Explore the Gardens with our winter walks and tours

There's plenty to discover at Kew Gardens this winter. Explore evergreens on a free guided tour, learn about festive fruits and spices in a hands-on session, or take a stroll through the Gardens to explore the areas that Kew staff enjoy at this time of year.

Buy tickets - Adults £13.90, concessions £11.90, children under 17 get in FREE!

An evergreen cedar in winter

Guided tours - Kew Gardens in winter

Dates and time: Thurs 1 Dec 2011 to Tues 31 Jan 2012
Time: Daily at noon
Location: Tours start at guides' desk in Victoria Plaza (at Victoria Gate)
Price: Free, once inside the gardens. Please register with the guide 15 minutes before the tour departs. Guides can take up to 15 people on a first come, first-served basis. Groups of 6+ must pre-book on 020 8332 5604.

Discover the beauty and diversity of Kew's conifers and broadleaf evergreens on this fascinating one-hour walk with Kew's volunteer guides.

Children playing in the snow in the Gardens

Winter at Kew Gardens

Self-guided trail - A winter walk

Dates: Sat 3 Dec 2011 to Mon 2 Jan 2012
Location: Pick up a leaflet from any of the gates from 3 Dec
Price: Free, once inside the Gardens

Take a self-guided walk around Kew Gardens with our new winter walk leaflet. Discover the places Kew staff have submitted as their favourite scenic winter spots.

Download the winter walk (pdf)

Cinnamon sticks can be used as a spice in Christmas puddings

Hands on sessions - Festive fruits

Dates: Sun 11 Dec 2011 - 1 Jan 2012 (Wed and Sun only)
Time: 12 noon to 2pm
Location: The Orangery
Price: Free, once inside the Gardens

Spice up your visit with a trip to the Orangery, where Kew guides will tell you the stories behind the fruits and spices in Christmas cakes and puddings.

Once you’ve learnt all about the ingredients, discover how to combine them into a delicious Christmas pudding! Download a selection of our favourite recipes here.

Hop on the Kew Explorer

Kew Explorer – half price winter offer!

Dates: Now – Wed 29 Feb
Times: Tours commence at 11am and will usually run every hour (last full circuit 3pm)
Location: Tours begin at Victoria Plaza
Price: Adult £2, child (under 17) £1 (prices include discount)

Travel to the far corners of the Gardens on the Kew Explorer land train. Commentary offers an overview of the Gardens: hear more about our buildings, history, plants and vital scientific work.

Hop on and off at any of the seven stops on the route. Your ticket is valid throughout the day of purchase. The driver will inform you if scheduled services are amended.

Watch the video

Lavishly illustrated, Growing Hardy Orchids highlights over 150 species of hardy orchids from North America, Europe and Australia that will make it through the winter in temperate climes with little or no protection, focusing on the commercially available hardy orchid species and hybrids available through reputable nurseries and garden centres – never collecting plants or seed from wild plants.

Examining the life histories and structures of orchids, the authors share their many years of expertise on raising plants from seed and vegetative propagation, and the cultivation of plants in pots in glasshouses, and in the open ground. Advice is given on potting and planting seedlings (including selection of compost and pots) and young plants. And with the emphasis on the ‘easy plants to raise’ the most novice grower will not be deterred.