare, schools, and tips to help you feel at home in the heart of the city.
- Places in London that aren't pronounced the way they're spelled
- Shopping in London: Discover London's diverse shopping scene
- Taking the bus in London: This is your complete guide to taking the bus when in London.
- The Anglican Faith: A Visitor's Guide to the Church of England: Learn about the Anglican faith and its deep ties to London's landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Top 10 London Streets Every Visitor Must See: Discover London through its most iconic thoroughfares - 10 streets every visitor must experience. From historic Abbey Road to vibrant Camden High Street, explore culture, shopping, and hidden gems.
- Why are most roads in Central London so narrow? Learn why there are so few multi-lane roads and elevated highways in the heart of the city.
