Best Botanical Garden in Burnham

"The botanic gardens at Kew, in Richmond, were first opened to the public in 1840 after the royal family established the gardens initially and started to bring plants from overseas from 1759. Because of the royal family’s continued interest in Richmond, the areas of Kew and Richmond became one of the most fashionable places to live, especially in the 18th century. Today, Kew Gardens focuses on plant and fungi research whilst housing the largest collection of plants in the world."

"Whether you’re a fan of gardens or not, Kew Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in London. The Hive is a unique new structure exploring the story of the honey bee, and children will love the Treetop Walkway. Best shot: the Waterlily House or the spiral staircase make for superb captures."

"After lunch we stopped at Kew Palace, a 17th century building that was the summer home of King George III in the 18th century. It’s actually the oldest building in Kew Gardens and it has been turned into a museum showcasing the history and bringing to life King George and his wife Queen Charlotte and their 15 children’s lives in the palace over the three levels. There is a perfectly manicured garden out the back which gives a stunning view."

"A trip here offers more than just plants, as you can also visit art galleries, the Great Pagoda, and tour Kew Palace, a former royal residence located within the gardens. You can explore at your own pace or join one of the garden’s guided walk tours that come free with entry. This is a must-see for any garden lover. Kew Gardens are located in outer London and can be reached by public transportation."

"One of London’s Historic Royal Palaces, Kew Palace is located within the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s not open in the winter months, but in the spring and summer, it’s worth entering this intimate royal family retreat. You can also access The Great Pagoda and climb its 235 steps for stunning views across London."

"Full of rare and unusual trees and shrubs, the Isabella Plantation is a beautiful spot set in the depths of Richmond Park. It’s a green space for most of the year, but in April & May, the azaleas bloom and Isabella Plantation becomes a perfect pink paradise. COVID-19 UPDATE: Isabella Plantation is currently closed to the public."

"This small Victorian woodland plantation was planted in the 1830s, but not opened to the public until 1953. It’s famed for its evergreen azaleas, which are best viewed in late April or early May. The garden includes the National Collection of Wilson 50 Kurume Azaleas, as well as other rare and unusual shrubs and trees."

"Established in the second half of the seventeenth century by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, the Chelsea Physic Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in England. Included among the London Museums of Health and Medicine, this botanical garden has some unique features attracting tourists interested in botany. Noteworthy mentions are Britain’s largest fruiting olive tree and the world’s most northern grapefruit that grows outdoors."

"Alternatives: There are many other things to see in the area (mostly in Chelsea), including the Chelsea Physic Garden (fee*), Leighton House Museum (fee), Design Museum, Portobello Road Market, Chelsea Football Club Stadium Tour & Museum (fee*), and the recently renovated National Army Museum. London Itinerary Day 6 – Greenwich or Free Day"

"Fulham Palace is a site dedicated to tracing its own history. Items found on the palace's grounds date all the way back to prehistoric times; the archaeological finds are part of the museum's impressive collection of artifacts and objects. The site has been a residence of the Bishops of London since 704 and played a major role as a hospital during World War I and a refugee spot during World War II."

"A beautiful open garden, glasshouses, flowers in bloom, and brick walls, all in a place less visited by tourists which make for one great location for a photo shoot or a private event. And if you’re looking for some diversity, just walk a few steps out of Fulham Palaceand you’re right on the shore of river Thames."

"Lose yourself amongst the stone pines, olive trees, and cypresses of this typical Mediterranean landscape. The King William's Temple stands in the middle of the garden, lending a sense of grandeur to the vibrant landscape."

"Gardens emerge in the unlikeliest of places, including this tropical beauty atop a railway station. Crossrail hasn’t quite reached Canary Wharf yet, but this stunning spot is open for business—as is the adjacent street food hall!. COVID-19 UPDATE: Crossrail Place Roof Garden is open 8am-9pm daily."

"The Davies Alpine House is a somewhat different greenhouse, it is quite long (16m) and high (10m) and was designed to provide ideal conditions, fresh with natural wind for the best conditions the mountain plants. The collection features a wide range of campanulas, dianthus, small ferns, helichrysum, small lavenders, primulas, saxifrage, thymus, tulips and verbascums along with lesser known species."

"Many of the plants at Kew couldn't survive in Britain's grey, damp climate. The Davies Alpine House supports those that thrive in dry, cool, windy conditions of mountainous areas such as succulents and campanulas,"

"Long Arm Pub and Brewery are changing the game when it comes to pubs in East London. Brewing all their beer on-site, the pub changes their choices daily, rotating between six freshly brewed pints."

"Mercato Metrapolitano in Elephant & Castle is one of the biggest outdoor dining and drinking spaces in London, with over 500 seats and 40 food and drink vendors. Home to more than 40 vendors, a micro-brewery and a number of community projects. Discover flavours from Italy to Japan, Colombia to Germany, Vietnam to Argentina, and many more"

"Venture over to Mercato Metropolitano and you'll find a great atmosphere, craft drinks aplenty and a treasure trove of dining stalls to choose from. As one of the city's ultimate food halls, this Elephant & Castle beauty is guaranteed to be busy all-year-round with regulars and newcomers alike."

"A hub of all things eating and drinking, Mercato Metropolitano is an epic food hall in Elephant & Castle. Not only does it have a wealth of vendors catering to all your cravings, but it also has a gorgeous and expansive selection of outdoor spots to choose from."

"The first thing to be said about this homely, two-room East Sheen venue is that, although it is vegetarian, it uses some cheeses with animal rennet, including Parmesan — chef-proprietor Emerson Amélio de Oliveira strongly believes these have a superior flavour. That said, the eco-friendly venue, with sustainability at its heart, has by far the most inventive vegetarian menu in London. Oliveira comes from a Brazilian-Italian background; and this is reflected in dishes such as hand-made pastas and risottos, alongside the use of Amazonian fruit and veg."

"Of the seven branches across London, Masala Zone Covent Garden will most appeal to younger diners, as they can gawk at the traditional Indian puppets that festoon the place as they wait for their food. Although they can occupy themselves at every branch with colouring books and crayons which are provided by the amenable staff. Mini thalis with milder curries are available from £6, and for those that can handle more heat, the rolled dosas prove popular."

"Masala Zone offers good, hearty Indian food across a number of locations, all featuring unfussy and comfortable atmospheres. Children are well accommodated, with under-sevens having the option of eating from the versatile children's menu. With seven outposts in London, this could be a good option the next time you plan a family meal in the city."

"Delicious food uniquely from the true sources of Indian food – the gourmet homes & street stalls across India’s regions."