My ingredients for a great staycation are good weather, a relaxed pace, and something new or exciting to do nearby home. My recent visit to Kew Gardens had all three in bucket-loads!
Living in West London as I do, Kew is just a short hop on the District Line, making it super easy to visit. I started off with the guided tour for a little history, although an urge to explore further soon drew me away.
Kew was originally a park with exotic gardens, and a royal residence from 1781. It features iconic glasshouses, follies, and a Japanese pagoda that is over 250 years old. More importantly, from 1840 it became the national botanic gardens and home to thousands of plants. As a botanical garden the purpose was research and education over pure design, so we found it quite different to the displays at decorative gardens.
I still haven’t gotten over my squirrel excitement a year down the track – although thankfully this one was a bit further away than my first encounter!
The Palm House was built in 1844, using revolutionary technology to create the beautiful large arches. Outside, many varieties of roses are arranged in beautiful beds. The graduated pastels and vibrant colours were beautiful, and we were there just in time for the peak of many. Inside, the humid air and hiss of the hydro systems give a definite jungle flavour. I loved the beautiful palms, ferns and tropical plants inside – so many gorgeous shapes and textures!
The Waterlily House is next to the Palm House and while very different in scale, it is just as beautiful inside. It was built in 1852 specifically to house the giant Amazonian waterlily which had been discovered in South America by European botanists.
Kew Palace seemed just like a doll-house, all red-brick and symmetrical windows. It served as a royal nursery and later sanctuary for King George III during his times of mental illness. You can now explore the rooms inside, including the bedrooms of his daughters, who referred to it as the “nunnery” when they were cooped up inside.
From the Palace, we happily wandered via the Rhodedendron Dell over the lake and towards the Xstrata Treetop Walkway, spotting a few bird babies along the way. The Gardens are beautifully peaceful and it was hard to remember that we were only half an hour from central London!
After climbing the stairs of the Treetop Walkway we were up above the canopy, with fantastic views over the gardens and towards London. They’re not for those with a bit of vertigo, as they swayed and creaked a little too much like tree branches for perfect comfort! As always, I loved the panoramas.
If you’re looking for a little staycation or day-trip in London, Kew is a great option. The Gardens will keep you entertained for hours, and the village itself is relaxed, leafy, and so pretty. If you’re looking for more to do in the area, the contrasting wilderness of Richmond Park is a great destination for more outdoorsy activity and the chance to make a deer friend 🙂
Where have you visited as part of a staycation?
Linking up with Emma, Kelly, Rebecca and Mandy! Check out their blogs for lots of fabulous staycation ideas.
