18 metres above the forest floor, the soaring Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the canopy of Kew's majestic trees up close
In the heart of Kew Gardens, a magnificent arboreal wonder beckons – the Treetop Walkway. As you ascend the stairs (or accessible lift) to the walkway’s full height, an enchanting new perspective on some of the garden’s oldest residents unfolds before your eyes.
The treetops reveal a thriving ecosystem, bustling with avian life and insect colonies. Lichen and fungi adorn the branches, providing a visual treat of reds, golds and teals you’d never be able to see from Terra Firma. On the ground level, artful sculptures hewn from tree trunks intricately depict the process of tree growth, unravelling the mysteries of their botanical journey to maturity.
Enjoy unlimited access to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst through Boundless membership.Members get unlimited admission as well as 50% off entry for an additional adult, free entry for up to five children and a 10% discount in the Kew shop both online and in store.
What to see on the walkway
The path, enveloped in verdant foliage in the summer and surrounded by twisty sculptural bare branches in the winter, presents a mesmerising journey through the secret life of woods and forests. Towering sweet chestnut, elegant beech, regal horse chestnut, and diverse oak species gracefully border the walkway, giving you the chance to experience a huge array of different tree species on your walk.
Crafted from over 400 tonnes of weathered steel, the walkway's rusted columns beautifully blend with the natural surroundings. The design is an expert blend somewhere halfway between sculpture and bridge. Standing tall at 18 metres and stretching 200 metres, the walkway provides an inspiring bird's eye view of the entire gardens, as well as the forest canopy itself.
The design
Conceived by the ingenious minds behind the London Eye, the construction of the Treetop Walkway has naturally aged and weathered since its installation in 2008 and its rusted steel columns now mirror the organic forms of the surrounding tree trunks, and bark harmoniously bridging the man-made with the natural.
The walkway, designed with a subtle flexibility to sway gently with the wind, treats visitors to a delightful "bounce" as you traverse the canopy of chestnut, beech, and oak trees of various species giving the subtle feeling of walking along a branch yourself.
To access this elevated experience, a total of 118 steps lead to the walkway's platform. However, for those who may find stairs challenging or visitors with mobility needs, a thoughtful lift ensures everyone can enjoy the walkway’s views.
If you seek an extraordinary communion with nature, the Treetop Walkway promises an unforgettable experience amid the embrace of Kew's oldest, and most storied residents, its ancient trees.
Do more with Boundless
Enjoy unlimited access to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst through Boundless membership.Members get unlimited admission as well as 50% off entry for an additional adult, free entry for up to five children and a 10% discount in the Kew shop both online and instore.
Boundless members get free entry to top attractions, discounts on restaurants and savings on high-street brands plus dozens of other deals on holidays, experiences and more! If you're working or retired from the public sector or civil service and not yet a member, discover more about Boundless membership here.
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