The Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens

The Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens invites visitors to step into the treetops, soaring 18 meters above the ground on a 200-meter-long steel structure that opened in 2008. Designed by David Marks and Julia Barfield (of London Eye fame), this rust-colored walkway winds through the arboretum’s mature trees, providing a rare bird’s-eye view of Kew’s 14,000-tree collection. Accessible via gentle ramps and a lift, it’s a family-friendly highlight that blends engineering with nature, allowing you to spot birds, squirrels, and seasonal foliage from a vantage point once reserved for climbers. In 2026, the walkway continues to support Kew’s biodiversity research, with added digital signage highlighting tree species and climate impacts.

From the walkway, the panorama unfolds like a living tapestry: ancient oaks, rare conifers, and the distant spires of the Palm House and Great Pagoda punctuate the horizon. The open-grille floor lets you peer straight down to the forest floor, adding a thrilling touch, while safety rails ensure comfort for all ages. Informative panels along the route detail tree ecology and Kew’s conservation work, making it educational as well as exhilarating. Photographers love the golden hour light filtering through leaves, especially in autumn when the arboretum blazes with color. For a quieter experience, visit midweek or early morning to avoid school groups.

Entry to the Treetop Walkway is included with your standard Kew Gardens ticket, and it’s open daily from 10am to 5pm (last entry 4:30pm), weather permitting. Allow 20–30 minutes to complete the loop, with lift access for wheelchairs and prams—though the lift can have short queues on busy days. Comfortable shoes are a must, as the grille floor can be uneven underfoot. In 2025, Kew’s app offers an audio guide with bird calls and tree facts to enhance your walk. Insider tip: Visit in spring for nesting birds or autumn for fiery foliage, and bring binoculars for spotting woodpeckers in the canopy.

The walkway is fully accessible, with ramps leading to the lift and wide paths for mobility aids, making it ideal for all visitors. In windy conditions, it may close for safety (check kew.org or the Kew app), but it’s open year-round otherwise. Pair your visit with a ground-level Arboretum stroll to compare perspectives, or stop at the nearby Pavilion Café for a treetop-inspired treat. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or family on a day out, the Treetop Walkway delivers an unforgettable elevated journey through Kew’s living museum of trees.