Queen Charlotte’s Cottage is a rustic royal retreat in a secluded paddock at Kew Gardens, Richmond. Built in the 18th century, it gave the royal family a place to rest, drink tea and picnic. When it is open, you can see Hogarth prints in the downstairs print room and floral and bamboo artwork by Princess Elizabeth in the tearoom. The paddock is now a flower garden, and the surrounding woodland is a pleasant reason to visit even when the cottage is closed.
A royal retreat at Kew
Queen Charlotte’s Cottage was built in the 18th century as a rustic country retreat for the royal family. They came here to rest, drink tea and picnic while visiting the gardens. The cottage stands at the end of a secluded paddock within Kew Gardens, away from the grandeur associated with larger royal residences.
The site has a longer royal history than the present cottage alone suggests. The building was once known as Dutch House and was one of several palaces in this area. George III also withdrew here from public life when illness forced him to step back from his duties.
Inside the cottage
When the interior is open, the rooms offer a look at royal life through objects and artwork. The downstairs print room contains Queen Charlotte’s collection of Hogarth prints. In the tearoom, look for floral and bamboo artwork by Princess Elizabeth, the Queen’s daughter.
Access to the rooms is limited, so an exterior visit is still possible when the cottage is closed. Its red-brick exterior is modest beside the grander royal palaces, and the walk through the surrounding woodland gives the stop a quieter setting.
The paddock and woodland
The paddock beside the cottage once held exotic animals, including kangaroos, black swans and buffaloes. The first kangaroos to arrive in the country were kept there; the now-extinct quagga was also housed in the paddock. It is now a flower garden.
In spring, bluebells bloom in the woodland around the cottage. The paddock and woodland make the approach part of the visit, especially when the cottage rooms are not accessible. The cottage can also be seen from the riverside path alongside the gardens.
Häufige Fragen
When is Queen Charlotte’s Cottage open?
The listed visiting hours are Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Access is limited, so check before planning your visit.
What can you see inside Queen Charlotte’s Cottage?
The downstairs print room has Queen Charlotte’s Hogarth prints. The tearoom has floral and bamboo artwork by Princess Elizabeth.
What is there to see around the cottage?
The former animal paddock is now a flower garden, and the surrounding woodland has bluebells in spring.
