A Visit To Kew Gardens

View of the Glass House with flowers and lake in foreground. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Each time we’ve been to London, we’ve talked about getting out to Kew Gardens, but had never made it there until yesterday. We visited with Josephine of Chic At Any Age to see the Chihuly sculptures currently on display, and take some outfit photos. (I’ll share those later…)

View of the Glass House at Kew Gardens with orange Chihuly sculpture in front. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

If you are going to be in London, I highly suggest a visit! It’s easy to get to by the Tube, and the gardens are spectacular! Allow yourself several hours (at least) to explore.

Currently, there’s an installation of Chihuly glass sculptures, which can be seen until October. I think the sculptures work so well in this setting. Here are a few more of my favorites.

Chihuly sculpture in the Temperate House at Kew Gardens. Details at une femme d'un certain age.
Kew Gardens: Chihuly sculpture in the Temperate House. Details at une femme d'un certain age.
Chihuly sculpture at Kew Gardens. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

As I mentioned, it’s easy to get to Kew Gardens by the Underground/Tube. Just take the District line (Richmond train).

Susan B. of une femme d'un certain age waits on the train platform.

Here I am waiting for the train back into London. That tiger top has been getting a lot of wear!

Look for much more from Paris and London, as well as my travel wardrobe recap in a few days. Today I’m off to meet Lisa (The Sequinist) and Greetje (No Fear of Fashion). Can’t wait to see them!!

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22 Comments

  1. Gorgeous! Last summer, the Biltmore Estate and Gardens in North Carolina hosted a exhibition of the Chihuly sculptures. Like Kew, the setting was perfect for the colors and forms. Seeing these on your post today felt like seeing an old friend! And as for the tiger top, it looks great. I have certain wardrobe pieces that travel well, so they show up in many photos from year to year. (Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if a particular photo was made in Italy 2014 or Provence 2016 or Portugal 2018! That’s when I decide it’s time for new clothes … my travel photos all look the same! LOL!)

  2. I’ve always wanted to go to Kew because our garden, the Missouri Botanical Garden, is a partner of theirs. Thanks for sharing the pics! Definitely making time on our next visit to London! Thanks for all the posts—I love the mix of fashion with travel! Great job!

  3. Spectacular pictures ! The sculptures look as though they belong right where they are placed. Looks like a stellar day for your outing. Your mention of the Tube made me think of a question I had for you … Did you take the Chunnel from Paris to London? I’ve always been curious about that method of transport.

    1. Hi Janice, I always take the Eurostar between London and Paris. It is simple and easy without the hassle of getting to the airport as the stations are easily accessible by the underground and the metro. I find it quicker and more comfortable than traveling by air.

      1. I second the Eurostar recommendation. Much easier than going by air, and it’s amazing to be traveling at 200+ mph and so smooth there’s barely a ripple in your drink.

        1. Thanks Leeann , that is good to hear !! Do you just forget that you are under water ? It’s fascinating.

  4. I have such fond memories of visiting Kew Gardens! Such a fabulous place. I was there right about 35 years ago. . . Enjoy the rest of your trip!

  5. Hi! I’m so delighted that you are in London and I can see what you and others are wearing! I leave for England this Friday and have been finalizing what to pack. I’ll be in London, Oxford, Cornwall, and Bath and assume I can pack a lot like you did originally since the weather will have calmed down some. Wondering if it is cooler in the evening and if I will definitely always need a jacket then. Wondering if walking sandals are my best bet or if you think closed toed shoes are critical. I started traveling a lot for work and pleasure about 4 years ago after a number of years as a stay at home mom and I am so grateful for your blog both as I’ve moved back into the workplace as I turned 50 and as I’ve been flying and needed so many travel trips. Received my Emme bags based on your recommendation, and they are truly the best thing I’ve ever used for toiletries and cosmetics. Already flew once with them and looking forward to having them simplify my life while in England next week.

  6. I’ve been wanting to get to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. There are some of Chihuly’s sculptures there too. Looks like you are having a wonderful trip!

    1. Definitely go see the Atlanta Botanical Garden. There have been two Chihuly exhibitions there and the pieces they have kept really add to the gardens as a whole. His works are fantastic.

  7. I love the tigers shirt!
    I recall that you had a particular wardrobe for hot weather during your trip to Asia a few years ago, and I believe you said it worked well for you. Just curious as to whether any of those items made it into your travel wardrobe this time since you were aware in advance it would be so hot in Paris?

    1. Hi LeeAnn, actually we didn’t know in advance that it would be so hot in Paris. When we left, the forecast was for temperatures mostly in the mid- to upper-70’s. The “canicule” (heat wave) didn’t show up in the forecast until a day or so after we’d arrived in France. Had I been expecting it, I would have packed differently. 😉

  8. Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh was gifted the Chihuly display several years ago…it was incredible and there are still several pieces in place. Phipps is an incredible Conservatory and one of the “greenest” in the country. Love this place. Enjoy the cooler weather in London and the beauty…will you be going to Wimbledon?

    1. Jannie, I have to agree with your assessment of the Phipps Conservatory. We just got back from a trip to PA and Ohio, and we had the chance to stay in Pittsburgh for a few days. Loved the Phipps! Chihuly’s works are also in the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden.
      We visited the Kew on our first trip to London and LOVED it. Highly recommend to anyone visiting London. As Sue said, very easy to get to on the Tube.

  9. I visited England for the first time 2 years ago. Kew Gardens was a priority, and my sister gamely went along. We stayed all day and I could have easily gone another day. It was alternately raining and sunny, just perfect for a garden! No Chihuly sculptures, but lovely nonetheless. Happy sigh!

  10. Just found your site. After traveling from US to overseas (Brugge, Belgium and London) the first time I’m convicted to add more style to my wardrobe. Visited Kew Gardens 10 days ago and almost melted in the Conservatory, but it was worth it! Looking forward to reading more of your work.