Which Kew Gardens Entrance Is Best? Victoria, Elizabeth, Brentford and Lion Gate

Kew Gardens Entrances at a Glance

Always check the official opening times and planned closures before travelling. Gate arrangements can change because of seasonal operations, maintenance or special events.

1. Victoria Gate: Best for Most First-Time Visitors

Postcode: TW9 3JR

Victoria Gate is usually the most convenient entrance for visitors travelling from central London. Kew Gardens station is approximately 500 metres away and is served by the District line’s Richmond branch and the Mildmay line.

This entrance leads into Victoria Plaza, where visitors can orient themselves before continuing towards the Palm House. It works particularly well for a classic first visit because several major attractions can be connected without immediately crossing the full width of the gardens.

Choose Victoria Gate if you:

• Are arriving at Kew Gardens station
• Want to begin with the Palm House
• Have only two to four hours available
• Want convenient access to visitor facilities at Victoria Plaza
• Prefer a straightforward route for a first visit

Suggested route from Victoria Gate

Begin at the Palm House, continue through the nearby formal landscape and Great Broad Walk Borders, then visit the Princess of Wales Conservatory and The Hive. You can either return to Victoria Gate or finish at Elizabeth Gate if that suits your onward journey.

The Palm House remains open ahead of its planned renovation, although visitors should check for updates. The neighbouring Waterlily House is currently closed for renovation and should not be used as a route anchor.

2. Elizabeth Gate: Best for River Boats, Kew Bridge and Historic Kew

Postcode: TW9 3AE

Elizabeth Gate is the logical entrance for visitors arriving at Kew Pier. The walk from the pier is approximately 0.2 miles across Kew Green. It is also the gate recommended for arrivals from Kew Bridge station, which is approximately 800 metres away.

This entrance is well positioned for Kew Palace, the Royal Kitchens, the Queen’s Garden and The Hive. Kew Palace and the Royal Kitchens normally operate seasonally, so confirm that they are open before selecting the gate primarily for those attractions.

Choose Elizabeth Gate if you:

• Are arriving by river service at Kew Pier
• Are travelling by train to Kew Bridge
• Want to see Kew Palace when it is seasonally open
• Plan to visit The Hive early
• Are arriving with a coach group or need the designated coach drop-off

Important transport note

Kew Bridge station does not provide level access. Visitors who require a step-free public transport route should check current Transport for London and rail accessibility information rather than choosing a station based only on distance.

3. Brentford Gate: Best for Parking and the Children’s Garden

Postcode: TW9 3AF

Brentford Gate is the practical choice for visitors using Kew Gardens’ official car park on Ferry Lane. Parking is limited and normally operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so driving does not guarantee a space.

At the time of this update, the official parking charge is £10 per day, payable on site by card or through the designated payment service. Charges and arrangements may change, so verify them before travelling. Kew is outside London’s Congestion Charge Zone but inside the Ultra Low Emission Zone, meaning your vehicle may need to meet ULEZ requirements.

Brentford Gate is also one of the nearest entrances to the Children’s Garden, making it a useful starting point for families. The Family Kitchen and Shop and the western side of the gardens can be incorporated into a family-focused route.

Choose Brentford Gate if you:

• Plan to use the official car park
• Are visiting with children and prioritising the Children’s Garden
• Need Blue Badge parking
• Want to explore the lake, Natural Area or western side of Kew
• Prefer to avoid starting at the busiest public-transport entrance

Parking warning

Residential parking around Kew is restricted, and parking is prohibited along Kew Road. Public transport is generally the safer option at busy weekends, during school holidays and when major events are taking place.

4. Lion Gate: Best for the Temperate House and Southern Kew

Postcode: TW9 2DF

Lion Gate is a useful but sometimes overlooked entrance on Kew Road. It is the closest entrance to the Temperate House and gives efficient access to the nearby botanical art galleries, Japanese Landscape and Great Pagoda area.

Visitors approaching from Richmond can walk to Lion Gate in approximately 15 minutes or use bus route 65. It can be an excellent starting point for returning visitors who want to concentrate on the southern half of Kew rather than beginning again at the Palm House.

Choose Lion Gate if you:

• Want to visit the Temperate House first
• Are approaching from Richmond
• Plan to focus on the Japanese Landscape, galleries or Great Pagoda area
• Prefer a quieter starting point
• Have already explored the attractions around Victoria Gate

Which Entrance Is Best for Each Type of Visitor?

Best entrance from central London

Victoria Gate is normally the easiest option. Travel to Kew Gardens station and walk approximately 500 metres to the entrance.

Best entrance when driving

Brentford Gate provides access from the official car park. Arrive early and have an alternative plan because parking is limited.

Best entrance for families

Brentford Gate or Elizabeth Gate are the nearest entrances to the Children’s Garden. Brentford is particularly convenient for families arriving by car.

