Kew Gardens
Queen’s Garden
Designed to complement Kew Palace, the Queen's Garden is a quiet spot for a stroll and some history.
Queen's GardenRoyal Treasures
Opening 4 June 2021: Step back in time to explore the 17th century elegance of Kew Palace or the rustic charm of Queen Charlotte's Cottage.
Our Royal Treasures will be opening from 4 June 2021.
As king, he preferred his country estates to court life, spending many happy summers at Kew Palace with his wife Queen Charlotte and their 15 children. However, these periods of relaxation were shadowed by King George’s struggles with mental illness – suffering repeated bouts from his first episode in 1789 until a regency was declared in 1811. After Queen Charlotte died in 1818, Kew Palace was closed off.
Queen Charlotte's Cottage sits at the opposite edge of the Gardens from Kew Palace, tucked away in one of London's finest bluebell woods, part of which is over 300 years old.
A paddock adjoining the cottage was home to many exotic creatures, including a pair of black swans, buffaloes, the now extinct quagga (an animal similar to a zebra) and the first kangaroos to arrive in England.
Both residences were acquired by Kew in 1898 and opened to the public for the first time. Today the buildings are in the trust of Historic Royal Palaces.
Visiting the Royal treasures
Our Royal Treasures will reopen from 4 June 2021. Until then, why not enjoy one of our self-led external tours:
We may occasionally need to close attractions for maintenance or visitor safety: Check for planned closures and visitor notices before you visit.
Nearest entrance
Elizabeth Gate
Hidden highlight
You may also want to visit the wonderfully preserved Royal Kitchens and Ice House close to Kew Palace, which offer an insight into servant life and culinary tastes in Georgian England.
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Kew Science
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Fungus in Parliament
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Plant grown from 203-year-old seed