London

Be amazed by the giant lily pads in the Waterlily House, explore a rainforest in the Palm House and travel through ten climatic zones in the Princess of Wales Conservatory to see cacti, orchids, carnivorous plants and the extraordinary flora of Madagascar. Don’t miss the Alpine House, designed to replicate cooler alpine climates, where delicate plants from mountainous regions are displayed in all their glory. Lovers of the miniature will find more hidden gems in the nearby Bonsai House.

The Xstrata Treetop Walkway gives you the chance to climb up into the tree canopy and view the Gardens from an 18-metre high vantage point – particularly spectacular during autumn. Kew’s museum and galleries of botanical art add yet more layers of interest to a visit to the Gardens and are perfect even when the weather isn’t! Whatever the weather though, we recommend that you take time to visit the Shirley Sherwood and Marianne North Galleries.

There are seasonal highlights all across the Gardens. Canopies of cherry blossom and more than five million bulbs bring a sea of spring colour, from snowdrops and crocuses in February to snakes-head fritillaries and native bluebells in May. Summer brings scented English roses, classic Victorian-style parterre bedding schemes and a Mediterranean Garden with cypresses, stone pines and a miniature olive grove.

Kew Gardens is fully wheelchair accessible, with lifts giving access to the treetop walkway and the upper floors of Kew Palace. The Kew Explorer hop-on, hop-off bus with a live commentary makes it easy to enjoy every corner of the 326 acre World Heritage Site, or alternatively a choice of guided walking tours offers the chance to enhance your visit with an insider’s view from our award-winning team of volunteer guides. Kew Gardens has a choice of 4 restaurants and cafes as well as beautiful picnic spots.

Discounts are available for groups. Contact Kew Gardens’ travel trade office for more information, email: groups@kew.org; tel. 0208 332 5648. www.kew.org/groups