garden holiday tours

The 7 best garden holidays for 2024

From Kent to Madeira, we've selected the best places for a garden tour in 2024

On these wonderful garden tours around the world, you can soak up the subtropical gardens of the Isles of Scilly and explore the dazzling Madeira Flower Festival with a gardening expert.

Whether you're after a spring holiday with gorgeous gardens in bloom or a late summer getaway to explore glorious gardens after the crowds have gone home, we've got you covered with our selection of incredible horticultural escapes.

Luckily, you don't need to know your hyacinths from your hydrangeas to enjoy one of Good Housekeeping's garden holidays. Enjoy the acres of rainbow-coloured tulips as you cruise through Holland's canals to Keukenhof Gardens or wander around the Grade I gardens designed by Vita Sackville-West at Sissinghurst Castle in Kent. Our hand-crafted itineraries bring together some of the finest horticultural displays in Europe. Add in the guided tours and Q&As from experts such as Sarah Raven and Gardeners' World presenter Adam Frost and you'll return home with increased knowledge and appreciation of all things green. Check out our best garden holidays in the UK and Europe for 2024.

See the tulips of Keukenhof in full bloom on a spring cruise with Adam Frost

The world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens in all their spring glory are the focal point of this gorgeous five-day cruise along Dutch waterways, with Gardeners' World presenter and award-winning landscape designer Adam Frost joining you for a talk and Q&A.

Other fantastic sights include the 19 windmills of Kinderdijk and the inland bay of Ijsselmeer, and there are also the canals and art museums of Amsterdam and the architecture of Rotterdam to discover.

When? April 2024

Delve Deep into the gardens and plant-inspired art of northern France

Monet’s two-metre-tall artwork Les Nymph é as (The Water Lilies) were inspired by his iconic gardens in Giverny, and you can see them them in Paris’ gorgeous Musée de l’Orangerie as a wonderful prelude to this look at some of northern France’s loveliest gardens. Monet’s gardens have been maintained as they were in his time, along with his house, while the surrounding village is lovely for a wander, with artists’ studios to peer into.

From there you’ll head to fairytale-like Château de Chantilly, with glorious landscaped gardens and vast estate to lose yourself in. You will also spend time with garden columnist Paula McWaters.

When? July 2024

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Visit walled gardens and other English gems from a Peak District manor

You’ll discover the once-abandoned, gorgeously renovated 16th-century Easton Walled Gardens with their Victorian flourishes with young horticulturalist Arthur Parkinson as part of this trip.

You’ll also get to wander around the Royal Horticultural Society's innovative northern flagship, the RHS Harlow Carr, one of the oldest medieval manor houses in the UK, Haddon Hall, and Hardwick Hall, a Elizabethan country house amid orchards, woodlands, and roses - and in-between those relax in a Peak District manor-house hotel and spa.

When? June 2024

Combine Loire châteaux and Monet’s garden on a tour of the 'Garden of France'

The Loire Valley is world-famous for its magnificent châteaux and their superb gardens, along with churches and cathedrals and fabulous French cuisine. Among icons you’ll visit on this marvellous tour are Chenonceau, Villandry, Chinon, and Amboise, while you’ll also enjoy idyllic landscapes in spades in this vineyard-dotted region with its wine-cellar tours with tastings.

You’ll also get to venture up to Monet's house and garden at Giverny, to see the sublime Japanese water garden that inspired some of his most famous works, and the spectacular Château de Fontainebleau, which includes the largest formal garden in Europe, Le Grand Parterre.

When? May 2024

A horticultural hurrah in the Atlantic's 'floating garden'

Renowned for its volcanic landscape and lush gardens, Madeira – a.k.a 'The Floating Garden in the Atlantic' – grows a diverse array of flora from the purple-bloomed jacaranda trees, rare orchids to bird of paradise flowers. See them all in their glory on a garden tour of the Botanical Gardens, Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Palheiro Gardens. A highlight of this trip is tickets to the annual Madeira Flower Festival, where floral-filled classic cars parade along Avenida do Mar and Comunidades Madeirenses in Funchal.

When? May 2024 FIND OUT MORE

Visit the rolling estate gardens in the Garden of England

Stay a little closer to home and enjoy a quintessential garden holiday in Kent, aka the Garden of England. Named after its sheer abundance of orchards and hop gardens, the southeastern county and bordering Sussex are jam-packed with some magnificent gardens to explore. Take a garden tour of the roses and lavender beds in Pashley Manor, visit the romantic woodland glades and walled gardens in Scotney Castle or enjoy a stroll around Great Comp Garden, the grounds of a beautiful Georgian farmhouse.

A highlight of any trip to Kent is Sissinghurst Castle, home to possibly Kent's most famous gardens. The Grade I parkland was created by poet and author, Vita Sackville-West, and her husband, Harold Nicolson, who were particularly charmed by the views of the estate from the top of the castle's Elizabethan Tower. You'll also get to meet designer Sarah Raven and listen to a special talk.

