With the glorious sunshine we’ve been having in London recently, it seemed the perfect time to visit one of London’s most popular attractions. And like with so many of London’s other well known sites, it is filled with its own glorious history, dating back to 1759. Known officially as Royal Botanical Garden’s Kew, but known by pretty much everyone as Kew Gardens, it covers an incredible Β 121 hectares and has 30,000 different kinds of plants.
One of the nice things about Kew Gardens is that there is no set route. Β There is a map with all the sights on it, but you will most likely take a walk around before looking for specific points. The bright flowers were what first caught the eye of Madeleine and I.
The Canadian Geese really did make full use of the pond. The water was lovely, and looked great alongside all the plants and flowers.
We then went into the Waterlilly House, which is the most humid of all the greenhouses here. There are plenty of other heat-loving plants, but the Nymphaea is the most striking of all the flowers.
Continuing on our walk, we saw all kinds of delights on our way. The whole Gardens are so spacious. There are gorgeous trees everywhere and it is a perfect place to go for a scenic walk.
With such glorious weather, and with such a picturesque setting, it is no surprise to see plenty of families having a picnic on the grass under a tree. It would also have been easy to find a bench and have something. You could also try one of the four restaurants and cafes. Madeleine and I decided to try the Pavillion restaurant. There were plenty of hot dishes available, but with the hot weather, aΒ coleslaw salad was the one that most appealed.Β Madeleine went for a hot dog that was part of an outside stand.
The Treetop Walkway opened over five years ago, and has been a revelation. You can either use the stairs to and from the 18m high plaftorm (59 feet), or get a lift up and down. Covering 200m (660 feet), It gives fantastic views. If you look carefully you can even see the Pagoda, one of its more famous landmarks.
After that light lunch, we continued our leisurely walk and among other things, we saw a tree covered with tea cosies as part of an initiative by the mental health charity Knitiffi, and an empty temple.
Kew Gardens is best known for its worldwide collection of trees, plants and flowers, but there are wonderful attractions everywhere. Β There is so much to see, it is difficult to take everything in with one visit. Even more reason to come back π
Sigh for all that beauty! I have to go there one day. I loved the yarn bombing. π
It really is a wonderful garden. I hope you get to go π
I want to take my kids to Europe in a few years, when my back is better. Fingers crossed. π
(crosses fingers too)
Such beautiful pictures!!!
Thanks. You could spend all day taking photographs π
Kew Gardens look a lot like certain locations in Toronto, especially during the fall. Or maybe I’m just focusing on the geese.
I originally thought they were ducks ha https://alexraphael.wordpress.com/2014/06/05/travel-snapshot-duck-in-pond-london/
Lovely photos, lovely scenery, lovely summer, lovely geese! Makes me want to be there.
It’s amazing to think there’s that kind of space available in London.
Great post. I must go there now!
You will love it.
Beautiful Photos Alex π
Thanks. It was quite tricky deciding which ones not to put in π
What a beautiful place and beautiful photos Alex. I LOVE those lily photos!!
Thanks. There really is so much to photograph. I would love to see the shots you would take.
I’d go nuts ! Thank you Alex π
That looks awesome!
Great photos Alex.
Love & Hugz β€
Thanks. So glad you enjoyed the post π
Brilliant photos! π x
You know how highly I rate yours π
What a beautiful tranquil place to visit. Fantastic photographs, too! π
You so need to go!
A cole slaw salad versus a hot dog from a stand? Madeleine had the right of it. π
And the gardens look lovely.
It was a really hot day so something cold really appealed. 9/10 the hot dog wins π
π
I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again: you go to the coolest places! π
Thanks π You need to come back to England!
I want to so badly!!!
Heck, I love civilised world so much… London would do.
You couldn’t come to London without visiting π I hope you get to come π
Ah, beautiful photos, Alex! π
Only just spotted this comment, sorry. Thanks so much. You know how big a fan I am of your work. You have a creative soul.
Beautiful garden! I lived in London for one year, 1974-1975. I lived near Nottinghill Gate Subway Station and my address was 10 Pembridge Place. Kensington Gardens was nearby! Beautiful to walk through. Your photos reminded me of those days. Thank you , Alex~
Sorry I missed this comment first time around. So happy I reminded you of such pleasant memories π
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