Kew Gardens and the associated palace is a favorite attraction for tourists looking for a quiet yet engaging day trip out from the pace and energy of London.

Kew Palace is so impressive you would think it was originally built for royalty. But before the English royals moved in, it was known as Dutch House, as it was built by the wealthy Dutch merchant Samuel Fortrey back in 1631.

Mr. Fortrey’s descendants leased the Jacobean mansion to Queen Caroline in 1728 for a bargain. The deal was ‘the rent of £100 and a fat doe’ for 99 years. For that small price, Queen Caroline got herself a palace and gardens that could rival the best anywhere in the world.

The Palace is small by contemporary standards, with a modest 70 ft by 50-feet layout. The structure has recently been restored to its former splendor, renovated to reflect the style and tastes of the period around 1804 when it was the home of King George III.

The ten year renovation project has had stellar results, down to some unique, excellently-executed Flemish brickwork. There are now on display uncovered secret rooms and exhibits of the monarch’s many interests in art, science, and music.

Visitors will get a glimpse of the restored dollhouse of the princesses who were among the King’s 15 children. You will get so see many precious paintings that the King and his wife Queen Caroline had collected. The second floor is very much as it was 200 years ago.

In Queen Victoria’s time, the property was made open to the public and has since provided other attractions.

The Kew Gardens surrounding the palace are a favorite of visitors. In 1751 the gardens were a ‘modest’ 9 acres. Centuries later, the plants and grounds have blossomed to cover 300. It is estimated that the gardens house as much as 12% of examples of the world’s known plant species.

Throughout the well tended greens and flowers are some interesting structures as well. The Chinese Pagoda is a popular attraction, with its excellent view of the landscape. There are six large Victorian greenhouses, such as the glass and iron Palm House built in 1848. Palm House was one of the first uses of wrought iron on a large scale. Not far away is the Crystal Palace erected for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Temperate House, twice the size of Palm House, was added in 1860.

The Grass Garden is one of the more unusual offerings for a botanical museum, housing over 600 varieties of grass. There’s even the fascinating Wood Museum explaining to visitors how paper is manufactured. Visitors also should not miss seeing Queen Charlotte’s cottage. At the right time of year, bluebells cover the grounds.

Kew has long been home to extraordinary botanical science. The first successful effort to cultivate rubber trees outside South America took place on the grounds. The efforts have continued through modern times. In 1987, the Princess of Wales Conservatory was opened in Kews by Princess Diana. The structure houses botanical experiments carried out within 10 different climate zones re-created inside.

Kew Palace and Gardens is about 45 minutes outside central London. You can get there via the tube on the District Line, Kew Gardens Station. The grounds are a 10-minute walk from the station. You can rest after the walk, though. Just hop the trolley that takes you around to the eight zones within the park’s 300 acres.

Related tours and destinations in London, England:

• Paris Rail Day Trip from London

Staying in London but want to see Paris? Take the Eurostar to discover the “City of Lights” at your leisure or with a guide. Whether it’s the Eiffel Tower you want to climb, explore the artwork in the Louvre or stroll down the Champs Elyees, this tour can fill your Parisian dreams.

• Lake District Rail Day Trip from London

Every wanted to explore the Lake District? Leave the chaos of London behind and discover the beautiful scenery on a rail tour to the Lake District. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Windermere, the largest of England’s lakes and visit the World of Beatrix Potter!. This tour is seasonal and operates from April to October only.