Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, usually referred to simply as Kew Gardens, are 121 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond and Kew in southwest London. Kew’s mission is to inspire and deliver science-based plant conservation worldwide, enhancing the quality of life. The Gardens are now a World Heritage Site.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew are the product of a complex history, stretching back over many millennia. On a prominent bend in the river Thames, the site carries the remains of thousands of years of human activity.

It is generally believed that the Physic and Exotic Garden was begun in 1759, when "cultivating the Physic Garden" first appears in household accounts, and this is taken as the date of formal establishment of the Botanic Gardens.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew was inscribed on the World Heritage List by the World Heritage Committee on 3 July 2003. World Heritage status gives recognition to Kew’s excellence as a world class cultural and heritage site and recognises the importance of Kew’s historic landscapes and outstanding buildings in addition to its important role in science and plant research.

The Gardens are home to the Xstrata Treetop Walkway which takes visitors 18 metres (59ft) up in the air, bringing the trees close in a way that will amaze.

Kew has the largest compost heap in the world, made from green waste from the gardens and the waste from the stables of the Household Cavalry. The compost is mainly used in the gardens but on occasion has been auctioned as part of a fund raising event for the gardens.

Kew Gardens has several interesting and varied venues available for hire. Ideal for events such as wedding, receptions, conferences and parties London’s Greenest Venue is perfect for a truly memorable occasion.

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Contact details for Kew Gardens tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5655 (24-hour visitor information line), email: [email protected]

Kew opens at 9.30am every day except 24/25 December. Summer Closing Times  Sun 28 Mar 2010 to Sun 29 Aug 2010 6.30pm (Last entry 6pm) (weekends and bank holidays 7.30pm)

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