We all know the adage, “Stop and smell the roses” means to take your time and appreciate the experience. What could be more perfect travel advice? But in this instance, we’re talking about literally smelling the flowers! England is renowned for its lovely gardens so why not make them the focus of your tour of England? Here’s a list of horticultural events that take place in England from March to September that would be great for garden clubs, flower arrangers, rose aficionados, or just a girlfriend getaway.

Springtime in Cornwall

In the southwest of England, spring arrives in March to April. This timing is perfect for gardeners who will be up to their elbows in their own gardens in May. The gardens of Trebah, Heligan, the Eden Project, and Caerhays Castle are all must-sees. Avid green thumbs might want to arrange their garden tour of England around the Cornwall Garden Society’s annual Spring Festival on April 1-2.

Of course, in Cornwall, you can also enjoy visiting filming locations for Doc Martin in Port Isaac. Visit the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden or take a class at the famous Leach Pottery, both in St. Ives.

London Area’s Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew features spectacular floral displays and living plant sculptures throughout the magnificent Princess of Wales Conservatory. The Kew Gardens Orchid Extravaganza runs from February 4 to March 5, 2023. Travel Maestro tip: Tickets to this colorful orchid festival make a fabulous Valentine’s gift!

Chelsea Physic Garden, was established to grow plants for medicinal use by Apothecaries in 1673, and the Royal Horticultural Society’s spectacular glasshouse at its flagship garden at Wisley takes you on a tour through the world of plants in three climatic zones. The University of Oxford’s Botanic Garden, founded in 1621 and the oldest in the U.K., contains over 5,000 different plant species

Castles and Tulips

Any garden tour of England that didn’t include a castle would be remiss! For about three weeks beginning in mid-April, fanciful tulips wave a colorful welcome to beautiful castle gardens in southeast England. Arundel Castel has one of the most fanciful displays. From there, your garden tour of England’s castles can include the exotically beautiful Royal Pavilion in Brighton; the 13th century, moated Hever Castle; the fairy-tale home of medieval kings and queens at Leeds Castle; the spectacular gardens at Sissinghurst Castle; and the award-winning, privately owned gardens at Pashley Manor and Borde Hill. Travel Maestro tip: Take the fast Eurostar between London and Amsterdam to visit the Keukenhof Tulip Festival in Holland between March 23 and May 14, 2023.

Romance in the Cotswolds

Explore the Cotswolds by building a garden tour of England around the Royal Horticultural Society’s floral extravaganza held in Malvern from May 11-14, 2023. You’ll discover regional food, flowers, and crafts, as well as expert speakers. Continue to the remarkable Laskett Gardens and 15^th-century Hampton Court Castle. Don’t overlook the glorious award-winning garden at Kiftsgate Court, the famous Arts and Crafts garden at Hidcote Manor, the romantic, privately owned Sudeley Castle, and the unique Rococo Garden at Painswick House in a hidden Cotswolds valley. Travel Maestro tip: When in the Cotswolds, history lovers need to visit Hereford Cathedral, home to the Mappa Mundi, which gives a 14^th-century view of the geography of Christendom.

Iconic Flower Shows in England

Beyond wandering the paths of these amazingly well-tended gardens, England is the proud host of at least four major flower shows each year.

• RHS Chelsea Flower Show (London, May 23-27, 2023) is an iconic event in the gardening (and social) world! The finest growers and world-renowned designers create impressive displays that are on view in the Great Pavilion.

• Blenheim Palace Flower Show (Cotswolds, June 23-25, 2023) showcases weird and wonderful plants in every color. The main attraction is the vast Great Floral Pavilion

• RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (London, July 4-9, 2023): The historic grounds of the magnificent Hampton Court Palace offers a family-friendly event that includes a festival of roses, floristry workshops and demonstrations, expert talks, and inspirational garden designs.

• RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show (Farnborough, September 5-10, 2023): RHS’ flagship garden closes the season with spectacular displays, opportunities to purchase medal-winning plants, and inspirational talks by experts over six days. One highlight is the National Dahlia Society Show’s competition with colorful, eye-catching entries, but visitors also get the chance to enjoy Wisley’s extensive rose garden.

As you can see, a garden tour of England has many, many options. You don’t have to have a green thumb, just an appreciation for the beauty of the plants and flowers. And your trip doesn’t have to focus solely on gardens. Mix in a little history to your garden tour or add a single garden visit to a genealogy tour. Ask your Covington vacation advisor to customize your trip to make it uniquely yours.