A meadow east of Kew Bridge was made into common land as part of a plan to build a new palace at Kew. Designed to replace the Dutch House, it was never carried out. In the early 19th century Sir Richard Phillips already described the ’dwelling-houses’ bounding Kew Green. Indeed, most of the older houses in Kew were built around the Green.
Within walking distance of the River Thames, the green acts as a good starting point for a rambling walk along the towpath. There is also a cricket pitch which is used frequently during the summer.
Kew Pond, an old horse pond is a habitat for a range of water birds. The water level is managed by a sluice gate that allows river water to fill the pond via an underground channel during the high spring tide.
There are a few pubs in Kew Green – the Coach and Horses at 8 Kew^ Green, the Greyhound at 82 Kew^ Green. The Rose and Crown – from 2013, The Cricketers is at 79 Kew^ Green.
From 1964 until 1997, the Caxton Name Plate Manufacturing Company was based at 110 Kew^ Green.