Go garden Scilly on the UK's most southwesterly archipelago

White-sand beaches, crystal clear waters and some spectacular gardens, the Isles of Scilly are often confused with somewhere more tropical. While the archipelago off the southwest of England has five inhabited islands, this trip is based on the main island of St Marys. After breakfast in The Atlantic Hotel, take a boat trip over to the other islands and witness some of its famous wildlife, including dolphins, whales and the Atlantic grey seal.

Another highlight of the trip is a day tour of Tresco, where you'll discover Tresco Abbey Garden, a 19th-century garden. Known as 'Kew without the glass', this beautiful botanical gardens grows legions of subtropical plants and rare species from more than 80 countries. You'll be joined by Julian Branscombe, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.

When? April and September 2024

Looking for more inspiration for your next holiday? Grab a cuppa and browse our brochure packed with unique escapes.

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9 of the best garden holidays for 2024

Explore flower-strewn destinations at home and abroad on these incredible garden tours

Country Living's garden holidays take in floral havens with TV stars and experts, invite you to discover the world's botanical wonders and allow you to meet the best-loved designers and gardeners to learn gardening tips and tricks along the way.

Whether you travel in spring or summer, there’s a horticultural break for you. Spring is a fantastic time to seek ideas for your own garden in fabulous venues around the UK, in locations such as the Isles of Scilly or Kent. Or venture further to Madeira with its famously fragrant flower parade or the Netherlands’ Keukenhof Gardens, renowned around the world for their riotously colourful spring tulips. Meanwhile, Italy and France beckon for blissful holidays with a horticultural slant. Many of these unforgettable trips feature VIP tours and talks by experts in the field – gardeners and garden designers, writers, TV presenters and other fascinating folk keen to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with you as you discover some of the world’s greatest gardens in their company. We guarantee you’ll come away overflowing with new ideas for your own patch. Here are the best garden holidays for 2024.

Marvel at the sensational villa gardens around the Italian lakes

After a leisurely train ride through France, you’ll spend seven nights in a peaceful hotel beside the foothills of the Alps overlooking Lake Orta, exploring the elegant gardens around Orta and the other charming lakes of Maggiore, Como and Lugano.

These include the Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto, Villa Carlotta with its lavish plant life and the subtropical gardens of the delightful Swiss town of Lugano.

Other highlights include a trip to beguiling Locarno, also in Switzerland, and a day in the Italian fashion capital Milan with its fabulous shopping as well as historic must-sees such as the Duomo. When? April and October 2024

Discover Kent and Sussex's garden secrets with Sarah Raven

This enlightening three-night horticultural break includes an exclusive talk by garden designer, writer and broadcaster Sarah Raven, who, over the course of 25 years, transformed a dairy farm into the 90 acres of botanical delight that is Perch Hill.

You’ll also enjoy a private tour with the gardeners and sit down to a delicious lunch made with the freshest produce from the garden. Guests also benefit from a private early-bird trip to Sissinghurst to see the superb manicured gardens before they open to the public.

Visits to Great Comp Garden, Scotney Castle, Lullingstone Castle, Pashley Manor and Great Dixter are also included, as well as a relaxing base in Tunbridge Wells.

When? June 2024

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Celebrate Madeira’s colourful Flower Festival

Some of Madeira's finest gardens, including the Palheiro Gardens, Funchal Botanical Gardens and Monte Palace Gardens, are all on the itinerary of this trip to the subtropical volcanic island of Madeira.

The Portuguese island is known as the ‘floating garden of the Atlantic’. It’s timed to coincide with the island’s famous Flower Festival, where you’ll get a grandstand seat to watch the Allegoric Flower Parade, with the chance to see (and smell!) fragrant floats passing along the streets of central Funchal to the accompaniment of live music. You’ll be based at the aptly named Hotel Enotel Magnolia in Funchal, with two swimming pools and a sauna. When? April 2023

Witness the wonderful wildlife and gardens of the Isles of Scilly

This six-day trip includes a visit to sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Gardens , dubbed ’Kew without the glass’ and established around the ruins of a Benedictine abbey by Augustus Smith in the 19th century. It’s now home to plants from across the world’s Mediterranean climate zones, including Brazil and Burma.

You’ll also take in the gorgeous harbours of St Martin’s and spot porpoises, dolphins, seals and other wildlife – including some species not seen anywhere else in the UK, which you’ll learn more about during a talk by (and dinner with) Julian Branscombe, head of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.

Your base is Star Castle, with a pool and archipelago views.

