Kew

Kew is a suburban district in southwest London, England, located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames on the north bank of the River Thames. It lies about six miles (ten kilometers) southwest of central London and is known for its greenspace and historic riverside setting.

The area is best known for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a leading botanical research and education institution. The gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, host extensive plant collections, scientific research facilities, and landmark glasshouses such as the Palm House and Temperate House. Within the grounds is Kew Palace, a historic royal residence associated with the area’s 17th and 18th‑century history.

Kew has a long history tied to the river crossing at this point and to the nearby royal estate. In modern times it developed as a residential suburb with a village-like center and a range of schools, shops, and cafés. The built environment includes a mix of period and modern homes set among terraces and green spaces, with the Thames pathways providing recreational routes.

The district is accessible by public transport, including Kew Gardens station on the District line of the London Underground, plus nearby rail services and bus routes connecting to surrounding areas.

The name Kew is used for other places as well, notably Kew in Victoria, Australia, but the London district is the best-known reference in the United Kingdom.