Kew Gardens For The Orchid Festival

Staying at The Bull Hotel, Gerrards Cross

2 DAYS | 22nd February 2026

Begin 2026 with a bang as we head to two of the UK’s most famous horticultural destinations. Kew Gardens’ much-loved Orchid Festival returns for its 30th year, brightening up the winter months with a spectacular display inspired by Chinese heritage and biodiversity. Taking over the Princess of Wales Conservatory, this landmark festival is a highlight of London’s cultural calendar, and draws inspiration from China’s vast landscapes, rich traditions, and extraordinary plant life. Twinned with Kew, our short break also includes a visit to the wonderful Kingston Bagpuize House and Garden, for its tremendous Snowdrop and Spring Plant Fair.

Our home for our stay is The Bull Hotel; a 17th Century building set in beautiful grounds, it is situated in the charming town of Gerrards Cross, overlooking the Common. Seasonal produce is served in the hotel’s restaurant; the hotel also boasts a conservatory lounge overlooking the terraced gardens. All bedrooms offer modern facilities, and the hotel also has a lift.

SUNDAY

We depart making a coffee stop en-route to Millets Farm Centre. After a spot of lunch we then make the short journey to Kingston Bagpuize for their snowdrop display and Spring Plant Fair. Here we will spend the remainder of the day with ample time to visit the house, the gardens and the Fair. The gardens were designed by Miss Raphael when she moved to the house in 1939, though the garden’s development was delayed by 10 years due to the war as the house and grounds were used as a War Ministry building. Steeped in history, there has been a manor at Kingston since Saxon times and it has been home to the Grant family since 1995. The café will also be open serving tea and cakes. Mid-afternoon we head to Gerrards Cross and The Bull Hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

MONDAY

After a relaxed breakfast we venture to The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew for the fabulous Orchid Festival. You will have free time to explore both the gardens and the event, and if you like there is a land train that operates in the garden making it easy to see all the sights (bookable and payable on the day). There are plenty of places to enjoy coffee and lunch, perhaps head to the beautiful Orangery for a slice of cake, or the Botanical Brasserie for more formal dining. Mid-afternoon we board the coach and head for home; making a comfort stop en-route we aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area mid-evening.