A SoulMap™ London journey by Penna a Spillo
🗺️📍Follow my SoulMap™ and discover London like a local
🇬🇧 Category: London Neighbourhoods
🌸 Discover Kew: the best botanical gardens in the world and a timeless village
Did you know that Kew Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens, is one of the most visited attractions in the United Kingdom? And that Kew is among the most romantic neighbourhoods in London?
I only discovered this after moving here, but the first time I had the chance to visit, I completely understood why.
If you have time during your trip to London, make sure to plan a visit: it is truly worth it.
Here is what you will find (and if you want to discover other special spots in London beyond this one, check out my complete neighbourhood guide featuring itineraries, maps, and local tips).
🏡 Kew Village: a genuine village step back in time
First, you will encounter Kew Village, a small gem among London’s neighbourhoods.
According to my SoulMap™, Kew is perfect if you love quiet and well-kept places, botanical details, Victorian houses, and a more intimate London to explore with calm and curiosity.
Kew Village is very small but lovely, centred right around the Kew Gardens Tube station.
So when you plan your trip to Kew Gardens, make sure to take a moment to stroll around here and experience the atmosphere of one of those London areas that sit right in the city while maintaining the character of an authentic village.
I recommend stopping by the historic The Tap on the Line, Kew pub, which is located right next to the Tube station.
The atmosphere of the pub is charming, and its location gives the whole area a touch of originality.
Right in front of the Tube station opens up a small square surrounded by independent shops and artisanal boutiques.
On the first Sunday of every month, Kew Village Market takes place here too, a delightful farmers market where I always come, thanks to the recommendation of a dear and special friend who lives here, to buy fresh produce and homemade food (including fantastic baked lasagna).
- Station Approach, Richmond TW9 3PZ, United Kingdom
- Kew Tube station (on the District Line, towards Richmond)
🪷 Kew Gardens: the royal gardens of the British Crown
Kew Gardens are not just gardens, but a true botanical world filled with plants of every kind, unusual paths, wonderful exhibitions regularly hosted throughout the year, and activities that keep this place vibrant in every season.
In February, you will find the annual Orchids Exhibition, always featuring a different theme with orchids as the star of the show.
In summer, Kew Gardens hosts wonderful concerts as part of the Kew the Music festival, which attracts thousands of fans.
Not to mention the Christmas period, when Kew Gardens transforms into a truly enchanted forest.
People go to Kew Gardens to see the plants, but also just to stroll and soak in the atmosphere of a dreamlike garden where every corner is a picture.
At the center are the main glasshouses, where you will find a true tropical rainforest.
Art exhibitions open throughout the year, each different, extremely interesting, and highly scenic.
Inside the gardens, you will also find the beautiful Kew Palace, a former royal residence reopened to the public after an extensive restoration in 2006.
The first post-restoration event was a reception hosted by King Charles for Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her 80th birthday, shortly before its official reopening.
Kew Palace and the Royal Kitchens are open daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM (closing at 4:30 PM); access is included in the Kew Gardens ticket (no extra fee is required), while a separate ticket must be purchased for the Great Pagoda.
🫖 The fairytale Afternoon Tea at “The Original Maids of Honour”
After visiting Kew Gardens, if you have time, stop by an incredible and timeless place for one of the most charming Afternoon Teas in the city.
It is called The Original Maids of Honour, and it is located right across from the main entrance of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Victoria Gate.
It is very different from the Afternoon Teas you can try in the big central hotels. It is a simple, countryside spot, but you will feel as though you are stepping into an Agatha Christie novel for a couple of hours.
🌊 Kew Green and the Thames: walking along the riverfront
Don’t forget that Kew is very close to the Thames in one of the most romantic spots on the river.
You can head over to Kew Green (towards the river), a wide green lawn surrounded by delightful pubs and charming little cottages.
Then make your way to Kew Bridge, where you will find a gorgeous view of the river.
Strand-on-the-Green
If you walk off the bridge after crossing it, you can stroll along Strand-on-the-Green, where an enchanting pedestrian path winds its way past charming cottages and historic pubs overlooking the Thames.
On the other side, instead, is Kew Pier, where boats bound for Westminster dock.
During the warmer months, taking a boat to or from central London is a wonderful transportation alternative, and the view of London from the river is truly super romantic.
Take this route that I adore if it appeals to you, and write to me in the comments to let me know your impressions. And please make sure to reach out if you have any information to ask me!
📌 Kew at a glance: 6 unmissable things to do
| Location | Type of Experience | What to Expect |
| Kew Gardens | Nature & botanical beauty | One of the most important botanical gardens in the world, featuring Victorian glasshouses, art, and rare plants |
| Kew Palace | History & architecture | A charming royal palace inside Kew Gardens, now open for visitors to explore |
| Original Maids of Honour | Tradition & bakery | A historic tearoom where you can taste delicious, authentic pastries |
| Tap on the Line | English pub & relaxation | A historic pub with an outdoor terrace, perfect for a beer after visiting the gardens |
| Kew Village | Atmosphere & neighborhood life | A lovely village center with cafes, shops, and markets, offering a quiet retreat moments from London |
| Kew Green | Nature & British picnic | A spacious green lawn overlooking a historic church and Georgian homes, perfect for relaxing like a local |
📚 Discover more
Did you enjoy exploring Kew Gardens Village with me?
If you want to keep discovering the secrets of the city:
- 🏡 Another West London village: Read also Chiswick, London Guide: Best Things to See & Hidden Gems
- 📘 My paperback guide: If you want a practical, pocket-sized guide to take on your trip and discover the city like a Londoner, take a look at my book “Alessandra in London, appunti per scoprire la città”
💌 Keep in touch!
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