Cities in bloom: The best botanical attractions in Europe
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With the arrival of warmer weather and spring colours, now is the perfect time to plan a European city break, and for enjoying some of the world’s best botanical gardens. If you’re looking for a floral treat in Europe, here are the top recommendations from the multi-attraction pass specialist Leisure Pass Group.
London: discover 500 years of British horticulture at Kew
With The National Flower Show and RHS Chelsea Flower Show in town in May 2019, London already has all things botanical on its mind.
Enthusiasts should head straight for the UNESCO World Heritage Site The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, which is home to more species in its 132 hectares than any other garden in the world. Trace the botanical history of Kew back to the 15th century, and explore its restored Victorian glasshouses and galleries, all less than 30 minutes from central London by train.
Paris: Walk in the footsteps of Louis XIV at The Palace of Versailles
The UNESCO World Heritage site of The Palace of Versailles is one of the largest and most opulent castles in the world and its gardens are the largest of their kind in Europe.
At 250 acres, the Palace Gardens were created in the 17th century at the command of Louis XIV and took 40 years to complete, thanks to their complex landscaped geometric paths and manicured lawns, which perfectly complement the stunning architecture of the Palace itself. Make sure to stop off at the Apollo and Latona fountains to admire the marble statues.
Amsterdam: take a Tulip Tour to Keukenhof
Visitors to the Dutch capital Amsterdam can take a scenic bus excursion to Keukenhof, Holland’s premier tulip region.
This region is home to over a million flower bulbs, from tulips and hyacinths to daffodils and other spring flowers. A guided tour will take you through the park, along 9 miles of footpaths through 80 acres of colourful gardens including the English landscape garden, Japanese country garden and historical garden.
Dublin: an oasis of calm in the heart of the city
The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin are one of Dublin’s most visited tourist attractions, with their exquisitely restored Victorian conservatories and huge number of exotic plant species.
Located a short walk from the city centre, the gardens are an oasis of calm and tranquillity right in the heart of Dublin. Don’t miss the beautiful rose garden, arboretum and impressive Palm House and Curvilinear Range Victorian glasshouses.
Vienna: Imperial power in bloom
For sheer spectacle, visitors to Vienna should take in the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, whose gardens and park are the finishing touch to this magnificent Baroque landmark.
The 189-metre Orangery Garden is one of the largest Baroque orangeries in the world, while the sheltered location of the Privy Garden makes it the home of Schönbrunn’s most spectacular floral colours, all centred around an ancient yew tree. The gardens were designed as a symbol of Habsburg Imperial power, and have been open to the public since 1779.
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