Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is fantastic haven away from city life, without having to leave London. It takes a while for me to travel there from my side of the city, but it’s totally worth the journey. There’s plenty to see, so make the most of your £15 ticket and explore all the grounds and plant houses.

The Princess of Wales Conservatory is a good one to check out. It’s divided into two climates (with a further 8 micro-climates inside) and houses a whole variety of plantlife. Dry tropics – with plants from the world’s warm, arid areas. And wet tropics – home to fascinating plants like the giant Amazon waterlily.

Palm House is also must see. A beautiful Victorian glasshouse originally built in the 1840’s, and home to Kew’s own tropical rainforest. Definitely climb up the spiral staircase and walk around the mezzanine level. It’s extra hot and humid up there, but the light filtering through onto the canopy is beautiful on a good day.

For a completely different perspective of Kew Gardens, head over to the Treetop Walkway. At 18m high, the steel platform leads you through the tree canopy with a fantastic view of the surrounding area. The odd steel floor panel has a slight wobble to them, which might make you feel a bit jumpy, but the rest of it is sturdy as the trees around it.