thames river trips to kew gardens

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Kew Gardens with Thames River Cruise from Central London for Two

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Follow the Royal Route of King Henry VIII along the Thames, and enjoy a picturesque journey to one of London’s most beautiful locations with this Kew Gardens River Cruise for Two.

From Westminster Pier, you’ll weave your way along the river, past the London Eye and the Palace of Westminster, as you head towards Kew Gardens. Through locks and under bridges you’ll get to see London from a unique vantage point.

Disembark at Kew Gardens to explore this fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the world’s largest collection of living plants. The Royal Kitchens, Palm House, Rose Garden and even Britain’s smallest palace are waiting to be seen, guaranteeing a fantastic day full of special sights.

What's Included

• A 1 hour 30 minute one-way sightseeing cruise for two from Westminster Pier to Kew Gardens
• See a different side of London as you drift along the River Thames
• Entry for two to Kew Gardens
• Explore 326 acres of UNESCO World heritage Site and the world’s largest collection of living plants
• Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card

What happens on the day?

On arrival at Westminster Pier 15 minutes before your pre-booked cruise is due to set off, you’ll step aboard your boat for the day before starting your 1 hour 30 minute cruise along the River Thames. 

There’s commentary throughout so you won’t miss a thing, all the way to your final destination: Kew Gardens. Once there you’ll be able to roam freely until Kew Gardens closes, so feel free to take it all in before making your way home from there.

Please be aware that the River Cruise is a one way journey only and arrives at Kew Pier which is a 10 minute walk from Kew Gardens. Please note this voucher excludes admission to Christmas at Kew.

Participant guidelines

• Minimum age: 17
• Unfortunately, the boats are not wheelchair accessible
• Disabled access is available throughout the Gardens. Kew Palace offers a staff-operated lift to all three of its floors
• The experience content may vary 

Availability

River Cruises are available at the following times: Westminster to Kew - 11.00, 12.00 and 14.00 (there is an additional boat at 10.30 on weekends and during Summer Holidays. Please note the cruise time-table is subject to change)

Please note a full service operates April to September. In October one boat operates daily and then the season ends until one week before Easter.  Your cruise must be pre-booked as the boats do get booked up and if there is no availability on the day and a booking has not been made you can and will be turned away. 

Kew Gardens opens daily at 10.00 (except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Closing times vary seasonally.

Please note, this voucher excludes admission to ticked events including Christmas at Kew.

Please click  here  to see opening times or click  here  for planned closures.

We recommend you book at least four weeks in advance to ensure that dates are available.This is only a guideline and we advise you to book as early as possible to ensure that dates are available before the expiry date listed on your voucher.  All bookings are subject to availability.

The River Cruise lasts 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours and you are free to spend all day at Kew Gardens during the opening times. The best entrance to Kew Gardens is Elizabeth Gate, on Kew Green, TW9 3AB.

What about insurance?

The partners contracted with us hold public liability insurance. We also hold contingency liability cover. You will not be liable for accidental damage to equipment, except where damage has been caused as a result of recklessness or wilful negligence.

Please ensure you are familiar with the terms and conditions of the experience.

How it works

All you have to do is pay for the experience you wish to purchase and we’ll send a voucher and booking information to you or directly to the recipient, then you just need to check the info and book your experience.

Customer Reviews

out of 5 stars

Based on 101 reviews

Find out what others have to say about this experience

Kew Gardens is beautiful.

It needs to be noted that we didn’t have the river cruise because Hammersmith bridge had closed to river traffic since I activated the voucher. I am waiting for a response from Virgin on exchanging just that part of the experience. Kew Gardens was delightful. A thoroughly enjoyable visit and would highly recommend it.

A great day out

The boat trip was great and the commentary through London was superb being informative and humorous. The Kew experience was equally enjoyable. We learnt so much about plants and what they contribute to our lives and our planet. We also had the benefit of the magnificent Chihuly glass exhibition. A damp day didn’t spoil it.

