Built in 1631 for merchant Samuel Fortrey, and later acquired by George II as an annexe to Kew House, Kew Palace served as a family country retreat for George III and his extensive family. Nestled among the greenery of the (now) Kew Gardens and perched on the river, the King loved the palace so much he was given the nickname "Farmer George" as he spent so much time away from the centre of London, out "in the country" at Kew. The palace itself was comparatively small with only four storeys but was favoured by a string of royals. First used by the royals in 1729, George III officially bought the property in 1781. It later became a more permanent home for the Royal Family - King George IV was born here, while Queen Charlotte died here in 1818. It is the last survivor of several important royal residences at Kew and after a long closure for restoration, the palace opened up once more to visitors be it of a less regal variety - in summer 2006.
Best for: Royal, rural retreats, King George III and Queen Charlotte, the monarchy and botany.
King George III's country retreat.
Built in 1772 and nestled among bluebell woods, Queen Charlotte’s Cottage was used regularly by the royal family as a cooling ... More
Archivist of all UK public records.
Located in Kew – one of Greater London’s most idyllic locations – The National Archives manages one of the largest ... More
Home to thousands of rare plant species and housing an impressive archive, Kew Gardens is the obvious place to stage the world's first gallery dedicated ... More
Experience the fascinating world of automatic musical instruments at this unusual, melodious museum. The many instruments housed here were all designed to provide music at ... More
If you’re booking a hotel outside the centre of London all you want are excellent transport links and cheap rates. In addition, the Ramada Jarvis ... More
Escape the hectic clamour of central London and retreat to leafy Ealing and the homely comfort of this family-run bed and breakfast. Located in ... More
Over a thousand coloured lights illuminate the beautiful oak trees and gardens at Syon Park for special winter evening guided tours taking you through the ...More
The Kew Grill is one of two restaurants that TV chef Anthony Worrall Thompson managed to save from the administrators at the begninning of 2009. ...More
Ma Cuisine is a model of simple sophistication. Fresh ingredients and traditional recipes are handled simply and satisfying with no homage paid to the latest ... More
Since the 18th century, these extensive gardens have been the spiritual home of botany in England, if not in Europe. From the cooling glades of ... More
There's very little to choose between the pubs along this exceptionally attractive stretch of the Thames, but The Belll and Crown, a Fuller's pub with ... More
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