13 March 2023

Best things to do at Kew this spring

Enjoy our seasonal highlights on your visit to Kew Gardens this spring.

By Ellen McHale , Katie Avis-Riordan and Grace Brewer

Cherry blossom on branches in spring

Vivid blooming flowers, unfurling green leaves and the melodious sound of birdsong are all part of the beauty of spring. 

Get outdoors and enjoy this enchanting season at Kew.

From a bluebell woodland wander to a stroll down Cherry Walk, here are the best things to do this spring.

Join Superworm on a family-friendly adventure 

Get a wiggle on and join the incredible Superworm and his friends on our spring trail through the Gardens.

Inspired by the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, follow the trail to discover familiar scenes from the story, dig deep into the importance of soil, and find out all about the different garden creatures of Superworm.

Families will learn about the vital role that animals and plants play in the natural world, whilst helping to save Superworm from the evil Wizard Lizard.

Book tickets to Kew

An illustration of a worm
© 2012 J Donaldson/ A Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

See our seasonal superstars 

From crocuses to daffodils, the Gardens have exploded with spring colour. 

In the UK, daffodils are sometimes called lent lilies as they often bloom between Ash Wednesday and Easter.

Daffodils are not actually lilies but belong to the genus Narcissus in the Amaryllidaceae family, the same plant family as another spring favourite, snowdrops

Crocus in the Gardens
Crocus, Ellen McHale © RBG Kew
Daffodils in spring at Kew
Daffodils (Narcissus) in spring at Kew © RBG Kew
Blossoms at Kew
Blossoms at Kew, Ellen McHale © RBG Kew

Take a stroll through the Japanese cherry blossoms this spring in our Gardens. 

Start at Cherry Walk behind the Palm House and continue through to Asano Avenue (near the Temperate House) to see many varieties, including the delicate pink blossoms of Prunus 'Hokusai'

Keep an eye on our Instagram to see when the cherry trees are in bloom. 

Blossom at the Temperate House
Blossom at the Temperate House © RBG Kew

Wander through bluebell woods

The best time to see the bluebells is from mid-April to May. They spend most of the year as bulbs underground and emerge to flower from April onwards.

As many as 20 sweetly-scented, bell-shaped flowers can appear on a single flower stalk, which droops or nods to one side. 

Bees, hoverflies, butterflies and other insects love them and their flowers provide an important early source of nectar. 

For the best display, head to our Natural Area and see what wildlife you can spot whilst you're there.

Or why not head further afield and visit our wild botanic garden in the heart of Sussex which boasts magnificent bluebell displays.

Grab a tasty bite to eat

With spring comes more sunshine, warmer days and the chance to enjoy al fresco dining. 

Take your pick from our delicious seasonal takeaway food and drink from our cafés and restaurants.

You're also welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy in our stunning natural setting.

We've even rounded up the best picnic spots in the Gardens for you to seek out, from peaceful woodland to a pretty garden scented with aromatic herbs.

A family having a picnic outdoors
A family picnic © RBG Kew

Go behind the scenes

Experience our Gardens from the comfort of your own home and discover behind-the-scenes secrets. 

Browse Virtual Kew to see tours of our glasshouses, art galleries and beautiful living collections, and meet our experts along the way.

Feel the need to unwind? Then watch our Slow TV series Slow down with Kew. Sit back, relax and take in the sights and sounds of our Gardens across the seasons. 

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get the latest of our fascinating films about the Gardens, science stories, plant profiles and more.

Pink blossom of Japanese cherry cultivar, Prunus 'Matsumae Hanagurama'

Visit Kew

There is so much to see and do on a visit to Kew Gardens.

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