The lady in Queen Charlotte's Cottage was not very friendly or helpful but it is interesting to see inside. No photo's allowed. Kew Palace is small, the gardens and kitchens are very interesting. We had to queue as they only allowed so many in at a time but worth seeing.
There is a long narrow path leading to the cottage with foliage each side, then you come to an opening were you see at last the thatched cottage with lead light windows a very pretty building. there is not much furniture or and pictures. Could be developed
Worth a look around,not an awful to see or do,,,long walk,I would not return,,,Staff always watching you,Don't touch that,Etc,
The prettiest palace in London...I adore Kew Palace. It's small and homely and has such a poignant air about it....you can still feel the spirits of the family who lived, loved and played here. How I would love to go back in time to meet them all.
The palace was occupied by George 3rd as he descended into madness. Interesting information about his life here is relayed in a number of audio visual methods.Fairly quick to visit as it is so small but worth having a look round if you are at Kew. You may have to wait o go in but this is fine as they do manage the crowds quite well
The surrounding gardens are fantastic. The buildings are small and intimate and worth a visit but its a double payment - once for the gardens and then for the Palace and Cottage together (NT members have to pay to get into Kew Gardens although the buildings are free to members)
I felt like I walked in on a coven's secret club house. Staff weirdly hovers to make sure you aren't touching the sub par refurb. I think King George would be annoyed his summer home is so badly restored. When I asked if this was in process "Oh no we don't want to cover up so much HISTORY" The banged up banisters and broken plaster and archeologist notes crudely scribbled on the walls? If you've been to the Biltmore this place is a yawn. They did order up the curtains from an old order from a British manufacturer, the only thing I was interested in looking at. They have these creepy projections to show where people sit that had an M Knight Shyamalan effect. Sad because this was Queen Charlotte's happy place. Don't use the elevator unless one of the ladies in weird attire "brings it up" for you...one whole floor. Apparently I wasn't qualified to press a button. Enjoy the garden it's well done.
Lush gardens on many acres that include several greenhouses, one from Victorian times and a modern one named for Princess Dianna. We spent the whole day there and had a very nice lunch at the restaurant in the Orangerie. Queen Charlotte's cottage is interesting because they left the plaster off the walls on the upper floor so that you may see the construction techniques used at that time. The guides were very helpful and attractive.
I really love Kew and the Kew Explorer. When I visit London, I always find time to go to Kew Gardens. It is a must-go!
I liked the history of both buildings. Helpful attendants to answer questions definitely worth popping into during your stroll around the botanical gardens