The Palm Houses
FAQs
We hope the information below helps you plan your visit to the Palm Houses.
If you are unable to find the answer you are looking for, you can reach our Visitor Welcome Team by email visitorwelcome@rbge.org.uk
Ticketing
Your ticket includes entry to the Palm Houses only and does not include access to any other Glasshouses.
Our A-listed Front Range Glasshouses, built in 1967, are currently closed and require substantial repairs. While these works are planned, the Glasshouses are being used to support the complex plant relocation programme associated with the restoration project.
We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred date and time. Some time slots may sell out, particularly during busy periods.
The first time slot is usually at 10.15 am and available every 15 minutes throughout the day. Last entry may change throughout the year.
Late arrivals may have to wait for the next available entry slot and entry cannot be guaranteed.
If the Palm Houses are required to close, including due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund and will be able to rebook for another date.
Yes, subject to availability. However, we strongly recommend booking in advance. If tickets are sold out online, no additional walk-up tickets will be available.
Yes, during opening hours, tickets can be purchased up to three months in advance from either the East Gate or West Gate visitor welcome points.
Tickets are initially released up to two months in advance. Thereafter, additional dates are released monthly on a rolling basis.
If you have created an online account with Digitickets, you can amend your booking up to 48 hours before your visit.
If you purchased your tickets in person, you must return to the Garden at least 48 hours before your visit with your ticket receipt to exchange your ticket. Changes cannot be made over the phone.
All tickets are strictly non- refundable.
No, tickets are non-refundable.
Tickets are non-refundable. However, if you created an online account, you can amend your booking up to 48 hours before your visit.
For tickets purchased in person, exchanges can be made at the Garden up to 48 hours before your visit. Please bring your ticket receipt. Changes cannot be made over the phone.
Tickets are non-refundable. However, if you created an online account, you can amend your booking up to 48 hours before your visit.
For tickets purchased in person, exchanges can be made at the Garden up to 48 hours before your visit. Please bring your ticket receipt. Changes cannot be made over the phone.
No. Tickets can be presented on mobile device or printed at home.
Yes, we can scan your tickets directly from your mobile device.
Your tickets will be included in your confirmation email.
Please login to your Digitckets account to retrieve your booking details. If you still require assistance, contact Visitorwelcome@rbge.org.uk
Pending transactions may remain visible for up to three working days before clearing. The exact timeframe depends on your card provider.
To avoid additional transaction fees, please ensure you book tickets for everyone in your party, including children and carers, when making your initial booking.
During my visit
Most visitors spend between 15 and 30 minutes exploring the Palm Houses.
The nearest public toilets are approximately 300 metres from the Palm Houses, close to the East Gate entrance.
No, please either finish or store any food and drink before entering.
No, picnics are not permitted inside the Palm Houses.
The East Gate is approximately a 10 minute walk. The West Gate (John Hope Gateway) is approximately a 15 minute walk.
Only assistance animals are permitted. Please see our Assistance Animal Policy
Yes. We encourage photography, but please be considerate of other visitors, avoid blocking paths, and do not place tripods or equipment within planted areas.
Drones are not permitted anywhere within the Garden grounds.
Please contact our Visitor Welcome Team at visitorwelcome@rbge.org.uk
Accessibility
We recognise that some disabled visitors may require assistance during their visit. While admission is charged at the appropriate rate for disabled visitors, accompanying carers are entitled to free entry. A complimentary carer ticket can be added during the booking process. Please bring proof of carer status ID. This includes:
- Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or DLA
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Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded or the allowance book
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Attendance or Carer’s Allowance letter of award
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Employment and Support Allowance letter of award
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A letter from a medical professional (eg GP, consultant or social worked) dated with the last 12 months, confirming the need for a carer.
If you have alternative documentation or are unsure about eligibility, please contact us in advance, and we'll be happy to assist
Yes. Accessible routes are available from both the East and West Gates via tarmac pathways. The Palm Houses are accessed via ramps and paved surfaces.
Yes. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking in advance by emailing Visitorwelcome@rbge.org.uk or calling +44 131 248 2909.
Yes.
Yes. At the West Gate entrance (EH3 5NZ) there are six Blue Badge parking spaces immediately north of the entrance and a further three spaces opposite on the south side of Inverleith Park.
Blue Badge holders may also park in on-street pay-and-display bays free of charge when displaying a valid badge.
Yes. There are several benches within the Palm Houses, as well as seating throughout the wider Garden.
Membership
Yes. Membership includes free entry to the Palm Houses and a range of additional benefits.
Members should bring proof of membership where possible. You can also bring your membership email confirmation as proof of membership while waiting for your new card/s to arrive.
If you have lost your membership card, please contact the Membership Team in advance of your visit.
Your membership includes admission for up to four children living in the same household. Please add child tickets when making your booking.
Yes.
Due to the limited capacity within the Palm Houses, we recommend booking in advance to guarantee entry on your preferred date and time.
Please select the "2-for-1 Kew Member" ticket option during the booking process.
Select the "Reciprocal Member" ticket option. During booking, you will be asked to choose your organisation from a drop-down list.
Applicable to members of: National Botanic Garden of Wales, Ness Botanic Garden, University of Oxford Botanic Garden & Harecourt Arboretum, Chelsea Physic Garden, Westonbirt Arboretum, Missouri Botanic Garden , Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, The Domain Mount Annan & Mount Tomal, University of British Columbia Botanical Garden and New York Botanic Garden.
Tickets up to three months in advance can be booked in person at the Garden.
Group visits
Yes. Groups are welcome but all visitors must have a valid ticket, and prebooking is strongly recommended due to the limited capacity within the Palm Houses.
A group booking is any booking of 11 or more people purchasing paid tickets.
Yes. All groups should book in advance to guarantee entry and ensure sufficient capacity is available.
To help manage visitor flow and provide the best experience for everyone, certain time slots may be reserved for schools, community groups, or other organised visits. Availability may vary throughout the year.
To protect the collection, ensure a comfortable visitor experience and manage capacity, large groups may be divided into smaller parties and allocated consecutive entry times if available.
If capacity is available, tickets may be purchased on arrival. However, large groups without a booking may not be able to enter together and admission cannot be guaranteed.
For group booking enquiries, please contact Visitorwelcome@rbge.org.uk with your proposed date, group size and any access requirements.
Yes. All groups should book in advance to guarantee entry and ensure sufficient capacity is available.
Yes. School visits are welcome and should be arranged in advance. Please contact our Education Department Education@rbge.org.uk
- 7 years and under 1:6
- 8 – 1 years 1:10