Mary Hallett

River Thames cruise and visit to Kew gardens

A lovely trip on the boat, very informative captain. Kew gardens was amazing

Easy access to boat and Kew Gardens with my pre-booked tickets

Sunny Friday on Aug Holiday Weekend

The trip up the river was most enjoyable and the boat captain's commentary though informal, was very informative and added to the experience. Kew Gardens was one of the highlights of our visit to London and the only regret is that we did not have enough time to see all of the park. We left West Minister Bridge at 11.30 and arrived around 1pm at Kew. My advice would be to take the earliest boat possible so as to make the most of your visit to the gardens.

River Trip to Kew Gardens

Brilliant day out, very informative commentary on the river trip which took one and half hours, Kew Gardens spectacular, would recommend.

River cruise and Kew gardens

Great day easy access to cruise all staff on river cruise friendly and informative. Kew gardens beautiful and worth the visit.

Boat cruise and Kew gardens

Great trip from the boat to kew. The captain of the boat was very knowledgeable and witty discussing things on route. Kew gardens was lovely with lots to see

Ian hartnall

Excellent river cruise with a very informative and humerous commentry. The boat was clean and roomy and easy to see all the interests. Kew Gardens were spectacular our only tiny complaint was that on entering Kew the gentleman directing us to the right office was not at all welcoming. But this was a minor blip to our visit. We brought French friends who were really thrilled with the whole trip. It was a simple process and we would recommend it

Kew Gardens

We had a lovely boat ride up the River Thames and lots of information given to us. Kew Gardens was a great experience and lots to see. Great price for what you get

Visitor to London

Received as a gift.

A thoroughly enjoyable day. Boarding our boat was easy, swift and on time. The commentary was both entertaining and informative, audible but not booming. First visit to Kew Garden, definitely worth a visit, at any time of the year, we went in August, it is such a big area it never felt even busy.

The river boat to Kew was both interesting and enjoyable. It was the best way to travel to Kew Gardens for the first time. Kew is wonderful. There is so much to see. The whole experience of the boat and visit was flawless and we would certainly recommend as an enjoyable day out.

Good trip to Kew, friendly crew .

Enjoyed trip very much, even though it rained the whole way there, you could still see clearly out of the windows.Would recommend this trip and would love to go as far asHampton Court next time

Boat trip on Thames to Kew Gardens

Thoroughly enjoyed the boat trip down the Thames to Kew Gardens. Very knowledgeable captain on the boat with a very good sense of humour. Kew Gardens is a must see for anyone visiting London, its a pleasant day out.

Thames river cruise with kew gardens visit

I had a fab day well worth the trip i filly recommend althou within the voucher i had it could've given more info about which ticket booth to go to as i went to 3 it didn't fully specify or wot the boat was called but thats just a minor hiccup otherwise fab day all round 😊☀️☀️

Great day out

Leisurely river cruise to Kew with informative commentary on passing landmarks. Gardens just a short walk from Kew pier. The gardens are superb but it is difficult to view everything in one day. PS the weather was kind to us.

River Thames cruise and Kew Gardens

The trip was easy to book and the cruise was a great chance to see parts of London from the river. The guide's commentary was excellent and he was very knowledgeable. I had not been to Kew Gardens before and enjoyed every moment. I shall go again as there is so much to see and do.

Fhcbhfyughh

Kew Gardens with Thames River Cruise

Visited Kew Gardens on a glorious Autumn Saturday, 20th October 2018 . A brilliant and stunning place , wonderful autumn colours . Be warned ,you walk miles, there is so much to see, so comfy shoes a must !! The river trip was great too,with a running commentary of all areas of interest. Great to arrive at the gardens and have a walk along the river path to get to the entrance. A brilliant day out ,would definitely recommend and would love to do it again .

Janice Walton

Brilliant despite the weather

Lovely views of London from the river. Crew friendly and helpful. Relaxing cruise. Really enjoyed bthe day.Kew great despite the rain. Went up the Pagoda with fantastic views from the top. Restaurant service good and tasty food. Kew is beautiful and full of autumna colours.

Making memories at Kew

Great day in the sunshine Everything went as planned

Brilliant birthday present

I was given this experience day on the river and visit to Kew as a “special” birthday present. Boat trip excellent especially the information given out by the Captain. It is 1/2 mile to walk when you get off the boat to walk to Kew along rough ground. Also coming in the back way to Kew you are unable to board the Landtrain which is a shame. The gardens and buildings were superb and a day we will always remember

Great day especially the trip down Thames. The commentary and information was excellent.

