The Great Broad Walk at Kew Gardens

Stretching proudly from the Palm House to the Orangery, the Great Broad Walk Borders form the backbone of Kew Gardens’ summer spectacle. A 320-meter-long double border that holds the title of the longest in the UK. Planted in 2016 as part of Kew’s 300-acre redesign, this living tapestry features over 30,000 perennials in carefully orchestrated color waves, shifting from cool blues and whites in spring to fiery reds and golds in late summer. Designed by landscape architect James Hitchmough, the borders blend horticultural science with artistic flair, showcasing drought-tolerant species and pollinator-friendly planting. In 2026 the Borders continue to evolve with climate-resilient varieties, making them a model for sustainable gardening.

Walking the central gravel path feels like stepping into a living painting: towering delphiniums sway beside fluffy astilbes, while salvias, echinaceas, and rudbeckias create bold blocks of color. The design encourages slow exploration & benches invite pauses to admire bee activity or photograph butterfly landings. Interpretive signs highlight plant partnerships and Kew’s seed conservation work, turning a casual stroll into a lesson in ecology. Families love the open space for picnics, while garden enthusiasts note the succession planting that ensures blooms from May to October. In peak summer (July to August), the borders reach their crescendo, rivaling any European flower show.

Access to the Great Broad Walk Borders is included with your Kew Gardens ticket and is open year-round during garden hours (10am – 5pm, last entry 4:30pm). Allow 20 – 30 minutes for a leisurely walk, though many return multiple times to catch seasonal changes. The path is fully accessible with wide, flat gravel. Perfect for wheelchairs and prams. In 2026 Kew’s app offers a Borders audio tour with bloom forecasts and plant IDs. Insider tip: Visit in late afternoon for golden light photography, and bring a picnic blanket to sit among the flowers. Picnics are encouraged here.

The Borders shine brightest in summer, but spring brings tulips and alliums, while autumn offers seed heads and grasses for texture. They’re rarely crowded except on peak weekends. Early mornings or weekdays are ideal. Pair your visit with the nearby Palm House or Temperate House for a full day of contrast, or stop at the Orangery for tea with a view of the borders. Occasional replanting may close short sections, but the main path stays open. Whether you’re a flower fanatic, photographer, or family seeking open space, the Great Broad Walk Borders deliver a world-class display of nature’s artistry.