Popular Gardens in Virginia Water

"In 1759 botanists began rummaging around the world for specimens to plant in the 3-hectare Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. They never stopped collecting, and the gardens, which have bloomed to 121 hectares, provide the most comprehensive botanical collection on earth (including the world's largest collection of orchids). A Unesco World Heritage Site, the gardens can easily devour a day's exploration; for those pressed for time, the Kew Explorer hop-on/hop-off road train takes in the main sights."

"According to Wikipedia, “Kew Gardens is the world’s largest collection of living plants”. From the exotic glasshouse gardens filled with succulents and tropical blooms to a stroll down to the Chinese Pagoda, there’s much to see and photograph. A great perk, if you’re a member, you can get to visit Kew before any of the tourists, which means you could almost have the place for yourself, to enjoy as you please."

"Founded in 1840, using plants from Kew Park in Middlesex, Kew Gardens is one of the largest and lushest botanic gardens in the world."

"For a lunch date to remember, 155 meters high at the top of the famous ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building, the Sky Garden offers spectacular views of the city. But it’s the incredible tropical garden which makes this iconic London landmark a must-see. There are multiple restaurants and bars to choose from, but for informal yet stylish lunchtime dining, we highly recommend Darwin’s Brasserie to take in some of the best views of the city."

"Offering perhaps the best free vantage point in Central London, the indoor viewing decks and restaurants occupying the top three floors of 20 Fenchurch Street (known to locals as the "walkie-talkie") are a great place to hang out without spending a penny. It is open daily, just book your free visit in advance."

"Set atop 20 Fenchurch Street (aka the Walkie Talkie building), Sky Garden is the highest public garden in London. Amidst a lush urban jungle, it offers stunning 360° panoramic views of the city. The unique setting and spectacular views easily make this one of the most Instagrammable places in London."

"This museum is an extraordinary place, comprising the original collection of wealthy tea-merchant and pack-rat Frederick John Horniman. He had this art-nouveau building, with its clock tower and mosaics, specially designed to house his collection. Built in 1901, today it encompasses everything from a dusty walrus and voodoo altars from Haiti and Benin to a mock-up of a Fijian reef and a collection of concertinas. It’s wonderful."

"In Forest Hill in leafy south London, the Horniman Museum is like the Natural History Museum but on a much smaller (and more digestible) scale. Its collection has subjects including natural history, anthropology, and musical instruments, and is particularly famous for its many taxidermied species. There’s quite the eclectic mix, and you’re sure to find something intriguing at the Horniman Museum."

": Probably the most popular museum in south London, the Horniman Museum has a little bit of everything. There are stunning views overlooking the city from it’s grounds, which are home to to hundreds of plants and the conservatory, which is over 100 years old. Moving inside, there are natural history, musical instrument and social culture galleries, with items taken from all over the world."

"Another great Thames-side attraction, Hampton Court is one of Europe's most famous palaces. Its Great Hall dates from Henry VIII's time (two of his six wives supposedly haunt the palace), and it's where Elizabeth I learned of the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Other interesting features include the Clock Court with its fascinating astronomical clock dating from 1540, the State Apartments with their Haunted Gallery, the Chapel, the King's Apartments, and the Tudor tennis court."

"Hampton Court Palace is a royal palace in London on the River Thames. King Henry VIII initially ordered construction of the palace to begin in 1515 for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey; within 15 years, Wolsey was no longer a favorite of the king and so he returned the palace to the monarch. Hampton Court Palace is one of just two surviving palaces from the reign of King Henry VIII. It is now owned by Queen Elizabeth II."

"This is Henry VIII’s favourite Royal hangout located in London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Greater London. Hampton Court is definitely worth a visit and the gardens are outstanding. In fact, they are internationally renowned for being amongst the most beautiful gardens in the world."

"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."

"Reopened in 2016 after a £3.3 million renovation, The MERL is now a seriously impressive and versatile museum. The focus here is in the title: rural life. There’s a great mix of detail for adults and hands-on fun for kids with exhibits taking in animals, agriculture and country life across England."

"About: The Museum of English Rural Life is home to the UK's largest national collection of objects, books and archives relating to food, farming and the countryside. With loads of hands-on exhibits, this is a great place to visit with your family. Address: Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX"

"The unique and an interesting museum dedicated in preserving and recording the rural way of life. Anything and everything related to food, farming and country side you’ll find it here. Run and managed by the University of Reading it has a variety of collections."

"Between Waterloo and Hungerford bridges you can retreat to the landscaped Victoria Embankment Gardens, where you will find an unmatched tranquillity in this tourist area. In the summer recline on deckchairs and take in a bandstand performance."

"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"

"Occupying disused bare-brick railway arches in Waterloo underground station, The Vaults is a striking space for alternative arts and immersive theatre. As well as jazz sets, indie plays, and alien-themed musicals, you can discover a continual rotation of art in its tunnels. This unique contemporary art gallery is said to feature artists who ‘have a natural affinity for the unusual, the daring, and the unknown’, and that is easy to see."