Had a great day fantastic river cruise commentary was excellent Kew Gardens were wonderful would recommend virgin experience to all my friends and family

Excellent day out.

A wonderful experience, the boat trip was fabulous and Kew was outstanding although far too much to see at Kew to fit in one day. Another Kew visit will have to be planned.

Had such a lovely day yesterday even though the weather wasn’t fantastic. Our train was delayed so we arrived at the Thames River Cruise just as it was about to depart but the staff and crew were absolutely fantastic and kindly waited while I ran to the kiosk and checked in. Apologies to the rest of the passengers! The cruise was delightful and Kew was amazing. Thoroughly recommended.

A Great Day Out Despite The Rain..

A Christmas Gift from my son and his fiancee - we waited until summer to use ..and still picked a wet day! ;-) However this did not spoil the trip one bit.. It was easy to book and all travel to London went smoothly. Boat trip was brilliant with excellent commentary, Kew Gardens is sublime - mangaged to see lots of differernt things to previous visits - Kew Palace, the Princess of Wales Conservatory, the newly restored Temperate House, and both the Shirley Sherwood and Marianne North Galleries!

Visit to Kew Gardens and Thames River Cruise

Thames Cruise excellent narrative. Kew Gardens good - think return journey should be included.

Best day ever

Great river trip to kew....

A lovely way to travel to Kew!

1 1/2 hours by boat with a great commentary by the crew. It’s been a long time since we last visited but even on the hottest day of the year Kew was amazing.

Kew gardens and river trip

Wonderful day.

Boat trip was so much fun we booked a return ticket ! Kew was amazing

Grreat boat ride.

Wonder, witty, clever explanation of sights along the Thames. Kew Gardens spectacular.

Fantastic day out

Boat from Westminster to Kew on a sunny day. What a lovely way to spend time. The boat set off and so did the commentary which was insightful and homourous. Plenty of sun cream is a must in this weather and a hat and water. Talking of drinks they sell both alcoholic and non alcolic drinks on board. We arrived at Kew and made our way to the gardens after stopping for lunch. The gardens were still beautiful despite the recent lack of rain . The woodland walk is very peaceful. Excellent!

Cheryl and Steven.

Well worth it!

From the boat to Kew Gardens the whole day was amazing. We would highly recommend the whole experience as it's worth every penny.

This river trip to Kew & Kew Gardens entrance was given to us as a birthday gift. We had excellent weather which no doubt helped the enjoyment of the day - it might have been different on a wet, cold day! The instructions for booking & boarding the boat were confusing. There is no commentary on the boat. You really need to get the earliest boat possible for full enjoyment of the gardens. Note that this is a one-way trip, but the tube is nearby. Well worth doing!

What a pleasure

An exceptional experience, booking in so easy, awaiting on dockside clean and tidy. The boat we went on there was plenty of room. The captain was light hearted in his interpretation of history and things to see on the Thames. Arriving at Kew well sign posted to get to the gardens. A magical time. Thank you

A gentle trip down the Thames with an excellent informal commentary and lots of wildlife on the banks, followed n a sunny afternoon enjoying Kew Gardens

Thames/Kew cruise

Excellent commentary on the cruise. Really informative. Kew is stunning & we will be going back.

Good day out

I was gifted this exprience as a present and it was a great day out! The captain of the boat was brilliant and gave us funny commentary throughout the trip to Kew Gardens. Once we arrived we stopped at a local restaurant (very good!) before visiting Kew Gardens. The Gardens are beautiful and well worth a visit. I would thoroughly recommend!

Well worth it

Fantastic weather added to a great day. River trip very relaxing and Kew Gardens was great.

Something Different

Fantastic day. It was great to travel upstream from Westminster. Great commentary from the crew. Very funny and interesting. Short walk to Kew Gardens which is stunning. Take a picnic tho as food very expensive. Caught tube back as return trip isn't included in the voucher. Return journey rather expensive whereas tube cost £7 when using contact less. Half of tube overground. Would recommend this experience.

Excellent Day Out

Had a very pleasant trip up the Thames with excellent commentary from the skipper! We couldn't have picked a better day for a visit to Kew Gardens. The weather was glorious, the gardens were lovely. Only downside was the cost of food in the restaurant - very over-priced!

