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
Step back in time to explore the 17th century elegance of Kew Palace or the rustic charm of Queen Charlotte's Cottage.
The Royal Kitchens are open but unfortunately Queen Charlotte's Cottage and Kew Palace are closed.
To help us manage social distancing, one-way systems may be in place. We appreciate face coverings are no longer required by law, but please wear a face covering when indoors unless you are exempt. This helps to protect yourself and others.
Kew Palace is the oldest building within the Gardens, serving as the summer home of King George III in the 18th century.
The striking façade of the palace reflects its origins. Constructed in 1631 for a wealthy Flemish merchant, Samuel Fortrey, it was originally known as the Dutch House.
A century later, George III received his education at Kew Palace during a period that profoundly influenced his reign, as new ideas on science, art and manufacturing began to blossom.
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
The Royal Kitchens are open but unfortunately Queen Charlotte's Cottage and Kew Palace are closed.
You can also enjoy one of our self-led external virtual 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
Accessibility
- Kew Palace is accessible for wheelchair users, offering assisted wheelchair access into the building and an accessible lift.
- Due to the historic nature of the narrow corridors and doorways in Kew Palace, small wheelchairs are required. Mobility scooters are not permitted in Kew Palace or the Royal Kitchens.
- All recognised guide, assistance or service dogs – including assistance dogs in training – are welcome in Kew Palace and the Royal Kitchens.
- Kew Palace has two wheelchairs that can be borrowed while visiting the palace. There are a limited number of wheelchairs available to borrow at each entrance gate to Kew Gardens.
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.
Discover more of Kew
Kew Science
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Fungus in Parliament
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Plant grown from 203-year-old seed