Discover seven of the world’s most breathtaking gardens perfect for group travel, from Keukenhof’s seven million spring bulbs to Kirstenbosch’s native South African flora.
1. Keukenhof Tulip Gardens - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Said to be the most beautiful flower spot in the world, more than seven million spring flowering bulbs come to life each year for a spectacular sight at Keukenhof in Amsterdam (pictured above). Across eight weeks, groups can visit to view the flowers across the 79-acre gardens in Lisse. In addition, Keukenhof collaborates with several artists, so as well as the flowers, you can see some of the sculptures and artworks around the gardens, too.
Guided tours are available for groups of up to 25 people per guide where you’ll find out about background information, the park’s history and more about the flowers. These should be pre-booked.
2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - London
Spanning a whopping 326 acres, the garden is said to be one of the largest botanical gardens in the UK with a collection of more than 50,000 plants. It’s particularly spectacular during the spring when the magnolias, cherry blossoms, tulips, bluebells and daffodils come to life.
In the autumn, the best spots to see blazes of red and gold are the Treetop Walkway and the Arboretum, which boasts 11,000 trees.
Groups of 15 or more receive a discounted rate and there is also the option to book a private guided tour to learn about more than 260 years of history at Kew.
3. Island Mainau - Konstanz, Germany
Attracting a million visitors every year, the ‘flower island’ is home to a spectacle of roses, dahlias, tulips, orchids and more. There are also elaborate flower sculptures to see on a visit as well as one of Germany’s largest butterfly houses and a Baroque-style castle.
Between March and May, it hosts an orchid show with more than 3,000 orchids transforming the palm house across six weeks. While during the autumn, visitors can gaze at more than 11,000 dahlias along with purple and blue autumn asters.
There are guided tours for groups along with gourmet packages, including admission, guided tour and lunch.
4. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden - Cape Town, South Africa
Located along the Eastern slope of Table Mountain, the garden is filled with native South African plants and is famous for the protea, the national flower of South Africa, known for its bright colours and bold shapes.
The best times to visit are said to be towards the end of winter, spring or early summer (August-November) - this is when it’s said you’ll see the native fynbos plants at their best and the maximum number of plants in flower.
For spectacular views of the garden and surrounding mountains, head to the Tree Canopy Walkway, a fairly new curved steel and timber bridge.
5. Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park - Yamanashi, Japan
Transforming the bank of the lake and with a stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji, there are 300,000 square metres of ‘flower paradise’ to enjoy with seasonal flowers and bright colours.
One of the most popular events in spring is the tulip festival, where approximately 150,000 tulips bloom in rotation across the field. Mid-August sees vivid yellow sunflowers for the summer, while autumn brings out cosmos flowers and warm, vibrant zinnias.
6. Villa Taranto - Verbania, Italy
Groups heading to Italy should definitely make time to visit this garden on the shores of Lake Maggiore. It’s the result of the vision and work of Captain Neil McEacharn who began the project in 1931.
You’ll see rare botanical species from around the world, including the largest specimens of the water lily family (Victoria Cruziana) and the Davidia Involucrata (known as the handkerchief or dove tree).
Advance bookings are recommended for groups, and it’s said two hours is a reasonable amount of time to explore the gardens.
7. Crested Butte - Colorado, USA
Known as the ‘wildflower capital of Colorado’, Crested Butte hosts vibrant blooms from May through to August across its meadows, valleys and mountains.
Among the largest and most commonly found flowers found in the valley are the aptly named Mules Ears Sunflowers, which cover the floor in yellow from mid-June to early August.
Look out for Calypso Orchids (called Fairy Slippers), a rare species found in dark and dry evergreen forests and Fireweed, which is one of the last big blooms of the year, usually from late July into August.