ChrissurpieB

Great Day Out

Boat trip to Kew Pier was lovely. The skipper kept us informed all the way with interesting and amusing facts! Kew Gardens was just a short walk from the pier. Lovely as ever. Easy to get the train from Kew back to London Central. A very enjoyable day out.

Paula Joyce

Great value day out

The boat trip to Kew was a really enjoyable trip and Kew Gardens was great. A really good value day out and would do it again.

enjoyable day out

Really enjoyed our 1.5 hour trip on the Thames, seeing all the sights and wildlife from a different angle. Boat captain gave us an excellent running commentary of the sights on the route.

Bought tickets as a gift for my Mum and Dad and they absolutely loved it

River cruise &kew gardens

Loved every minute of it would do it again

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Thames River Boats - River Cruise from Westminster to Kew

Get 2FOR1 on your visit when you travel by train

Advance booking only Adult ticket £18, Senior ticket £15. Cruise from Westminster to Kew Gardens for visits to The Royal Botanic Gardens, The National Archive, London Museum of Water & Steam & The Kew Music Museum. 2FOR1 offer is for holders of train tickets valid on the day of travel for the 14.30 sailing only.

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Journey details

• Opening Times

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TOUR TIMES: Daily 14.30. Tour times may vary. Please check  website  for details.

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"Boats for every occasion."

Please Note : Public cruises & private charters from Kew Pier are operated by Thames River Boats. Click Here to view the Thames River Boats website.

About Kew Pier

Kew Pier is situated on the South shore of the River Thames next to Kew Bridge. The pier is a short walk from the historic Royal Botanic Gardens At Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kew Pier is owned & operated by Westminster Passenger Services Association (More commonly advertised as Thames River Boats). Thames River Boats are operating services between Westminster Pier, Kew Pier, Richmond Landing Stage & Hampton Court Landing Stage & are also able to offer private charters from these locations.

Transportation Links*

Bus services.

 65     391     N65 

 237     267     N9 

National Rail

 South Western Railway 

Underground

 District Line 

London Overground

 Overground 

Daytime / Evening Cruises from Kew Pier

The following cruises are operated by Thames River Boats, click the link below to visit their website.

Cruise from Westminster, Kew, Richmond & Hampton Court

Thames River Boats operate cruises between Westminster Pier, Kew Pier, Richmond Landing Stage & Hampton Court Landing Stage. 

All of Thames River Boats cruises take place onboard traditional passenger boats with indoor & outdoor seating, heating, toilet facilities & a fully licensed bar.

View the latest Thames River Boats timetable & book your tickets online on the Thames River Boats Website .

Private Charters from Kew Pier

Our versatile party boats are a popular choice for corporate & private events on the River Thames. Large open decks, heated saloons & fully licensed bars are just a few of the facilities to be found on-board.

We can provide a wide range of catering & dining options, perfectly paired with our extensive wine menu. Our entertainment options & decorations can also make your event truly unique.

Near Kew Pier

Royal botanic gardens kew.

About The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

About Kew Palace

 kew pier location.

**Transportation links are based on data from Transport for London , always check their website (tfl.gov.uk) when planning your journey.

Walking times & distances are average times based on data from Google Maps .

View All Piers

We operate daytime cruises from 6 piers on the River Thames & private charters from over 20 piers. Click the link below to view all piers.

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The Flamingo Hiker

Walks Ideas & Inspiration For Londoners

Thames Path Richmond To Kew: From A Royal Park To Royal Gardens

11 January 2022 By Lily

Embark on a journey where nature’s wonders seamlessly blend with rich cultural heritage, as the walk along the Thames Path from Richmond to Kew unfolds a tapestry of picturesque scenes and hidden gems. From the regal deer of Richmond to the tropical allure of Kew, this walk is a testament to the timeless beauty and diverse experiences that the heart of England has to offer, making it an ideal choice for a perfect day out.

Last Updated: October 2023

Beginning amidst the serene beauty of Royal Richmond Park, famous for its majestic deer and sprawling meadows, this tranquil promenade leads along the River Thames, revealing ever-changing landscapes and historic vistas. The path culminates at the Royal Botanic Kew Gardens, a verdant oasis where the iconic Palm House and exotic blooms await, showcasing an extraordinary array of tropical plants and architectural marvels. This delightful journey concludes in the quintessential charm of a traditional English pub in Kew, offering a perfect retreat to reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Are you in? Then, follow me.

