Dos & don'ts

Help us to look after Kew Gardens and protect the plants and buildings across our UNESCO world heritage site.

Interior of the Palm House at Kew

There is currently an outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) across the UK.

Whilst we are unable to prevent wild birds from getting the virus, we are carrying out enhanced monitoring of our waterbodies to check for signs of illness and to ensure that any dead birds are dealt with appropriately.

Please note, the UK Health Security Agency advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low but there are a number of ways you can help reduce the spread of disease:

  • Should you find a sick or dead bird in the Gardens, please do not touch it or pick it up, but let one of our team know.  
  • Please do not feed wild waterfowl and do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings
  • If you keep poultry (including game birds or as pets), you should follow the government's best practice advice.

Find more information here

  • Bicycles, tricycles, roller skates, skateboards, micro-scooters, balance bikes and other vehicles (except powered wheelchairs) must be left at the gates.
  • To protect our lawns, ball games and sports (including jogging) are not allowed in the Gardens.
  • Any children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Only registered disability assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens - please leave your pets at home.
  • There are deep bodies of water on site. Please supervise children at all times.
  • Please do not climb, pick, prune or remove any plants from our Gardens. The loss of plants is upsetting for our team who skilfully and diligently care for our collections. If you notice any suspicious behaviour, please report this to a member of staff.
  • Kew is home to a wide range of wildlife, including birds and mammals - please respect their space, especially young animals during the spring.
  • Please be careful when walking through the Gardens and avoid walking over planted areas.
  • Leave the flying to the birds - drones and other remotely controlled aircraft are not allowed.
  • Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Kew - please don't bring radios, music players and musical instruments into the Gardens.
  • Kew Gardens is the perfect place for picnics - please stick to grassy areas and don't bring barbecues or picnic furniture.
  • No commercial activities may be undertaken in the Gardens except as part of Kew authorised events.
  • Please place all rubbish in the bins provided or take it home with you.

Get in touch

Visitor information

Call: +44 (0)20 8332 5655 (Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm)
Email: info@kew.org.

Photography or painting

For commercial photography or painting enquiries:
Email: commercialmedia@kew.org

Press enquiries

For press enquiries about filming:
Call: +44 (0)20 8332 5607
Email: press@kew.org.