How about a moment to relax? Soak up nature’s serenity and natural beauty by taking a virtual tour of one of Britain’s most cherished gardens
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Adapting to this year’s “new normal”, this year the RHS Chelsea Flower Show—one of London’s most prestigious flower shows—went completely online. The exhibition offered a variety of free virtual gardening events, activities for the whole family, exclusive tours, and educational lectures. There were also daily interactive sessions for families who wanted to introduce a little creativity to their gardens, with an exclusive Q&A session hosted by advisors of the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society).
And as if that weren’t enough, online visitors can take a closer look at the beautiful plants that would have featured in the in-person display at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show and which instead went on to flourish in the Great Pavilion. Take a moment to immerse yourself in British gardening!
Kew Gardens, seen from above
Enjoy the breath-taking scenery of one of Britain’s most famous gardens, which is even listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, through this virtual tour of Kew Gardens. The online experience features a panoramic view of the iconic glass greenhouse and serene landscapes, bringing a little bit of tranquillity and grandeur to one of London’s most important green areas.
Hidcote Manor Garden
Located in Gloucestershire, England, this of the most beautiful gardens in the country, as well as being a major influence on the arts and crafts world, more specifically an artistic movement that preceded European modernism in the 1930s and was characterised by the refined use of medieval, romantic and folk artistic impression. The garden is linked by several “rooms”, each displaying trees, plants and rare flowers. For as long as the venue remains closed to the public, you can take a virtual tour of the old courtyard, the greenhouse and the rose bed.
Arundel Castle
Located in West Sussex, Arundel Castle currently offers a range of virtual activities, including a visit to the rose beds, garden tours led by the ground’s horticultural experts, and access to a wide variety of plants and flowers on display. Keep an eye on the castle’s website to stay abreast of all the goings-on, but even if you did miss an event, it will likely be posted to the website for playback, as was the case with the Tulip Festival in April.
National Garden Scheme
The NGS, or National Garden Scheme, is known for opening certain gardens and cultural spaces for charitable events and has, in recent times, become even better known for compiling almost 200 “Virtual Garden Visits” from around the country. The tours are engaging and varied, with multiple many options for garden adventurers.