When? September 2024

Admire the gardens that inspired Claude Monet

Spend four nights in the largest chateau hotel in France, Château de Montvillargenne, using it as a base to explore the gardens that inspired Monet’s famous paintings. The holiday includes a guided tour of Giverny – the little village where Monet lived – accompanied by gardening expert Paula McWaters. This is where you’ll see those famous water lily ponds and the gardens that inspired his work.

The perfect complement to a visit to Giverny on a Monet-themed trip is calling at Musée de l’Orangerie, where you’ll see a selection of Monet’s paintings, Les Nymphéas.

When? July 2024

Whisk away to the Italian Lakes and tour its grand villa gardens

Join an eight-day escorted tour to Italy on a trip that’s perfect for garden lovers. It’s a holiday with a busy schedule, but one that will inspire you no end. A particular highlight is a trip to the 18th-century baroque palace on Isola Bella, an island in the middle of Lake Maggiore. The gardens here are said to be modelled on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

A special departure in March 2024 included a guest visit from Gardeners’ World presenter Carol Klein, who will join you on a trip and will be on hand to answer your gardening questions. And if you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of your camellias – this is the trip for you. You’ll see 500 varieties of this bloom in the gardens of the private residence of the President of the Italian Camellia Society!

When? March 2024

Be dazzled by carpets of tulips along the Dutch waterways

The sight of millions of brightly coloured spring flowers is a vision to behold – and one you can enjoy at its most spectacular on a four-night cruise along the Dutch waterways in April 2024.

You’ll follow a wonderful itinerary on this exceptional garden holiday, departing from Amsterdam and sailing to Enkhuizen, then Rotterdam, before the Dutch countryside reveals itself around Kinderdijik, where iconic windmills overlook the canal. Your penultimate day includes a visit to the bulb fields of Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden, where a kaleidoscopic floral display awaits you.

Keen horticulturalists will be delighted that Adam Frost joins the trip to Keukenhof and will be available to answer questions.

When? April 2024

Celebrate Madeira’s Flower Festival with Frances Tophill

Madeira is a wonderful island for keen gardeners to visit at any time, but timing a visit to coincide with the annual Flower Festival makes for an extra special holiday.

On Country Living Holidays’ trip to Madeira in May 2024, you’ll spend three days exploring the island’s gardens, including the Botanical Garden near Funchal, before the Flower Festival 2024 begins – a one-day celebration of everything floral. On the day of the festival, you’ll be joined by Frances Tophill, a British horticulturist and TV presenter.

In the days following the festival, more of Madeira’s splendid gardens will reveal themselves, including Palherio Gardens. But this wonderful holiday explores the island’s beautiful locations outside of its cultivated masterpieces, and you’ll return home brimming with ideas of how to bring a little Madeiran beauty into your own garden.

When? May 2024

Explore England's grand gardens with Arthur Parkinson

Get to know some of England's finest historic gardens on a special trip with one of Britain's best garden writers, Arthur Parkinson, who'll give an illuminating talk and Q&A.

You will discover the fascinating Easton Walled Gardens, which are at least 400 years old and have been painstakingly restored by their current owners, the Cholmeley family. On a visit to the gardens by Lady Cholmeley herself, you can learn all about the restoration.

Also on the itinerary are visits to Hardwick Hall, known for its orchard, woodland, and romantic rambling roses, and Haddon Hall, an ancient residence with a recently redesigned garden.

Another highlight is the impressive RHS Garden Harlow Carr, one of The Royal Horticultural Society's flagship gardens, where you'll see colourful rhododendrons, specimen trees, fruit and vegetable gardens and an Alpine house.

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GardenTours.com

Visiting the most beautiful gardens in the world, our 2024 garden tours, 14-day cruise: uncover the beauty of mediterranean gardens, chelsea flower show 2024 & gardens in kent & sussex.

Small Group escorted tour to  Chelsea Flower Show followed by visits to 9 exceptional historic and contemporary gardens in Kent & Sussex.

Chelsea Flower Show 2024 & Gardens in Kent, Surrey & Sussex

Small Group escorted tour to the world famous Chelsea Flower Show followed by visits to 10 exceptional historic and contemporary gardens in Kent, Surrey & Sussex.

Discover Jane Austen’s England: An Unforgettable Literary Journey

Dutch wave tour: exploring the best gardens and parks in the netherlands.

Discover the unique beauty of Dutch gardens and landscapes, learn about the rich cultural history of the country, and enjoy the best of Dutch hospitality

Enchanting Gardens of France: A 7-Day Journey from Parisian Grandeur to Monet’s Masterpiece

From versailles to monet: exploring france’s treasured gardens, keukenhof gardens 2024, the bloemencorso flower parade & private tulip gardens.

Escorted tour of Keukenhof 2024, the Bloemencorso Flower Parade and Private Spring Gardens in the Netherlands.

