Backpackers Guide to London
Kew Gardens
Backpackers' Guide to London's Tourist Information | Backpackers' Guide to London Tourist Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to London's Historical Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to Shopping in London | Backpackers' Guide to Sport in London | Backpackers' Guide to Entertainment in London | Backpackers' Guide to Food in London | Backpackers' Guide to London Museums Kew, the Royal Botanic Gardens in London, is a world class cultural and heritage site that was officially inscribed on the list of World Heritage Sites of the United Nations in 2003—joining the Great Wall of China, the Grand Canyon, The Taj Mahal and the Tower of London. The inclusion of the Kew Gardens in the list is in recognition of its historic landscapes and outstanding buildings as well as its significant contribution to science and plant research. The beginning of the development of the Kew Gardens can be traced back to 16th century, when Henry VII built Richmond Palace to serve as his primary place of accommodation. The neighboring areas of Kew and Richmond were situated on a prominent bend in the River Thames, but they were quiet towns and not considered much of a political power. And then emerged the British Royalty, and as the area attracted nobles and other people of influence, Kew became a hub of power. As London’s culture blossomed, so did The Royal Garden, thanks to the public interest in architecture and gardens. At a certain point in its history, the Kew Gardens suffered a decline, to the point that the Botanic Gardens at Kew no longer actively collected plants. The year 1841 saw its renaissance and it flourished under Queen Victoria’s patronage. Its potential as a public attraction was then discovered. Kew’s conservation ethic emerged sometime in 1945 when concerns for the world’s ecosystems were raised. From its initial role in developing the Empire by supplying seeds, crops and horticultural advice to the colonies, it refocused its mission to serve the needs of the world community. Kew shifted focus to conservation-led research and economic botany to become one of the world’s leading plant species conservation centres. The major attraction of the Kew Garden is the Palm House- the building that is considered an icon in Kew for being the world’s most important surviving Victorian glass and iron structure. Other notable attractions includes the Bamboo Garden, the Rhododendron Dell, the Syon Vista, Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, the Cedar Vista, the Dutch House, the Queen’s Garden, the Herbarium, the Water Lily House, the Pagoda Vista, the Alpine House, the Princess of Wales Conservatory, the Jodrell Laboratory, the Orangery, the Broadwalk and the Nash Observatory. Visitors are encouraged to come to Kew Gardens using public transportation due to limited parking space and environmental reasons. A tourist can use the Tube (London’s Underground), the Rail or the bus to reach it from their place of accommodation. Alternative modes of transportations are the bicycle, the riverboat and the car or coach. Daily tours are conducted starting from the Victoria Gate Visitor Centre. It lasts for an hour and is limited to 15 people per tour. The visitor needs to register at least 15 minutes before the tour and the policy of first come, first served is observed. Family activities are regularly offered to guarantee enjoyment while appreciating the Kew environment.
Introduction
History
Features
Getting There
Ashlee House, 261-265 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8QT, England
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 9400 Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9677
