Kew Orchid Festival

Kew Orchid Festival is an annual event at the Princess of Wales Conservatory in Kew Gardens. People come from all over to see some of the world’s most beautiful orchids. This year’s event takes place February 4th–March 5th 2023.

What’s on at Kew Orchid Festival 2023

This year’s festival is dedicated to the biodiversity of Cameroon, the first time Kew’s Orchid festival will celebrate an African nation. Kew works with different partners across Cameroon on scientific and research projects and to identify Tropical Important Plant Areas (TIPAs).

Orchids 2023 will feature huge living plant sculptures including giraffes, gorillas, lions and hippos – plus, of course, a gorgeous array of stunning orchids. Cameroon is home to some of the world’s most fragile and threatened orchids – some so rare that their locations cannot be disclosed. Head to the central display at the heart of the glasshouse for a chance to see some of these Cameroonian orchids.

Other programme highlights include Orchids: After Hours. These evening events feature live music and performances plus street food and cocktails. All festival areas of the gardens are wheelchair accessible. Note that mobility scooters are not permitted in the Conservatory but there are wheelchairs available for use.

Tickets for Kew Orchid Festival 2022

Entrance to the festival itself is free, but you’ll need to pay for entrance to the gardens. Tickets are cheaper if purchased online in advance. Adult tickets cost £15.00, young person (16-24) tickets are £8.50 and child (4-15) tickets are £5.00. There are further discounts and concessions for families (2 adults, 2 children £37.50). Seniors (over 65) pay £14.00 and carers go free. What’s more, if you’re lucky enough to live nearby you’ll get tickets for £14.00. Remember to book a timed entry slot for the Orchid Festival when you purchase your entrance to Kew Gardens.

Buy tickets here.

It’s worth making a day of it. Kew Gardens is actually the largest botanic gardens in the world, so there’s plenty more to explore aside from the Orchid Festival.

Getting to Kew

Kew Gardens, the nearest station, is in Zone 3 and easily accessible by London Underground (District line), Overground and Train.

Kew Bridge station is slightly further, but still pretty close (800m). Trains run there from Waterloo via Vauxhall and Clapham Junction, however it does not have step free/lift access. Richmond has both, but you’ll need to take the 65 bus (direction of Ealing Broadway) to Lion or Victoria Gate.

Inspired to kit out your own place with flowers? Check our guide to Columbia Road Flower Market.