Want a break from the bustle and hustle of the capital’s streets? Then beat a retreat to the wide, open spaces of Kew Gardens. Where you can navigate the botanical displays and more at your own pace.

Want a break from the bustle and hustle of the capital’s streets? Then beat a retreat to the wide, open spaces of Kew Gardens. Where you can navigate the botanical displays and more at your own pace.

There’s a lack of parking options close to south-west London’s Kew Gardens, so they’re best reached by public transport, or with a bespoke private transport arrangement from Freedom Air. Kew Gardens Underground station is 400 metres away from the attraction’s Victoria Gate entrance and lies on the District Line whilst its train station, offering excellent connections from the east of London’s Stratford, is an 800-metre walk to the Elizabeth Gate entrance.

Kew Gardens are open every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Visit between 10:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday and from 10:00am to 7:00pm on weekends and bank holidays. In spring and summer, the gardens close at either 8:30pm or 9:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays only.

The minimum you can stay at Kew Gardens is half an hour, with there being a 30-minute period between last entry and closing time. But there’s such much to see and do here, that it’s best to make a day of it. It’s worthwhile downloading a map of the gardens before you go.

At Kew Gardens, you can learn about the birds (like the ducks which float in the Aquatic Garden) and the bees (in the new Hive attraction opening in June 2016). There are free guided walks offered by volunteers, more tailored private tours, and the opportunity to view the flora and fauna from a sitting-down position aboard the Land Train.

Adult tickets start at £15.00 if paying at the gate, but by booking online you can save £1.00. A child ticket costs £3.50 (£2.50 online) and there are family packages available too. Prices are correct at the time of going to press.