How the Palm House closure reshapes riverside walks near Kew

Riverside walks near Kew are about to feel different. The Palm House, the Victorian glasshouse that has anchored views across the Thames for 180 years, will close for up to four years while undergoing a £66 million restoration. If your regular loop takes in Kew Green or the river path opposite the Gardens, you will notice the scaffolding, the fencing, and eventually the absence of that familiar silhouette.

Kew Gardens has launched a £1 million public appeal to support the restoration, fronted by Dame Judi Dench.

Why the Palm House needs saving

After nearly two centuries, the structure is failing.

The white-painted ironwork is corroding, the glass panes are leaking, and the Victorian heating system can no longer maintain the tropical climate inside. More than 1,400 species depend on that warmth, including rare palms collected during the 19th century. Without intervention, the building will deteriorate beyond repair, and the collection it houses will be lost. The restoration will replace every pane of glass, restore the ironwork, and install modern environmental controls that will protect the plants for another century.

The work is extensive because the building was never designed to last this long, yet it has become irreplaceable.

What happens during the closure

The Palm House will close completely while scaffolding goes up.

The tropical plants inside will be relocated to other glasshouses across Kew, though some may move to partner institutions if space is limited. The surrounding landscape will remain accessible, so you can still walk the paths and lawns around the building, though views will be obscured by construction hoardings. Kew has not yet announced a final closure date, but the appeal suggests work will begin soon. The Gardens will remain open throughout, and the Temperate House, the smaller glasshouses, and the outdoor collections will continue as usual.

Your membership or ticket will still cover the full estate, minus one building, for the next few years.

What this means for you

If you visit Kew regularly, check the Gardens website for the confirmed closure date before planning your next trip. Annual members might consider timing renewals around the closure period, though access to the rest of the estate and seasonal displays will continue. Walkers who loop through Kew Green and along the Thames towpath will still enjoy the route, though the Palm House vista will be hidden. If you value the building and want to contribute, the public appeal is open now, with donations going directly toward the restoration costs. Kew has set a target, and public support will determine how quickly the project can proceed.

The Palm House will return, but it will take time. Until then, your walks will be quieter in one familiar corner, and the skyline across the river will look temporarily bare.

Other Victorian glasshouses across London have survived similar restorations. The Temperate House at Kew itself reopened in 2026 after a five-year overhaul, and visitor numbers climbed afterwards.

Frequently asked questions

How long will the Palm House be closed?

Up to four years, though Kew has not yet announced a firm start or end date. The closure will be complete, with no public access during the restoration.

Can I still visit Kew Gardens during the restoration?

Yes. The Gardens will remain open, and all other glasshouses, outdoor collections, and walking routes will be accessible. Only the Palm House itself will close.

What will happen to the plants inside the Palm House?

They will be relocated to other glasshouses at Kew or to partner institutions. Kew has experience moving large tropical collections, having done the same during the Temperate House restoration.

How can I support the restoration appeal?

Donations can be made through Kew Gardens’ official website. The appeal is seeking £1 million from the public to contribute toward the total £66 million project cost.

Useful resources

• Kew Gardens official website
• Plan your visit to Kew