Victoria Gate at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is the largest botanical garden in the world, with more than 50,000 living plants, installations, walkaways, and Victorian decor.

Spanning more than 300 acres of land, the Kew Gardens have been deemed a World Heritage Sight. 

For an attraction this huge, having only one entrance for all visitors is not practical. 

So, the Kew Gardens has four entrances for everybody’s convenience. They are:

• Victoria Gate
• Lion Gate
• Elizabeth Gate
• Brentford Gate

This article will focus on the Victoria Gate entrance of Kew Gardens.

Victoria Gate Facade

Situated at the southeastern wall of the premises, the Victoria gates were designed by Decimus Burton in 1845, an architect. 

Victoria Gate is considered to be the main gate at Kew Gardens.

The royal coat of arms, which announces Kew’s longstanding ties to royalty, is incorporated into its intricate wrought iron work.

Decorative inscriptions are carved on Portland stone piers that flank the main gates.

The Victoria Gate lies on Kew Green Road, where parking is forbidden. 

What is near Victoria Gate?

The Victoria Gate entrance is 300 meters (330 yards) from Kew Bridge station. It is accessible by both bus and river commute. 

Attractions near the Victoria Gate Entrance are:

• Palm House
• Victoria Gate Café
• The Botanical
• Temple of Aeolus
• Rose Garden
• Waterlily House
• Temple of Bellona
• Temple of Arethusa

Victoria Gate is also a part of the Christmas at Kew Gardens trail.

Palm House

The Palm House at Kew Gardens is a magnificent Victorian glasshouse with innovative design, featuring a series of interconnected glass arches that house a diverse collection of tropical plants.

The Palm House is separated into various climate zones and displays the evolutionary diversity of ferns, palms, and other exotic plants.

The building’s large glass panels and elaborate iron framework make tropical plant cultivation possible.

Temperate House 

Designed by Decimus Burton, the renowned Victorian glasshouse at Kew Gardens first opened its doors in 1863.

With its extensive collection of temperate zone plants from all over the world, it is the largest surviving Victorian glass structure in the world.

Towering palms, cycads, and other botanical riches may be found inside, which is divided into several geographical zones. 

This landmark building was given new life by the restoration that was finished in 2018, guaranteeing that it would remain a hub for plant conservation and education.

Not far from the Temperate House is the Kew Garden treetop walkway.

Temple Of Aeolus

Built in the 18th century, this neoclassical temple is dedicated to Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds.

With its Corinthian columns and classical architecture, the Temple of Aeolus provides a charming backdrop for events, gatherings, and moments of contemplation amidst lush greenery.

Rose Garden

A horticultural marvel, Kew Gardens’ Rose Garden boasts an exquisite collection of roses in a variety of hues and kinds.

This exquisitely designed garden, which is part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, highlights the beauty and diversity of roses, including both traditional types and contemporary hybrids. 

Waterlily Garden

Kew Gardens is home to the captivating Waterlily Garden, a serene haven where guests can lose themselves in the splendor of aquatic plants. 

With an amazing assortment of water lilies, such as the well-known Victoria cruziana with its enormous leaves, the garden highlights the beauty and diversity of these aquatic plants.

If you are traveling with kids, you cannot afford to miss out on the Children’s Garden at Kew

Restaurants near the Victoria Gate

There are several reputable restaurants at the Kew Gardens.

Here are a few closest to the Victoria Gate:

Victoria Plaza Café

What to expect

The Victoria Plaza Café is the best option for a quick coffee break. 

This café offers coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and snacks.

Timings

It is open daily from 10 am to 2:45 pm.

Both takeaway and indoor seating are available here.

The Botanical Brasserie

What to expect

The Botanical Brasserie offers all-day formal dining with modern British cuisine. 

From breakfast to lunch and afternoon tea, you can have anything here.

Timings 

It is open daily from 10 am to 2 pm, with specific timings for each meal. The Brasserie provides indoor and outdoor terrace seating. 

Note that a Gardens ticket is required before booking a table.

The Botanical Brasserie is also famous for Kew Garden Afternoon Tea.

Download Menu of Botanical Brasserie (PDF, 1.9 Mb)

How to reach Victoria Gate

The most convenient way to reach Victoria Gate is by public transport. 

By Bus

The bus stop Kew Road Victoria Gate (Stop D) (buses: 65, 110, N65) is only a few steps away from the Victoria Gate entrance of Kew Gardens. 

By Train 

Kew Gardens travel terminal (commuter trains: Overground)  is only a five-minute walk away from the Victoria Entrance.

By Subway

District line subway services will also take you to the Kew Gardens travel terminal. 

By Bicycle

Put on Google Maps and navigate to the Victoria Gate at Kew Garden. 

Bicycle racks are available at all four gates, but bicycle parking is at your own risk. 

At Victoria Gate, the racks are inside the gates behind the booths.

Note: If you are traveling by car, your preference should be the Brentford Gate, which has a car park.

Check out Parking at Kew Gardens.

Entry Price at Victoria Gate

The admission ticket price for Kew Garden is constant and does not change from entrance to entrance. It is constant for all of Kew.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (30 to 64 years): £14
Student Ticket (with a valid ID): £7
Youth Ticket (16 to 29 years): £7
Senior Ticket (60+ years): £12
Child Ticket (4 to 15 years): £4
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Family Ticket (1 adult & 2 children): £29
Family Ticket (2 adult & 2 children): £48

Accessibility at Victoria Gate

Disabled visitors qualify for a concession ticket.

Free entry is afforded for essential carers, personal assistants, support workers, and next of kin accompanying disabled visitors.

Registered blind and partially sighted visitors can also gain free entry. 

The entrance is flat, with tarmac paths, and wheelchair users will have no difficulty.