RBG Kew Gardens

The London College of Garden Design one-year Garden Design Diploma and six-month Planting Design Diploma are based in the Orangery conference facilities at Kew Gardens benefiting from access to the gardens and facilities including cafés and bookshop. Our short courses are held at venues appropriate to the course, so please check the course factsheet for location details.

Kew Gardens is 10 miles from central London and adjacent to the River Thames. The Main Gate entrance is located at Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB. We encourage students to visit via public transport.

By London Underground

Kew Gardens station (District Line, London Overground) is the closest London Underground station, and is in zone 3. From Kew Gardens station it is a 5 minute walk to Kew Gardens Victoria Gate entrance and 7 minutes to the Main Gate. Exit the station through the row of shops and walk down Lichfield road (opposite) to reach Victoria Gate. Please always check the Transport for London website for service disruptions before making your journey.

By Train

Train services (South West Trains) from Waterloo, via Vauxhall and Clapham Junction, stop at Kew Bridge station. From Kew Bridge station it is a 10-minute walk to Kew Gardens Main Gate entrance. For more information call +44 (0)343 222 1234 (Charges may apply) or visit the National Rail Journey Planner.

By Bus

Several buses come directly to the Gardens or stop at either of the two nearby railway stations, Kew Bridge and Kew Gardens. For the latest information visit Transport for London’s Online Journey Planner.

Route 65 stops close to Lion Gate, Elizabeth Gate and Victoria Gate. Route 110 stops near Kew Gardens station and Elizabeth Gate. Route 237 and Route 267 stop at Kew Bridge station.

By Bicycle

Bicycle racks are located just inside the Victoria Gate and outside Elizabeth Gate (near the phone box), and they may also be fastened to railings in Brentford Gate car park. Bicycles, like cars, are always left at owners’ risk, and are not permitted in the Gardens.

By Car

There is a car park near the Brentford Gate, reached via Ferry Lane off Kew Green near the Elizabeth Gate. It will take about 300 cars. It costs £7.00 for a full day, throughout the year (prices correct as at August 2021).
The car park closes half an hour after the Gardens close to the public.

Several dedicated parking bays are available for drivers displaying a blue badge, for whom parking is free at all times. Including three located directly outside of Elizabeth Gate.

Pay and Display parking is available on Kew Green, close to Elizabeth Gate, and there are three further disabled parking bays adjacent to this entrance. Pay and display parking will be operational Monday – Sunday 10am to 4.30pm (including Bank Holidays) and during major events in the area 10am to 11pm. Check Richmond council website for parking updates.

There is no parking allowed on Kew Road (A307): Check Richmond council website for parking updates.