 Kew Gardens lake
Kew Gardens
Recommendation added: 07/11/2006 01:45
By: velvet202 (YSUK rating +187)velvet202 has been thanked 4 times for this contribution
"Kew Gardens, or the Royal Botanic Gardens, are Europe's most famous flower exhibition and date back to the time of Lord Capel of Tewkesbury in 1761. Having been the leading research training centre in Europe to create and grow rare flowers far away from their natural environment, Kew has also developed as a major tourist attraction. With a display of more than 45,000 species it is a cultural delight not just for botanical fanatics. Visitors have the opportunity to admire flowers of many a curious form and shape, as well as of wondrous colours and patterns. And children and adults alike are fascinated by the beauty and diversity in front of their eyes.
The Palm House is located on the shore of the lake and visited in the evening hours, tourists will be awarded with a stunning view of the sun setting over the deep blue water. Made of a beautiful glass interwoven with iron structure, it reflects the light and shines for miles in the direct sun, and boasts of the biggest collection of rare flowers in the world. But flowers are not the only lure at Kew.
In the Southern corner of the Gardens stands a huge tower called Pagona, an excellent real-life imitation of the Chinese Taa. Covered in tiles and ornamented with dragons of various sizes, it looks very impressing and oriental.
Other attractions include Museum No. 1, which is located near the famous Palm House, and Marianne North Gallery, the home of no less than 800 paintings, and Kew Palace, which – with only four storeys - is the smallest of all royal palaces. Visiting these is not included in the entry fee for the Gardens only, but can be covered by a small surcharge.
Especially families with children, but also young couples and friends, may like to visit on a summer day and enjoy a picnic in the warm sun among acres of green nature and beauty. The spots near the lakes and fountains are very sought after as one can feed the fish and the tame ducks, or seek a splash of cold water to refresh oneself on a hot summer day.
In winter, Kew's ice ring is open from the early afternoon until late in the evening. It is an exquisite place to celebrate New Year with hundreds of other visitors, while having a great midnight meal in one of the restaurants, or simply watching the fireworks. Surely a very different experience that will not be forgotten for a long time.
Situated in Richmond upon Thames, Kew Gardens can be found within a short walking distance of Kew Gardens tube station on the District line. Kew Gardens is of great educational importance for children and especially parents should take advantage of the many discounted tours available to enhance their child's interest in the wonders of our nature.
Visiting the Gardens is a delight at any time of the year. In spring and summer, when the flowers are in full bloom and the weather is warm, the colours and strong scent are enchanting. Although in autumn and winter it is too windy and cold to enjoy a picnic outside, strolling along the paths and admiring the beauty of pure nature and thousands of fallen leaves is a pleasure in itself.
The admission fee for the gardens only is £11.75 for adults and children under 17, who are accompanied by an adult, go free. There are special discounts available for students and seniors. Special facilities are available for wheelchair users. For visiting Kew Palace and the Pagoda, adults pay a further £5.
In this context it is worth mentioning that all profits go toward the development and maintenance of Kew Gardens as a research project and cultural attraction."
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