Arboretum

A journey inside this unique collection is a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of forests around the globe.

Stretching across two-thirds of the Gardens, the Arboretum surrounds our glasshouses in a leafy enclave for you to walk, wander and discover.

The 11,000 trees rooted here represent more than 2,000 species, including rare and ancient varieties. This great collection contains trees as old as the Gardens themselves, many that cannot be found anywhere else in Britain.

Meaning ‘a place with trees’ in Latin, the Arboretum is not only a striking landscape but a scientific treasure trove, vital to our botanical and conservation research.

Every tree planted here is a source of knowledge, helping us conserve the habitats of beloved native trees and protect some of the world’s most fascinating species at risk from deforestation.

Flowers of a Black Locust Tree (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Giant redwoods in Kew's Redwood Grove — Giant redwoods © RBG Kew

Treasured trees

Heritage trees: Some of our oldest trees date back to the 18th century and include the Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum), the Lucombe oak (Quercus x hispanica 'Lucombeana'), and the black locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia).
Giant redwoods: Our tallest tree lives in the atmospheric Redwood Grove. A Sequoia sempervirens (a coastal Redwood), it stands at 40 metres tall – the height of a 13-storey building.
Mighty oaks: The fastest growing tree in the Gardens is the chestnut-leaved oak, Quercus castaneifolia measuring over 30m tall and 30m wide. With its many limbs and trunks, this mighty oak is a sight you don’t want to miss.

World-class nursery

Our incredible Arboretum Nursery is where some of our 11,000 trees are born.

From the visitor viewing area, you can now discover how our experts use cutting-edge technology to propagate and nurture these precious plants.

Open daily, 10am to 2pm. Accessed from the lakeside path.

Visiting the Arboretum

Garden opening times

Map of Kew

We may occasionally need to close attractions for maintenance or visitor safety: check for planned closures and visitor notices before you visit.

Kew Gardens

Princess of Wales Conservatory

Travel from the deserts to the tropics with a trip through this glassy wonderland.

Explore the Princess of Wales Conservatory

Redwoods in the Pinetum, Andrew McRobb © RBG Kew

Kew Gardens

How the Tree Gang brace for storms

Tree Gang leader Kevin Martin reveals the impact big storms have had on Kew’s trees, stormproofing methods and how trees protect themselves.

Tony Kirkham shares his passion for trees with Dame Judi Dench

Tony Kirkham, Head of the Arboretum and Dame Judi Dench have filmed a new ITV documentary in Borneo. Here he discusses their shared passion for trees at Kew.