Where to walk by the river when you visit Christmas at Kew.
If you are heading to Christmas at Kew this winter, the riverside paths just beyond the Gardens offer a natural extension to your evening. The Thames Path runs within minutes of the Victoria Gate, giving you a quieter stretch of towpath before or after the crowds, and a different perspective on this corner of the borough where the river bends through Brentford Ait and Strand-on-the-Green.
Christmas at Kew runs through early January 2026, and the riverside paths immediately outside make a practical addition to the visit.
Routes from the Victoria Gate
The Victoria Gate sits closest to the Thames.
Turn right as you leave and you reach Kew Bridge in under ten minutes, with views across to Oliver’s Island and the Grand Junction Arms. Turn left and the towpath takes you downstream towards Strand-on-the-Green, passing the narrow channel that separates Brentford Ait from the bank. Both directions are flat, lit by streetlamps near the bridge, and suitable for most fitness levels. The path can be uneven in places and muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended if you plan to walk any distance.
Most visitors combine a short riverside loop with their Kew ticket rather than treating the towpath as a separate destination.
Timing and access
Christmas at Kew operates on timed entry slots, typically between late afternoon and evening.
The riverside paths are public rights of way and remain open year-round, though they are unlit beyond the immediate vicinity of Kew Bridge. If you plan to walk before your Kew slot, allow at least 30 minutes for a there-and-back stroll to Strand-on-the-Green, or 15 minutes to reach the bridge and return. After your visit, the same routes offer a way to decompress, though you will be walking in darkness for most of the winter season. The towpath is well-used by local residents and generally feels safe, but take a torch if you are heading further than the bridge.
The paths are narrow in sections, so be prepared to step aside for cyclists and other walkers.
What this means for you
If you have booked tickets to Christmas at Kew, check your entry time and plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early if you want to fit in a riverside walk beforehand. The Victoria Gate is the most convenient exit point for the Thames Path. Wear shoes with grip, and carry a small torch or use your phone light if you are walking after dark. For a longer outing, consider parking near Kew Bridge or Strand-on-the-Green and walking to the Gardens, which gives you the riverside stretch as part of your journey rather than an add-on.
The Thames Path near Kew offers a straightforward way to extend your Christmas at Kew visit with a stretch of quiet towpath. The routes are short, accessible, and familiar to anyone who walks regularly in the borough.
The towpath between Kew Bridge and Strand-on-the-Green has changed little in decades, while the Gardens themselves have added illuminated trails and extended winter opening. The contrast gives you two experiences in one visit: heritage riverside and contemporary spectacle, separated by a gate and five minutes’ walk.
Frequently asked questions
Which gate at Kew is closest to the riverside paths?
The Victoria Gate, on Kew Road near Kew Bridge, is the nearest exit to the Thames Path. It is a short walk from both the main car park and Kew Gardens station.
Are the towpaths near Kew lit at night?
Streetlamps cover the section immediately around Kew Bridge, but the towpath towards Strand-on-the-Green and along Brentford Ait is unlit. Carry a torch if you plan to walk any distance after dark.
Can I walk along the river with a pushchair or wheelchair?
The towpath is mostly flat but can be uneven, narrow in places, and muddy after rain. A sturdy pushchair with larger wheels will manage better than a lightweight model, and wheelchair users may find some sections challenging depending on recent weather.
How long does a riverside walk take from Kew Gardens?
A walk from the Victoria Gate to Kew Bridge and back takes around 15 minutes at a steady pace. Extending to Strand-on-the-Green and returning will take 30 to 40 minutes, depending on how far along the towpath you go.