Logistics for the Thames Path from Richmond to Kew Walk

• Distance : 8.6 miles (13.84 miles)
• Total Ascent : 551 ft (168 m)
• Highest Point: 187 ft (57 m)
• Lowest Point: -6.5 ft (2 m)
• Walking Estimate: 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Difficulty : Easy/ Intermediate due to the distance

How to get there :

• District Line, Overground or South Western Railway trains to Richmond Station.
• The station is also well-served by buses.
• From there you can walk to Richmond Park (20 minutes) or you can take bus 371 to Cambrian Gate ( 10 minutes)

For the Return

• District Line or Overground Train from Kew Station
• Bus 110 towards Richmond (Stop H) or Chiswick (Stop N) at Kew Station
• Bus 65 towards Hammersmith (Stop D)or towards Brentford (Stop R) at Kew Garden/Victoria Gate

What to Pack

• Comfortable clothing and footwear. The terrain is flat and paved on the Thames Path however, Richmond Park can get muddy so make sure you wear waterproof footwear or bring a pair of gaiters with you.
• A backpack with water, snacks and a packed lunch.
• Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if the sun is out as the path is exposed
• Rain gear in case rain is forecasted for the same reason as above

Additional Information :

• There are public toilets in Richmond Park located by the park’s main entrance, Richmond Gate.
• There are public toilets at the start of the Thames Path in Richmond by the Eileen’s at Buccleuch Gardens Cafe
• There are no other public toilets available during the walk
• This is a stile-free walk
• This is a dog-friendly walk
• Not all the footpaths in Richmond Park are accessible to wheelchair and pushchair users
• The Thames Path is accessible to pushchair and wheelchair users

Where to Eat

• The Greyhound , Kew

Highlights of the Thames Path Richmond to Kew Walk

Richmond park.

• White Lodge
• River Thames
• Twickenham Bridge
• Richmond Lock
• Thisleworth Marine
• Old Deer Park
• Kew Gardens

Thames Path From Richmond to Kew Walk

Our journey commences in the historic town of Richmond, nestled in the southwest of London. This charming town owes its origins to Henry VII who, in the sixteenth century, chose this idyllic location to establish his royal abode, the Richmond Palace. He named it after Richmond in Yorkshire, a nod to his northern roots. This palace swiftly became the favourite residence of Queen Elizabeth I, who was particularly fond of hunting in the expansive nearby park, a leisure pursuit befitting the royalty of that era.

Setting off from Richmond Station, you’re presented with two options to reach this storied park. You can embark on a leisurely 20-minute walk or opt for a quick bus ride to Cambrian Gate. For those choosing to walk, there lies a choice between two distinct paths. The bustling Richmond Hill Road, lined with an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, offers a vibrant urban experience. Alternatively, a more serene route meanders through the residential Onslow Road, where one can admire the splendid Victorian houses set in tranquil environs. We opted for the latter, deliberately avoiding the crowded High Street, thus allowing ourselves the opportunity to appreciate the architectural elegance and peaceful ambience of these historic residences.

Begin your exploration at Cambrian Gate to embark on a loop through the park, concluding your stroll at Richmond Gate, the park’s primary entrance. As you step into the park, set your course towards Bishop’s Pound. Circle around the pound and then veer towards Conduit Wood. Past the wood, you’ll find yourself in a serene clearing. From here, the exciting quest for glimpsing deer roaming freely in their natural habitat begins.

Our own journey in search of these graceful creatures led us across the park, finally spotting a herd on the far side of Sawyer’s Hill. When we reached the Saw Pit Plantation we were rewarded with the sight of the deer. Remember to respect their space and take pictures from a distance.

Related Content : Tasmin Trail In Richmond Park

After this delightful encounter, it’s time to return to the designated path. Traverse through Saw Pit Plantation to arrive at Queen Ride, a main route leading to the historic White Lodge. Constructed in 1730 as a hunting lodge for King George II, this Grade I listed edifice is now the prestigious home of the Royal Ballet Lower School.

