Private Tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and Osterley Park with Chauffeurs UK

Three hundred acres of botanical delights grace Kew Gardens, which lies on the south bank of the Thames River between Richmond and Kew in the suburbs of south-west London. The gardens are "Royal" because for many years the estates that now form the gardens were owned by members of Britain's royal family. King George II and Queen Caroline lived at Ormonde Lodge, on the Richmond estate. Their son and heir, Prince Frederick, leased the neighbouring Kew estate in the 1730s. By the latter part of the 19th century, what had begun as a nine-acre botanic garden in 1751 had grown to the present 300 acres.

The gardens today present an enjoyable mix of landscaped lawns, formal gardens, and greenhouses. Equally important, Kew functions as a botanical research centre and maintains the largest plant collection in the world. The various greenhouses display plants from across the world in climate controlled environments, while Kew Gardens Gallery houses art and photographs illustrating botanical themes. Queen Charlotte's Cottage (open only in summer) is a pretty summerhouse lying alongside a lake. The Chinese Pagoda is arguably Kew's most recognizable structure.

Osterley Park is one of London's hidden gems. A fine Tudor house transformed into a neo-classical villa in the 18th century by Robert Adam, it is at the heart of a fine estate of woods, lakes and fields. Yet this peaceful haven is only eight miles from Piccadilly Circus and a short drive from Heathrow Airport.

With its impressive portico and stunning interior design and furniture, Osterley House offers one of the most complete examples of Adam's work. It was executed between 1760 and 1780 for the Child family, the immensely wealthy founders of Child's Bank. A 16th century stableblock also survives intact and is still in use today.

The beautiful grounds, which include formal gardens, meadow and classical garden buildings, are home to a wide range of animals and plants, including a host of unusual varieties of trees. Following the acquisition of more land around Osterley Park, work is ongoing to restore the entire estate to its 18th century glory.