Kew Gardens
A few months ago when London was a lot warmer and dryer, Owen and I took a trip to the other side of London to visit family but also to finally visit Kew Gardens. Anyone who knows me, knows I love Botanical Gardens - mainly for the beautiful greenhouses. I'm not sure how I managed to go a few years without visiting Kew Gardens but I will certainly make sure it is not that long until I visit again.
Kew Gardens are based in the leafy suburbs of Richmond, West London and houses the 'largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world', with more than 30,000 different kind of plants.
My top recommendations on things to visit while there:
Palm House and Rose garden
The most stunning Victorian iron and glass structure. Designed by Decimus Burton and engineered by Richard Turner to accommodate the exotic palms being collected and introduced to Europe in early Victorian times. By far my favourite building at Kew Gardens, and the 19m high walkway around the edge of the glasshouse allows a closer look at the palms.
Princess of Wales Conservatory
The third largest conservatory (the temperate house is currently closed for restoration), was designed by architect Gordon Wilson, and opened in 1987 by Princess Diana, in commemoration of her predecessor Princess Augusta. The conservatory houses predominantly Dry Tropics and Wet Tropics plants, including some of the most amazing water lilies and cacti I have ever seen.
Waterlily House
The hottest and most humid of the houses of Kew. The central feature of this conservatory is a large pong with varieties of water lilies. Notes: It is closed during winter months.
The Hive
A unique structure, inspired by scientific research into the health of bees. The installation is made of thousands of pieces of aluminium which creates a lattice effect and is fitted with hundreds of LED lights that glow and fade around you. The sound and light intensity within the space changes as the energy levels in the real beehive surge, giving visitors an insight into life inside a bee colony.
The Orangery
Originally designed for growing citrus plants, however it was found to be too dark. The beautiful space now houses a restaurant.
Pagoda
Situated in the south-east corner of Kew Gardens, the Pagoda, stands at 50m high and features 10 octagonal stories. Erected in 1792 and a design in imitation of the Chinese Ta. It has been closed to the public for a few years but it is intended to open again this year (2017).
Tree Top Walkway
Opened in 2008, the walkway is a new addition to Kew Gardens. It is 18m high and 200m long and allows visitors a new perspective of walking at tree top level. If you're like me, and are scared of heights, this may be one to skip. The floor of the walkway is made from perforated metal and flexes as it is walked upon and the entire structure sways in the wind (I spent the entire walk clutching to the rails).