Having admired the White Lodge, continue your walk towards the Upper and Lower Pen Pounds. In the summer, this area buzzes with picnickers, but a winter visit offers a more tranquil experience. The still waters here reflect the bare branches of the trees, creating a serene ambience ideal for a snack break.

To the Thames Path

Now, it’s time to turn around and walk to Richmond Gate. Meander through Queen Elizabeth’s Plantation, joining the main road that leads to the gate. Conveniently located by the entrance are the park’s public toilets. It is time to leave the park and head towards the Thames Path.

Related Content : Thames Path Belvedere to Greenwich

We now find ourselves along the scenic banks of the River Thames, ready to continue our adventure on the Thames Path . Spanning an impressive 184 miles (296 km), this path traces the course of England’s largest river, offering an array of picturesque landscapes and historical sites along its route.

The Thames Path starts at the source of the River Thames in Kemble, Gloucestershire. It ends at the Thames Barriers in Woolwich, London.

Thames Path

For this walk, we will complete the section between Richmond and Kew. As you exit the park, carefully cross Star and Garter Hill Road. Right across is Petersham Common Woods. Find the entrance of the trail (it is a bit tricky to find) and go down the steep stairs until you reach the road at the bottom. From there the Thames Path is well indicated. Follow the signage in the direction of Richmond Centre.

Walking by the river, you’ll pass right by all the bustling terraces of Richmond’s pubs and restaurants, continuing up to Twickenham Bridge. Past this point, the path gets a bit wilder, with more trees and bushes lining your route.

A short distance ahead, you’ll notice the Thistleworth Marine. Look closely through the branches on the opposite bank to catch a glimpse of St. James Church’s spire.

Continue walking and you will be able to see a pink Pavilion. As you keep moving, you’ll soon see this pretty pink Pavilion. That’s the Boathouse of Syon Park, which leads you right to the Syon House, home to the Duke of Northumberland. This place was first built in the 1500s and then got a major makeover in the 1700s. It’s been opened to the public since 1951.

On your side of the bank, you can’t miss this towering Obelisk. This marks you’re right in front of Old Deer Park. The Obelisk is one of three built in 1769 to point out West, East, and True North. The objective of these Obelisks was to align the telescope of the King’s Observatory to observe Venus.

Related Content : Thames Path from Twickenham to Windsor

You’ll then find yourself at the back of the Royal Botanic Kew Gardens , where inviting benches face the tranquil Thames. The Botanic Gardens have come a long way from their humble beginnings as a crop field in Sheen. It started in 1759 when Henry, Lord Capell of Tewkesbury, founded Kew Park. At that time, it comprised a series of gardens covering 132 hectares and included 40 buildings. The name we know today, Kew Gardens, was adopted in 1840. Now, it stands as the world’s largest and most diverse botanical garden, boasting an impressive collection of 8.5 million plants and fungi.

The best time to visit Kew Gardens is during the Spring and Summer months. However, there is always something to discover at Kew Gardens in each season such as the Christmas Light Show.

As you keep walking, you’ll notice the scenery starts to shift, and buildings begin to pop up behind the trees. Keep going for another 10 minutes, and once you hit Kew Bridge, it’s time to say goodbye to the Thames Path.

For those in search of a cosy pub experience, whether for a drink or a hearty meal, I highly recommend heading to the Greyhound . It’s just a 3-minute walk from Kew Bridge. This pub is a real gem, especially since they’ve got these neat little pods with heaters (a total lifesaver in the winter). The menu has all the comfort food you need, from sharing platters and juicy burgers to satisfying vegetarian dishes. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a walk.

Bon Appetit!

Related Content : A Walk Along The Thames In London – 20 Things To See

Thames Path from Richmond to Kew Map

Do you want to do the same walk? Download the map of the Thames Path walk from Richmond to Kew below. You can upload it on your navigation app and follow the route from your phone. Check my guide on how to download and upload the map here .

Final Thoughts on The Thames Path Richmond to Kew Walk

And there we have it—the end of our picturesque journey from Richmond to Kew along the Thames Path. What a ride it’s been! From the serene greenery of Richmond Park, complete with its free-roaming deer, to the historic and lush expanses of the Royal Botanic Kew Gardens, every step of this walk has been filled with natural beauty and a slice of history.

