By: Kaltra Imeralilai

This year, from the 23rd until the 27th of May, the UK’s leading gardening charity, the Royal Horticultural Society, is organizing the most prestigious flower show in the world. For more than a century, the Royal Hospital in Chelsea has been the home of the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show.

It will take you around 5-7 hours to explore the main show gardens, floral marquees, and displays, where you’ll witness cutting-edge garden design, discover new plants, and gather ideas to take home! Don’t miss the following highlights when you visit the show: spot the latest trends at the Sensational Gardens, immerse yourself in the glorious sights and scents of spring in the Pavilion, discover unusual plants to adorn your home, and enjoy an eclectic line-up of music acts at the Bandstand! Make sure to visit the Discovery Zone in the Great Pavilion to learn about the latest discoveries in horticultural science, and don’t forget to check out the Retail section to purchase a special Chelsea souvenir!

Did you know that London is one of the world’s greenest cities? Approximately 40% of Greater London is made up of parks and green spaces, including eight Royal Parks. If you miss the Chelsea Flower Show this year but crave tranquility and relaxation, London offers a number of must-visit parks! Take a deep breath of fresh air, enjoy scenic picnics, or participate in outdoor activities in any of the following parks:

• Hyde Park: Probably the most popular park in the capital! Take leisurely walks, zip around on a bicycle, row a boat, dip your toes in the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, go for a swim in the Serpentine, or simply admire the spectacular views. It’s the largest of the four Royal Parks in central London!
• Regent’s Park: Boasting beautiful gardens with over 12,000 roses, expansive open spaces with tree-lined pathways, playgrounds, the largest outdoor sports area in London, and the Open Air Theatre. The park also features a large wetland area and is home to around 100 species of wild birds and a number of hedgehogs. Don’t forget to stroll up Primrose Hill for excellent views of the London skyline!
• Richmond Park: One of the Royal Parks in central London, renowned for its free-roaming deer, ancient trees, and rare wildflower species! If that’s not enough, the park offers stunning views from the top of the hill. Additionally, you can try power kiting, horse riding, or golf!
• St. James’s Park: Take a leisurely stroll through this park, well-known for its flower beds in front of Buckingham Palace. The park is surrounded by landmarks, including Clarence House and Whitehall. Enjoy a relaxing morning at St. James’s Café with impressive views of the park’s lake and fountain!
• Victoria Park: Also known as the People’s Park, it is the largest and most popular green space in East London. The park features canals, ponds, and pavilions!
• Greenwich Park: Head here for some of London’s most iconic views! Experience breathtaking landscapes, stunning gardens, and ancient tree avenues — just a few reasons to visit this park!
• Kensington Gardens: Channel your inner royal as you wander through Kensington Gardens! Situated in central London, it is home to Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial, and the Peter Pan Statue. It’s the ideal place for a picnic, with beautiful flowers and plenty of green grass!
• Battersea Park: The Victorian Battersea Park showcases magnificent fountains, notable trees, a large lake, and the Battersea Children’s Zoo. While you’re in the area, don’t miss visiting the Pump House Gallery!

With all these parks in London, you’ll almost forget that you’re in the city at all!

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