London Attractions Unfamiliar Attractions Kew GardensWestminster River Bus to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - ££
From April to September, it's possible to take the river to The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, with River Bus services operating from Westminster pier. The trip takes 90 minutes in each 
direction with the first sailing departing at 10:30am.
Kew Gardens represents the world's largest collection of living plants, housed in extensive gardens and glasshouses across the site. In addition it has a library of 750,000 volumes and maintains an internationally important seedbank. It was awarded World Heritage status in 2003 and receives over 2 million visitors a year.
Kew Gardens contains numerous listed buildings, including some rare and beautiful glasshouses - the centerpieces being the Palm House and Temperate House, the latter built slightly later, which is the largest Victorian glasshouse in existence.
Even if you don't have a particular interest in flora, Kew Gardens is one of the best run sites with an extraordinary amount to keep you interested and occupied. Children under 17 are admitted free. If there is one common criticism it's the price, currently £13.50 (though please check as price adjustments on entry for all London sights seem to be creeping upwards regularly). If you come as a family however, the free entry for children will offset the adult cost and there's no shortage of things to see.
The treetop walkway is a relatively new addition to Kew Gardens, but personally speaking it's the glasshouses which are the main draw. The older ones for their striking architecture and the newer ones for the diversity of the climate zones which you travel through - from temperate to arid deserts and tropical jungles. A good place for a picnic too.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB.
Kew Gardens Tube.
Call: 020 8332 5655
