With spring just on the doorstep and warm weather on its way, it is time to start thinking about some alternative travel adventures this summer. But with so many great things to see and do all over the world, what would you actually class as an “alternative” adventure?
We have a few in mind, here are our top six gardens that we feel are worth a visit whilst on your travels:
Kew Gardens, London:
Officially one of the world’s largest collections of living plants, Kew Gardens was founded in 1840 and is located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
While it’s living plant collection boasts an impressive 30,000 specimens, its herbarium has a record-breaking seven million preserved plants and over 750,000 volumes of information within its library.
This spring the gardens are showcasing the International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition for adults, and Easter face painting sessions for children.
Ticket prices start at £15 for adults and children under 16 are able to enjoy the plants and grounds at no cost whatsoever.
Gardens of Versailles, Paris
If you find yourself in France over the coming months, the historic Gardens of Versailles is certainly worth a visit.
Occupying what was once part of the Domaine royal de Versailles, the Gardens cover roughly 800 hectares of land, and were designed by legendary landscape designer, André Le Nôtre.
Like Kew Gardens, the Gardens of Versailles are also impressive by numbers, with no less than 5.57km of grand canal, 620 water jets, 200,000 trees and 210,000 flowers – the last of which are planted annually.
Although the gardens have endured the toll of history, from the French Revolution to World War II, today the gardens stand as some of the most magnificent in the world.
Based at the Chateau de Versailles, just less than an hour away from the centre of Paris, entry to the gardens and palace is €18, or €25 for a two-day pass.
Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona
Heading across the Atlantic or Pacific for something a little different, the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden found in Papago Park, shows just how, even in the harshest conditions, life can be both sustained and beautiful.
Founded in 1937 by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society, the garden has over 21,000 plants, of which one-third are native to the area.
Unlike the other two gardens already mentioned in this list, volunteers are essential for the sustainability of the garden and it has always survived on the kindness of charity and visitors. That said, the garden offers a range of exhibitions and events including the Spring Butterfly Exhibition and the Artists League Paint Out Show.
Entry for adults stands at $22 and children below 12 can enter for $10.
Keukenhof, Lisse
Translated as “Kitchen Garden” and otherwise known as the “Garden of Europe” the gardens of Heukenhof Castle are one of the leading tourist attractions in the whole of the Netherlands.
Officially the second largest flower garden in the world, Keukenhof is set to open its gates earlier on in the month and it will remain open until 17 May. Besides the regular influx of visitors, which is often driven into the millions, Keukenhof has also been visited by various members of the Royal House, including Queen Juliana.
Adults can enjoy the gardens for €16 and children below the age of 11, for €8.
Lingering Garden, Suzhou City
An official UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lingering Garden is a world-renowned classical Chinese garden that was commissioned by Xu Taishi in 1593 CE.
The garden, which stands at 23,310m2, is actually divided into four distinct themes, set as East, Central, West and North. The central part of the garden is the oldest of the lot and contains many buildings; often viewed as the primary feature of any Chinese garden.
Although the garden has fallen into disrepair many times during its long history, including in 1911 and during the Sino-Japanese War, today it is one of the most stunning in the world and is a major tourist attraction for the country.
Majorelle Garden, Marrakech
Heading now to Morocco, the Majorelle Garden just outside the ancient city of Marrakech, is one of the most stunning on the northwest tip of Africa.
Designed by furniture designer, Louis Majorelle in the 1920s and 1930s, the garden took a total of forty years to complete and is today recognised as one of this greatest and ever-lasting works.
Filled with shady lanes sulking between a dreamy mix of exotic and local plants, guests are welcome to stroll around the 18 acre garden that is also home a great selection of Art Deco visuals.
Perhaps the most enthralling aspect of the garden however is its vibrant reliance of colours, most notably the striking blue that is featured throughout the gardens; said to be inspired by the colours of the Atlas Mountains.
For those wishing to visit the gardens, they are open from 8pm until 6pm until September. Admission to the gardens stands at 50Dhs, which is roughly £9.20.
