Best things to do at Kew this summer

Summer at Kew is a special time. Every corner of the Gardens is alive with colour.

Explore our major new outdoor art exhibition, join our wellbeing sessions, see vibrant summer flowers and enjoy many more of the seasonal highlights on offer.

Experience trees like never before

Premiering at Kew this summer, Of the Oak is a one-of-a-kind immersive art installation that celebrates the oak tree as a vital hub of biodiversity. On a giant six metre screen, peer beneath the bark of one of Kew’s living oaks and interact with our digital tree to see the pulse of energy flowing through each leaf, branch and root.

Scan the QR codes around the Gardens to learn about the importance of trees or relax with our guided meditations, synchronising your breath with the rhythm of the trees.

Once you've met our digital oak, get to know the other majestic trees at Kew on a free Of the Oak guided walking tour, led by one of our expert guides.

Of the Oak, a large digital screen in Kew Gardens — Of the Oak at Kew Gardens, © Sandra Ciampone

Don’t forget to stop at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery for this summer’s art exhibition, The Power of Trees, featuring an awe-inspiring audio and video portrayal of a 30-metre tall spruce in Finland's boreal forest by artist Eija-Liisa Ahtil.

This living portrait captures the majesty of this ancient tree while challenging our perceptions of the natural world. Entry to our galleries is free with your ticket to Kew.

A person viewing a large-scale projection of a tree — Horizontal, Eija-Liisa Ahtila. Photo credit Natasha Polskaya.

Visit the new Carbon Garden

Kew’s newest attraction, the Carbon Garden, opens on 25 July 2025. Come and visit to learn about how plants and fungi help us tackle climate change and how our gardens will have to change in the future.

Using a rain garden, a dry garden and a bioswale, the Carbon Garden aims to reveal the invisible. It traces the critical role carbon plays in sustaining life on Earth and the extraordinary potential of the natural world to combat the climate crisis.

At our central pavilion, made from low-carbon natural materials, find out what we can all do in our everyday lives to support the health of plants and the planet.

A 3d rendering of a colourful garden with a large mushroom shaped pavilion in the centre — Carbon Garden design © Mizzi Studio

Join our wellbeing sessions

Come to Kew for a series of specially-curated wellbeing sessions to help you disconnect from your everyday life and boost your mood.

Allow our beautiful landscape to relax and energise you — take your pick from forest bathing; yoga in the majestic Temperate House; pilates in our graceful Nash Conservatory; and morning tai chi in our enchanting Gardens.

For the ultimate immersive experience, come for a soundbath session surrounded by the relaxing sounds of nature.

See what's on

Yoga class inside a greenhouse with colourful yoga mats — Temperate House yoga © RBG Kew

Come to London’s best summer events

Summer 2025 is packed with fun things to do at Kew.

Our Wine Walks are back on 11 June, where you can take an exclusive sunset wine tour through the Gardens.

From 8 to 13 July, bring a picnic and soak up the vibes at Kew the Music: our 2025 headliners are Craig David, The Human League, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, DJ Spoony, Alison Moyet, and Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes.

On 6 July, don’t miss Joe Wicks Festival at Kew. This unforgettable family-friendly event is packed with fun, fitness, and feel-good vibes for a day of exciting activities, workshops, inspiring talks and delicious food.

Bring your bike

Cycle to Kew and get half price entry on 19 June 2025 to celebrate Clean Air Day. Just show us your bike helmet or take a photo with your bike at the entry gates to claim your discount. It’s a small thank you from us for making a great choice for the planet.

Our Summer Cycle event is back on 7 August for a rare chance to experience the Gardens on your bike. You’ll get exclusive after-hours access to the Gardens with tours, music, food and entertainment, and the chance to see the Gardens in their summer splendour on two wheels.

See the gardens at their blooming best

No summer visit to Kew would be complete without taking in the rainbow of colour on display in our Gardens.

Don't miss our Peony Garden and the famous Rose Garden, home to more than 170 different rose species and cultivars. Next to the roses, and new this year, you can also catch the Wild Rose Garden.

Our Great Broad Walk Borders are 320 metres long and make a stunning photo opportunity, planted with showstopping lavender, alliums, salvias and many more. And don’t miss the Rock Garden and Queen’s Garden for bright summer colour and beautiful blooms.

In the Waterlily House and Princess of Wales Conservatory, our giant waterlilies are at their most spectacular, with leaves up to three metres wide.

Late summer in the Great Board Walk Borders at Kew — Great Broad Walk Borders, Richard Wilford © RBG Kew

Giant waterlily pads with upturned red rims growing in a sunny pond lined with purple flowers — Victoria boliviana in the Waterlily House

Get early entry and exclusive discounts as a Kew member

Between 1 May and 30 September, Kew members can enjoy the tranquility of the Gardens from 8am every day.

You’ll get exclusive entry before we open and have the chance to experience the unique beauty of Kew in the early morning light – the perfect way to start a summer’s day.

The Children's Garden will be open for members from 8.15am on weekends and bank holidays.

Kew members get exclusive discounts on our events as well as in our shops, cafes and restaurants, including our delicious street food pop-ups.

Become a member