Temperate House

About Temperate House

The Temperate House at Kew Gardens is the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse, sitting within the Royal Botanic Gardens on Kew Road, Richmond. Open every day from 10am to 5pm, it houses a remarkable collection of rare and threatened plant species gathered from across the globe. Its soaring ironwork architecture is as much the draw as the botany within — a place where horticulture and heritage combine on a genuinely grand scale. Whether you are a keen plantsperson or simply looking for somewhere uplifting and unhurried to spend a few hours, this is a destination of real distinction.

Local area

Richmond has always worn its green spaces and royal heritage with quiet pride, and the Temperate House sits comfortably within that tradition. Kew Gardens is one of the borough’s greatest assets — a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the doorstep that residents can return to across the seasons. For those who live in Richmond or nearby Barnes, the Temperate House offers the kind of unhurried, reflective experience that suits the borough’s character well: somewhere to step away from the everyday, yet entirely close to home.

Why choose Temperate House

The Temperate House earns its reputation through sheer scale and authenticity. As the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world, it offers something genuinely rare — a living collection of threatened plants housed within a landmark building of real architectural beauty. It is fully wheelchair accessible, open every day of the week, and quietly absorbing rather than busy or overwhelming. For local residents aged 50 and over who value substance over spectacle and enjoy experiences that reward a slow pace, it is hard to think of a more rewarding place to spend a morning or afternoon.

Services

• Rare and threatened plant collections
• Victorian glasshouse exploration
• Guided botanical discovery
• Wheelchair-accessible visitor experience
• Heritage architecture viewing
• Year-round daily public access

Ideal for: Local residents seeking cultural experiences, Heritage and architecture enthusiasts, Garden and botany lovers, Visitors with mobility requirements, Families and couples, Lifelong learners and nature appreciators.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours for the Temperate House?

The Temperate House is open every day of the week, Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm.

Is the Temperate House wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Temperate House is described as wheelchair accessible throughout, making it suitable for visitors with mobility requirements.

Where exactly is the Temperate House located?

It is situated within Kew Gardens at Kew Road, Richmond, postcode TW9 2AA.

What can I expect to see inside the Temperate House?

The Temperate House contains rare and threatened plant species from across the globe, all displayed within the world’s largest surviving Victorian glasshouse. The building itself is a notable piece of Victorian ironwork architecture.

Where can I find more information or plan my visit?

Full visitor information, including any entry requirements or admission details, can be found on the official Kew Gardens website at kew.org/kew-gardens/attractions/temperate-house.