Dos & don'ts

Help us to look after Kew Gardens and protect the plants and buildings across our UNESCO world heritage site.

Interior of the Palm House at Kew
  • Bicycles, tricycles, roller skates, skateboards, micro-scooters, balance bikes and other vehicles (except powered wheelchairs) must be left at the gates.
  • Do not remove any plants from our Gardens. Plant theft is not only a crime, it also puts the survival of certain species at risk. If you notice someone acting suspiciously, please notify a member of staff. 
  • To protect our lawns, ball games and sports (including jogging) are not allowed in the Gardens.
  • Any children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Only registered disability assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens - please leave your pets at home.
  • There are deep bodies of water on site. Please supervise children at all times.
  • Help us to preserve our rare and ancient collection of trees by avoiding the temptation to climb them.
  • Kew is home to a wide range of wildlife, including birds and mammals - please respect their space, especially young animals during the spring.
  • Please be careful when walking through the Gardens and avoid walking over planted areas.
  • Leave the flying to the birds - drones and other remotely controlled aircraft are not allowed.
  • Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Kew - please don't bring radios, music players and musical instruments into the Gardens.
  • Kew Gardens is the perfect place for picnics - please stick to grassy areas and don't bring barbecues or picnic furniture.
  • No commercial activities may be undertaken in the Gardens except as part of Kew authorised events.
  • Please place all rubbish in the bins provided or take it home with you.
  • Any discriminatory behaviour is deemed unacceptable. We all have the right to be treated equally and expect our visitors and staff to be regarded with courtesy, respect and fairness.
  • For our visitors’ security, we may carry out bag searches at our entrance gates and/or at specific venues in the Gardens (e.g. glasshouses or galleries). If requested, you must comply with our staff who will search bags as a condition of entry.

Get in touch

Visitor information

Call: +44 (0)20 8332 5655 (Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm)
Email: info@kew.org.

Photography or painting

For commercial photography or painting enquiries:
Email: commercialmedia@kew.org

Press enquiries

For press enquiries about filming:
Call: +44 (0)20 8332 5607
Email: press@kew.org.