If you’re anything like us, you’ll have been enchanted by some of the magical and mystical gardens being showcased this week in the UK as part of the annual Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show. Many of these gardens are actually based on different areas of the world, and that got us thinking about the most spectacular gardens we’ve visited on our travels…
A beautiful garden located on Vancouver Island, Butchart Gardens is a gem of Canada. The garden was created by Jennie Butchart, a keen gardener and wife of a cement plant owner. Today, the garden is an internationally acclaimed attraction, visited by millions of tourists every year. In the garden are over 900 plant species and numerous design styles including the Sunken Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Italian Garden.
If you’re a fan of tulips, then Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands is a must visit. Known as the largest tulip garden in the world, this garden attracts millions of visitors each year and it’s easy to see why. The garden covers an area of over 32 hectares and features over seven million brightly coloured tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Make sure to visit during the Tulip Festival in April and May when the flowers are in full bloom so you can fully appreciate the mesmerisingly vibrant colours and floral fragrances.
Jardin Majorelle, a beautiful botanic garden nestled in the centre of Marrakech, Morocco was designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and later bought by legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent in the 1980s. The combination of vivid blue walls, exotic plants, and traditional Moroccan architecture makes the garden a place of dreamlike beauty and the perfect place to enjoy a serene atmosphere and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Kew Gardens is a world heritage site sitting in the heart of London. This stunning botanic garden covers 121 hectares and hosts over 50,000 living plants, but it is particularly famous for its Palm House, a 19th-century greenhouse that houses numerous rare plant species. The garden also boasts a Treetop Walkway with a bird’s eye view of the garden from 18m above the ground!
The beautiful, strolling Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa, Japan, spans over 11 hectares and is one of the three most beautiful gardens in the country. The garden takes advantage of the natural landscape and features a variety of ponds, bridges, and teahouses. One of the unique features of the garden is the Kotoji-Toro, a traditional stone lantern that reflects the shape of a koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument. A walk through Kenrokuen Garden will truly feel like walking through a poetic landscape.
Singapore, one of the most beautiful and modern cities in Asia, is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area. One of its most iconic attractions is Gardens by the Bay, a stunning collection of gardens dotted beside Marina Bay. The gardens cover 101 hectares (250 acres) of reclaimed land and feature some of the world’s most advanced horticulture technology. From towering super-trees to spectacular Flower Dome conservatories, this unique garden complex offers something for everyone.
Located in the heart of Barbados, Hunte’s Gardens is a spectacular tropical paradise that features some of the most beautiful flora and fauna in the Caribbean. With its lush gardens, exotic plants, cascading waterfalls and panoramic views, it’s no wonder why this hidden gem is one of the island’s most popular attractions. Whether you’re looking for a romantic stroll or an educational experience about local plant life, Hunte’s Gardens is sure to impress. Plus, you may even be treated to a teapot full of rum punch!
Villa d’Este in Tivoli is one of the most impressive Renaissance villas in Italy. Located just outside Rome, this stunning estate was designed by Pirro Ligorio and commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este in 1550. It features a beautiful garden, stretched over two steep slopes, with elaborate fountains, terraces, grottoes and sculptures and its proximity to Italy’s capital makes it a popular tourist destination for visitors.
Located on the beautiful coast of Wales, Portmeirion Gardens is a magical spot for visitors to escape from day-to-day reality and explore nature in all its glory. This secluded paradise was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and features an array of stunning gardens, lush green landscapes, majestic sculptures, winding pathways and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. And you don’t need a plane to get there!
The Gardens of Versailles are one of the most stunning and iconic gardens in the world. Located just outside Paris, these sprawling grounds were designed by André Le Nôtre for King Louis XIV in 1661. The gardens cover 800 hectares (2,000 acres) and feature some of the finest examples of French Baroque architecture and landscaping. From majestic fountains to magnificent sculptures, this royal retreat is a must-see destination for anyone visiting France.
If we’ve piqued your interest in any of these glorious gardens, give us a call or email us and we’ll get you there to experience the beauty in all its finest – info@savilerowtravel.co.uk | +44 1491 575 987.
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