Did you visit Richmond Park or Kew Gardens? Let me know in the comments below.

Did you like this walk? Pin it!

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Getting here

Plan your journey to kew gardens with our suggested routes to our easy-to-reach gates..

Entry and exit

Victoria Gate (TW9 3JR)

Elizabeth Gate (TW9 3AE)

Brentford Gate (TW9 3AF)

Lion Gate (TW9 2DF)

The Kew Ferry Lane car park is close to Brentford Gate and open as usual.

Pay & Display still applies.

Please note : There are no lockers or baggage storage facilities available in the Gardens. You can check Stasher for luggage storage facilities nearby.

We love to welcome cyclists to our Gardens.

There are bicycle racks at all four gates. At Elizabeth Gate and Victoria Gate, the racks are inside the gates behind the booths.

Bikes left outside our gates are left at your own risk. 

We do not allow bicycles, tricycles, roller skates, skateboards, and scooters into the Gardens.

Route 65 stops close to Elizabeth Gate, Victoria Gate and Lion Gate. This bus stops at Ealing Broadway and Richmond stations.

Route 110  stops near Kew Gardens station and Elizabeth Gate. This bus stops at Richmond station.

Routes 237 and 267  stop at Kew Bridge station.

Kew Bridge   station  is 800m from Elizabeth Gate, via Kew Bridge. South West Trains run services from Waterloo, via Vauxhall and Clapham Junction. There is no level access at Kew Bridge.

Richmond station has lift and level access. Take 65 bus (in the direction of Ealing Broadway) to Lion or Victoria Gate. Walking time from Richmond station is 15 minutes to Lion Gate, 25 minutes to Victoria Gate and 40 minutes to Elizabeth Gate.

There will be planned track closures on the District Line and Overground via Kew Gardens station on various dates in September, October and November 2024. Please check TFL planned closures before you travel.

Kew Gardens station  is 500m from Victoria Gate. It is in Zone 3 and is served by the District Line (Richmond branch) and London Overground.

There is no level access from the westbound platform. It is possible to continue one stop to Richmond and catch a tube back to use the eastbound platform which does have level access.

Ealing Broadway station connects to bus route 65, stopping at Victoria, Elizabeth and Lion gates.

Please note:  Parking at Kew is extremely limited, with spaces in our car park available on a first come, first served basis. Please plan ahead if you are considering driving to Kew, as we cannot guarantee available space in our car park.

CONGESTION ZONE & ULTRA LOW EMISSIONS ZONE (ULEZ)

Kew Gardens is not located within London’s Congestion Zone. It is included in the ULEZ. We recommend checking the ULEZ before you travel if driving by car,  details can be found here .

Kew Gardens car park (TW9 3AF)

Ferry Lane, near Brentford Gate.

• Limited parking available in the car park 
• Parking costs £9 per day. You can pay on site, or with the paybyphone app .
• No charge for motorcycles and mopeds
• Blue badge holders park for free in disabled access parking spaces or other spaces if full
• Car park closes 30 minutes after the Gardens close
• The Herbarium car park will operate as a weekend overflow car park, opening at the point that the Ferry Lane car park gets full

Parking around Kew Gardens

• There is no parking allowed on Kew Road (A307)  Check Richmond council website for parking updates.
• From Monday 3 May 2021, you will need to pay to park in visitor spaces at Kew Green using RingGo .
• Try the Just Park app to find parking near Kew Gardens.
• Restrictions apply on residential streets around Kew 
• Three disabled access parking bays and drop-off area at Elizabeth Gate (TW9 3AB)
• There is no coach park at Kew

Richmond Athletic Grounds (TW9 2SF)

• Check out the Just Park app for Richmond Athletic Grounds . It's about 20 min walk to Victoria Gate. Please note: Kew Gardens is not affiliated in any way with Just Park

Thames River Boats operate a special service from Westminster Pier to Kew Pier. 

The easiest entrance for visitors coming from Kew Pier is Elizabeth Gate (postcode TW9 3AB). Elizabeth Gate is a 0.2 mile walk from Kew Pier across Kew Green. 

Westminster to Kew:

11am 2.30pm

Kew to Westminster:

12.30pm 3.30pm 5pm

Sailing times may vary, check the  Thames River Boats site  for more information.

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