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Kew Explorer
Explore the magic of Kew in 40 minutes
A great way to gain an introduction to the Gardens
The 'Kew Explorer' people mover enables all our visitors to get an excellent overall view of the 120 hectares (300 acres) of Kew. The current route, lasting approximately 35-40 minutes incorporates 8 stops close to buildings and areas of interest within the Gardens, and 'Explorer' ticket holders are able to get on and off at any of the stops throughout the day.
Adult £4.00, children (under 17) £1.00
It is recommended that you check daily schedules when you purchase your ticket or at the stop signs in case of any seasonal fluctuations.
Tickets may be purchased at all Ticket Gates, Victoria Plaza and White Peaks shops or from the drivers of the vehicle. The main boarding point is Stop 1 close to the Victoria Plaza and the Palm House. The first Explorer of the day leaves STOP 1 at 11.00hrs. Services then normally run on the hour throughout the year. PLEASE CHECK THE SIGNS AT THE GATES AND STOPS FOR AVAILABLE SERVICES ON THE DAY. Services arrive at STOP 1 approximately 5 minutes after leaving stop 8. There is then a 20 minute wait before continuing.
Halloween Train Tours
Monday 27 October - Sunday 2 November
The Abominable Dr Creeper will be telling mysterious tales of Kew whilst you
travel around the Gardens on the Kew Explorer.
Departing from Stop 1 only, at the following times:
11.30, 12.30, 13.30, 14.30, 15.30 hrs
72 timed tickets are available from Stop 1 (just behind Victoria Plaza and close to the Palm House) for each non-stop Halloween Train Tour. Tickets will be issued each day on a 'First Come, First Served' basis 15 minutes before each tour commences. i.e. 11.15 hrs for the 11.30 hrs tour.
Halloween train tours are priced at: Adult £4 Child £1
Tours last approximately 35 minutes.
Call 0208 332 5617 for more information.
The holder of a Halloween Train Tour ticket will need to purchase an
additional daily Kew Explorer ticket if they wish to take any of the
regular daily public tours.
Daily Garden tours will be running as normal each day from Stop 1 (close to
the Palm House/Victoria Plaza) at 11.00, 12.00, 13.00, 14.00 and 15.00 hrs.
These tours provide a great introduction to the Gardens and provide information
on its history leading up to Kew's 250th anniversary celebrations in 2009,
festivals and important work on conservation and research.
Map not to scale
Please note: route is subject to change.
Points of Interest
-
VICTORIA GATE - Victoria Plaza Shop and Garden Shop, Victoria Terrace Café
Fantastic selection of exclusive gifts available from the shop. Refreshments.
Palm House - world famous tropical glasshouse. Aquatic display.
‘Plants + People’ Exhibition in Museum No. 1.
Waterlily House. -
TEMPERATE HOUSE - the largest glasshouse at Kew, housing the world’s biggest indoor plant.
Evolution House - dramatic landscape showing how plants have evolved over 3,500 million years. Pavilion Restaurant - open from 9 February.
The Xstrata Treetop Walkway and Rhizotron - opening 24 May 2008.
Marianne North Gallery - stunning paintings by this intrepid Victorian traveller and artist.
The Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art - opening 19 April 2008. - Japanese gateway and
landscapes - a replica of the 16th century Gateway
of the Imperial Messenger, surrounded by Japanese themed landscapes.
Pagoda - 10-storey Pagoda designed by Sir William Chambers.
LION GATE - The Lion Gate is the closest gate to Richmond.
- Queen Charlotte's Cottage - (open Saturdays and Sundays + Bank
Holidays June - September).
Conservation Area and Woodland. Lake & wildfowl. Glorious display
of bluebells in spring.
Waterlily Pond - hardy waterlilies.
Stable Yard- viewing platform for Kew’s compost and recycling area.
Stag Beetle Loggery, Badger sett to explore.
Sackler Crossing.
- Vistas
Bamboo Garden - traditional Japanese Minka house.
Rhododendron Dell - stunning colour in late spring. - BRENTFORD
GATE car park
Riverside Walk - walk amongst fine oaks alongside the River Thames. - WHITE PEAKS where you
can enjoy snacks and buy gifts
in the new family shop.
Climbers and Creepers - interactive play area for children aged 3 - 9 years. - THE ORANGERY & MAIN
GATE
The Orangery - delicious meals, teas, snacks and evening venue hire.
Kew Palace and Kew Palace Welcome Centre (Open from 21 March).
Queen’s Garden - Nosegay Garden, Parterre and Summer House.
Nearest stop for:
Princess of Wales Conservatory - ten climatic zones. Seasonal displays.
The Davies Alpine House.
Rock Garden, Order Beds, Bonsai House, Kew Gardens Gallery, Secluded Garden, Grass Garden, The Nash Conservatory, Ice House, Woodland Garden, Wollemi pine.
The Kew Explorer is also available to hire as part of wedding or venue hire packages.
This
environmentally friendly vehicle, powered by Calor gas, operates daily
(except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). There is space for one
wheelchair in the back carriage, but ample room for storage of folded-up
wheelchairs, pushchairs and picnic hampers. See also access information.
If
you require any further information on the Kew Explorer, please contact: RBG Kew Enterprises Ltd, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5617 (during weekday office hours)
Fax: +44 (0)20 8332 5632
Email: kewexplorer@kew.org
At weekends, please leave a short message + phone number on 020 8332 5615 or call our visitor info line on 020 8332 5655.
During severe weather conditions the Explorer service is liable to disruption - to confirm that it is running please telephone 020 8332 5655/5615.
Related services:
-
Guided walking tours - take a closer look at the wonders of Kew by joining a FREE guided walking tour. Choose from our regular daily tours, pre-book your group for it's own tour, or join a special themed or festival tour.
- Discovery - a mobility service to enable groups of people with special needs to enjoy the magic of the gardens. Must be booked in advance.