Lady’s Kew Gardens Day Out Guide

Summer came early to London this year. There was fantastic weather in April and early May. Things have gone downhill a bit since then, though. In fact, it’s hard to remember a day in the past few weeks that hasn’t brought a few downpours. As such, it was with a bit of trepidation that I went for a Kew Gardens day out last weekend.

Kew Gardens Day Out

My last visit to Kew Gardens was in February, when a spell of unseasonably warm weather meant that I was able to walk around sans overcoat and eat lunch outdoors.

Ironically, in July, I was armed with a raincoat and umbrella. I even considered wearing wellies.

The Glasshouse

But I didn’t. That was mostly because I started my Kew Gardens day out with lunch at The Glasshouse, a Michelin-starred restaurant down the road. I met three friends there for a set menu.

We enjoyed the likes of sea bass sashimi with wasabi mayonnaise and miso-and-mustard-glazed guinea fowl breast with edamame, pork, and spring onion gyoza, all while the rain tumbled down outside.

Visiting Kew Gardens

After lunch we waited for a break in the weather and beat a path to Kew Gardens. I had been offered four complimentary tickets to enjoy the plants and flowers for the day, and I was excited to use them, rain or shine.

Thankfully, there was more shine than rain. As we walked around the grounds, the sun struggled through the storm, and we were able to enjoy our Kew Gardens day out without umbrellas.

We meandered through the outdoor areas first, exploring the wide open paths, the ponds full of pretty birds, and the elevated Treetop Walkway.

Then we entered the greenhouses. From the iconic Palm House, which was home to tropical rainforest plants, to the postcard-perfect Waterlily House, they were all in full bloom.

The only greenhouse that didn’t quite make sense to me was the Princess of Wales Conservatory, which had a Dia de los Muertos display in the cactus garden, complete with pictures of Frida Kahlo.

Were they banking on the fact that Brits wouldn’t know that the Day of the Dead isn’t celebrated until November 1st? (All Californian kids learn that in junior high Spanish class. That may be the only thing we learn.)

When we had covered all of the grounds, from Queen Charlotte’s Cottage to the Japanese Gateway, from Broad Walk to Princess Walk, we decided to head home. After all, we couldn’t press our good weather luck forever.

Day Out at Kew Gardens

As we traveled back to central London on a rail replacement bus (yes, both the tube and the overground were out of service last weekend. Well done, TFL), we were thankful to have had a great Kew Gardens day out, and hopeful that someday summer would return. Maybe in February.

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