Orchid Festival in London

Have you long dreamt of a trip to London but have absolutely no idea what to see in the foggy Albion in February?

We recommend you to visit the annual Orchid Festival at the Royal Botanic Gardens in London. In February here begins a celebration of flowers, which are literally created by nature to warm our souls. And for a whole month the Royal Botanic Gardens become a place where you can forget about winter and immerse yourself in a world of vibrant colors and delicate fragrances.

The Kew Gardens, as they are known in English, have a rather interesting history. They were founded in 1759, when Princess Augusta, the mother of King George III, established a nine-acre botanical garden on the grounds of an amusement complex in Kew. The garden grew, preserved many landmarks and became a global research center.

The Orchid Festival starts in the Princess of Wales Conservatory at the Kew Gardens in early February and lasts for a month. By the way, the organizers of the festival were once inspired by similar exhibitions held in Brazil, India and Thailand.

Every year visitors from all over the world flock to London with one goal in mind – to see the most beautiful and unusual orchids in the world. Yellow, orange, with speckles or iridescence – every guest will find a flower to his liking. Here you can even see unique specimens on the brink of extinction. For example, the national flower of the island of Guaranthine Skinneri.

The variety of orchid species will impress even the most discerning connoisseur of beauty. Snow-white orchids will remind you of the first snow melting under the touch of spring sunshine. Deep blue orchids will literally immerse you in the depths of the ocean, where you can feel the coolness and freshness of the sea breeze. And of course let’s not forget about the bright, vibrant colors that will awaken joy and admiration in you.

The Orchid Festival is the perfect “antidote” to the gloomy London winter weather. Every year visitors can see works created here by the organizers and participants of the exhibition based on the biodiversity of different countries around the world.

This year the festival organizers are inspired by the unique beauty of Madagascar. The stunning natural beauty and incredible biodiversity are awe-inspiring. Here everyone will be charmed by the striking contrasts of the country, from thorny forests to lush rainforests, as well as the most unique wildlife on Earth. During the festival guests will not only see the magnificence of Madagascar’s nature but also listen to the stories of scientists who conduct vital research to protect local plants and wildlife.

By the way, this festival is one of the few events that take place throughout the year in the Kew Gardens. This garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to over 50,000 living plants, hosts dozens of annual exhibitions, thematic events and botanical courses. Here you can not only enjoy the rich flora but also learn how to propagate plants, paint floral watercolors or learn the secrets of turning your own garden into a true marvel.

There are several attractions within the Kew Gardens, such as the famous Great Pagoda, which offers breathtaking views of London. And also there is the Davies Alpine House, Bamboo Garden, Minka, where a traditional Japanese farmhouse is located, the Mediterranean Garden and the King William Temple, which accurately replicate the Mediterranean climate and ecosystem.

Tips for preparation of trip to London

London is a country with extremely unpredictable weather conditions. But visiting the famous orchid festival is definitely worth it at least once! The main thing is to approach trip planning wisely and consider all possible nuances:

Exhibition format. When going to the orchid festival, keep in mind that you can visit the exhibition both independently and as part of a tour group. If you are a “beginner”, it’s better to take a group tour. This is an excellent opportunity not only to get acquainted with the world of orchids but also to receive useful tips on plant care from experts.
Discounts for exhibition visitors. Enjoying the beauty of Kew Gardens is more pleasant if you book tickets for events in advance. To do this, simply become a club member. So if you want to get priority booking, discounts and exclusive access, study the conditions of membership in the Kew Gardens club in advance.
Courses and seminars. In Kew Gardens you can not only admire beautiful flowers but also take a one-day course on plant care. This is an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge and confidence that you will be able to grow equally beautiful flowers at home.
Weather. In February and March the weather in London can be very unpredictable. Despite the fact that the flower festival takes place indoors, it is worth taking comfortable and warm clothes with you for pleasant walks after visiting the exhibition.
Accessibility for people with disabilities. For people with limited health capabilities the festival organizers will provide wheelchairs. However, it should be noted that in this case it will not be possible to visit all the exhibition rooms.

Planning of travel to the UK

London is a fairly accessible destination for residents and guests of Dubai. Since 2023 many flights have been launched to the capital of England. All you need to do is choose the most convenient one and book your tickets in advance.

But the most important thing is to apply for a UK visa as soon as possible . The festival’s opening will take place on February 3, 2024, so you still have a month to plan your trip. Thanks to the experienced specialists of The Visa Services, it’s possible to obtain a British visa in just 2 days. That means a stroll in the floral paradise is definitely in order!