Best entrance for the Palm House

Victoria Gate is the official nearest entrance and is ideal for a short route centred on Kew’s best-known glasshouse.

Best entrance for the Temperate House

Lion Gate is the nearest entrance. Check its seasonal opening arrangements before relying on it.

Best entrance when arriving by boat

Elizabeth Gate is approximately 0.2 miles from Kew Pier and is the easiest choice for river arrivals.

Best entrance for accessibility

The best gate depends on your transport and planned attractions. Limited manual wheelchairs are available at all public gates. Mobility scooters can be reserved in advance for collection from Victoria, Elizabeth and Brentford gates, but restrictions apply inside certain buildings. Consult Kew’s official accessibility information and accessibility map before travelling.

Can You Enter Through One Gate and Leave Through Another?

Yes, during normal daytime opening you can usually enter through one public gate and leave through another that is open. This can make your route considerably more efficient.

For example, a first-time visitor could enter at Victoria Gate, see the Palm House and central attractions, then leave through Elizabeth Gate. Alternatively, enter through Lion Gate for the Temperate House and finish at Victoria Gate near Kew Gardens station.

Check your return transport before committing to a different exit. Kew Gardens is large, and discovering that your station is on the opposite side of the grounds can add unnecessary walking at the end of the day.

Public Transport to Each Kew Gardens Gate

• Kew Gardens station: Approximately 500 metres from Victoria Gate. Served by the District line and Mildmay line.
• Kew Bridge station: Approximately 800 metres from Elizabeth Gate. There is no level access at the station.
• Richmond station: Approximately a 15-minute walk from Lion Gate. It has lift and level access, and bus route 65 connects Richmond with several Kew gates.
• Bus route 65: Stops close to Elizabeth, Victoria and Lion gates.
• Bus route 110: Stops near Kew Gardens station and Elizabeth Gate.
• Bus routes 237 and 267: Stop near Kew Bridge station.

Services and accessibility can change because of engineering work or disruption. Check live transport information on the day of your visit.

Arriving by Bicycle

Bicycle racks are available at all four gates. Bikes, tricycles, scooters, skateboards and roller skates are not permitted inside the gardens, so allow time to secure your bicycle before entering. Items left at the gates remain at the owner’s risk.

Daytime Entry and Special Events

Entrance arrangements for separately ticketed events can differ from normal daytime access. Christmas at Kew, Halloween and other special programmes may use only selected gates, require a particular arrival time or have separate parking rules.

Follow the gate shown on your event ticket rather than assuming your preferred daytime entrance will be available. Standard daytime admission should not be confused with entry to a separately ticketed evening event.

Plan the Gate Around Your Available Time

• Two-hour visit: Enter at Victoria Gate and focus on the Palm House, Great Broad Walk and Princess of Wales Conservatory.
• Half-day visit: Enter at Victoria Gate and leave through Elizabeth or Lion Gate after following a one-way route.
• Full-day visit: Choose the gate that best matches your transport, as you will have time to explore several areas.
• Family visit: Begin at Brentford or Elizabeth Gate and prioritise the Children’s Garden before it becomes busy.

For detailed route timings, see our guide to how long to spend at Kew Gardens. First-time visitors can also use our overview of what to see at Kew Gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main entrance to Kew Gardens?

Victoria Gate is generally regarded as the main and most convenient entrance for first-time visitors. It is approximately 500 metres from Kew Gardens station and is the nearest gate to the Palm House.

Which entrance is closest to Kew Gardens station?

Victoria Gate is the closest entrance. Follow the pedestrian route from Kew Gardens station towards Kew Road and the gate.

Which Kew Gardens entrance has parking?

Brentford Gate provides access from Kew Gardens’ official car park on Ferry Lane. Spaces are limited and normally offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Which entrance is closest to the Children’s Garden?

Elizabeth Gate and Brentford Gate are the nearest entrances to the Children’s Garden.

Which entrance is closest to the Palm House?

Victoria Gate is the nearest entrance to the Palm House.

Which entrance is closest to the Temperate House?

Lion Gate is the nearest entrance, but it has seasonal weekday restrictions during part of winter. Check current gate information before travelling.

Can I leave Kew Gardens through a different gate?

Normally, yes. You can enter through one public gate and leave through another that is open. Special events and seasonal gate restrictions may operate differently.

Which entrance should I use in bad weather?

Victoria Gate is useful for reaching the Palm House quickly, while a route between Victoria and Elizabeth gates provides access to several indoor attractions. Read our complete guide to visiting Kew Gardens in the rain.

Final Recommendation

For most visitors, Victoria Gate is the best Kew Gardens entrance. It has the simplest connection from Kew Gardens station, convenient visitor facilities and easy access to the Palm House and central attractions.

Choose Elizabeth Gate for river arrivals and historic Kew, Brentford Gate for parking and family visits, or Lion Gate for the Temperate House and southern gardens. Checking your gate, transport and planned exit before travelling will save time and make the visit considerably easier.