Days Out: Autumn Foliage at Kew Gardens

Visiting Kew Gardens, an enchanting botanic garden in southwest London, is a special treat for the entire family with the gorgeous autumn foliage. 

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My mom friend and I organised an outing to Kew Gardens as a special treat for our girls. The beloved children’s author Julia Donaldson is a household name in my home. We were delighted to learn that Kew Gardens was hosting a Gruffalo’s Child trail through the deep dark woods of this historic royal botanic garden. And we just barely made it to the woods before the Gruffalo goes into winter hibernation. 

Autumn Foliage at Kew Gardens

It was a gorgeous autumn day when we arrived in the lovely neighborhood of Richmond. Starting from the Lion Gate, the Great Pagoda greets us from the distant. Kew Gardens was bursting with vibrant autumn colours from yellow, red, and orange. We followed the footpath from the famous Temperate House and Palm House whilst marvelling at the beauty of Kew Gardens. It is truly a delightful place to spend the day as a family no matter what age. 

Gruffalo’s Child Trial

As a special half-term exhibit, Kew Gardens hosted The Gruffalo’s Child Trail. The girls, each with their own Gruffalo, joined the Gruffalo’s Child in search of the Big Bad Mouse. 

“Aha Oho! A trail in the snow! 

Whose is this trail and where does it go?”

Into the deep dark woods, the girls set out on the journey to find the Snake, Owl, Fox, Mouse, and Gruffalo who was snoring in his cave. The beautifully carved wooden structures make for lovely photo opportunities amongst the autumn foliage. And if you want to see the Gruffalo in live appearance, he makes a special appearance in between naps at Kew Palace. A truly magical experience for anyone who adores this classic children’s book. 

The Enchanting Children’s Garden

If you come to Kew Gardens with kids, you must visit the beautiful Children’s Garden. Tickets are free, and pre-booking is highly advisable. However, you can also queue on the day for a 60 minute play session. 

The enchanting Children’s Garden is thoughtfully designed incorporating nature and various elements such as air, sun, earth, and water. From sunken trampolines to wooden climbing frames, playground, and water cycle, it is a lovely interactive place for children to explore in a natural setting. There are hidden tippees and sitting areas in every corner, including a 200 year old oak tree with a 4m high canopy walk. Another magical place for children to get in touch with nature. 

Celebrating Japanese Horticulture 

For the month of October, Kew Garden is celebrating Japanese horticulture with a curated Momijigari Trail to mark the new autumn season. We followed a partial loop through the Cherry Walk to the Japanese maples, bamboo gardens and the Minka House before taking a short detour to complete the Treetop Walkway. 

Our final stop was the Temperate House which houses plants from five continents from Africa to Australia. To celebrate all things Japanese, the Temperate House a few exhibits including: 

• One Thousand Spring where 5,000 haiku (short form poems) hung on red ropes from the ceiling to symbolise autumn. 
• Chalk Garden incorporates elements of Japanese gardening and Britain’s natural chalk landscapes.
• Kiku Matsu celebrates varieties of chrysanthemums in white, yellow, orange, and red, again a nod to the new autumn season. 

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If there is one word to describe Kew Gardens, it would be just magical. A perfect way to spend a day amongst nature in the most enchanting corners of London.