Kew Gardens Kew Gardens was recently named a World heritage Site, with more than 300 acres housing 30,000 types of plants from all over the world. This is a big year for Kew Gardens, as it marks its 250th anniversary with floral displays and special tours. Also, don't miss Hampton Court Palace, Henry Vlll's pleasure grounds, with a maze and 18th century Privy Garden. The annual flower show runs July 7 - July 12 and includes the Festival of Roses, billed as Britain's largest annual display of roses in full bloom. You can get further information from their website. What began as a hobby for Princess Augusta (mother of George lll) back in 1759 has blossomed into the most famous collection of flowers and plants in the world. This garden is a botanical paradise of more than 40,000 varieties, set in 300 lush acres along the east side of the river Thames. 
Amid the greenery are 18th century garden follies designed by Sir William Chambers for Princess Augusta: classical temples, ruins of Roman arch, a nice looking 10 story pagoda, and an orangery, now containing a shop and a restaurant.
Officially called the Royal Botanical Gardens, it was given to the nation by the royal family in 1871 and is, for its pleasure giving, a scientific institution where plants are studied, classified, and cultivated. It offers a constantly changing display of flowers, as well as rock gardens and lakes with aquatic birds; stunning paths down to the river Thames which afford a fantastic view of Syon House, the stately home of the Duke of Northumberland, across the river Thames. The Royal Botanic Gardens begun in 1759 when Princess Augusta, mother of George 3rd, had private garden laid out. Now covers 300 acres and has more than 25,000 species and varieties of plant with royal buildings, statues, glass-houses and 18th century pagoda. The Royal Botanic Gardens, West of the city, is usually referred to simply as Kew Gardens, are extensive gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond upon Thames. Beginning as a mere nine acres in 1751, the plants and grounds have blossomed to its current three hundred. It's estimated that the gardens house as much as 12% of examples of the world's known plant species. George lll enriched the Gardens, aided by the skill of William Aiton and Sir Joseph Banks. The old Park (by then renamed the White House), was demolished in 1802. The "Dutch House" adjoining was purchased by George III in 1781 as a nursery for the royal children. It is a plain brick structure now known as Kew Palace, and this area alone should quench your interests if you still question what to see in London. The Palace and Gardens are about 45 minutes from central London. The easiest way to get there is by using the underground District Line which you can get from most London underground stations in the city. Check the station underground map to make sure the train goes west to Richmond via Kew Gardens. From the Station, the grounds are about a 10-minute walk, then you can just hop on the trolley that takes you around to the eight zones where you'll find the 300 acres is divided. Further information can be found on the Kew Gardens website. While in London, you must go to Kensington Gardens too, it's worth a visit. I'll just mention one other of the great places you must visit, and that's Hampton Court Palace. To leave Kew gardens and return to London.....click
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