Late Summer Garden Showcase 2024: Discovering Kent, Sussex & Surrey’s Enchanting Gardens

Mid summer garden showcase 2024: discovering kent, sussex & surrey’s enchanting gardens, royal gardens & gothic grandeur: a journey from paris to rouen, springtime garden showcase 2024: discovering kent, sussex & surrey’s enchanting gardens, summertime garden showcase 2024: discovering kent, sussex & surrey’s enchanting gardens, gardens of the italian lakes como & maggiore – 2024, botanical paradise: gardens of costa rica tour.

Tour Costa Rica's lush gardens and natural wonders: stunning botanical gardens, rare orchids, and the vibrant wildlife that thrives here.

Why Choose GardenTours.com for Your Next Garden Adventure?

Expertise & experience.

At GardenTours.com, we have over 35 years of experience organizing garden tours for discerning customers. Our horticultural experts handpick only the most beautiful and exclusive gardens in the world for our itineraries, ensuring that our travelers have a truly high-quality and unforgettable garden experience. Our unparalleled knowledge and network allow us to visit the most picturesque and awe-inspiring gardens around the world.

Professional Tour Guides

All of our tours are led by professional, English-speaking tour guides who are directly employed by us. Many of our guides are multilingual and have experience working in the gardening industry as garden writers, photographers, or designers. With years of experience leading tours to various destinations, you can be assured that your tour guide will provide you with an exceptional experience.

Comfort, Safety & Security

Your comfort, safety and security are our top priorities. We use luxurious coaches and choose only the most exclusive and comfortable hotels to ensure that our travelers travel in style and comfort. We also closely monitor government travel advisories to ensure the safety of our travelers and make any necessary adjustments to our itineraries.

Senior & Women-Friendly Tours

We understand that seniors and women may have different travel needs and concerns. That’s why we tailor our tours to cater to these groups and run tours that are particularly suited to seniors and women’s interests and preferences. Our tour guides are also trained to assist with any special needs or requirements.

Single Traveler Friendly

We welcome independent travelers and understand that traveling alone can be daunting. On our tours, you’ll find several independent travelers, so you will never feel alone or out of place. In the evening, when dinner is not included, you always have the option to dine with your tour manager.

Custom Group Tours

We also offer custom garden tours for groups, whether it’s botanic societies, media brands, or other organizations. We listen to your organization’s needs and tailor tours to meet even the most exacting of requirements, interests and budgets. We will help you promote your tour if that is what you need and can offer group tours in various languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, German, French, or Dutch.

Sustainability

We are committed to sustainability and preserving the natural beauty of the gardens we visit. We take steps to minimize our impact on the environment, prefer to use hotels that have sustainable practices in place. Our tour guides are also trained to educate and inform our travelers about the importance of preserving the natural world and ways to be environmentally responsible.

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Tranquil Bhutan & its Magnificent Yak

If you have seen Luana: A Yak in the Classroom, the Oscar-nominated Bhutanese film directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, then you are probably dreaming of setting off to this most mysterious and tranquil of lands. We certainly are! We have also fallen a bit in love with yaks, so we thought we would make them the subject of this week’s blog. Enjoy!

A Thrilling 21st century City & Extraordinary Natural Wonders 

Tour Manager, Leonie Loudon  led our Captivating Holiday to Singapore and Gaya Island Resort in Malaysian Borneo . We will be off there again in October, so we asked her to share her highlights.

The Making of a Jewel

Singapore's extraordinary Jewel Changi Airport was designed by a consortium of internationally renowned architects , including world-class global engineering and consultancy practice BuroHappold. We caught up with Karl Lyndon, Global Aviation Sector Leader based at the company’s Bath office, to find out more.

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• Garden HolidaysEscorted Tours

Garden Holidays & Escorted Tours

There are fewer greater pleasures than spending time in a beautiful garden. A glorious garden lifts the spirits, inspires the mind and delights the eye.

We have been creating garden-themed holidays for over twenty years and take great pride in providing tours which take you to the finest of gardens and garden events around the world where you can enjoy rich tapestries of colours, textures and plantsmanship.

GARDEN ESTATES OF STATELY & HISTORIC HOMES, CASTLES AND CHATEAUX

Travel to see beautiful private gardens, perfectly manicured lawns and decorative borders of stately homes, historic castles and chateaux in England and Europe. Or holiday further afield to experience a wild rainforest garden in Bali or St Lucia, nestled in a tropical valley with a profusion of exotically scented blooms and cascading waterfalls.

FROM THE SINGAPORE GARDEN FESTIVAL TO FLORIADE 

There are so many wonderful global gardens shows and events to experience, from the biennial Singapore Garden Festival to Floralia in Belgium (held every four years in Ghent since 1808) and the impressive Floriade Expo in the Netherlands. Every ten years, Floriade brings together the most innovative and creative examples of landscaping and green excellence in a celebration of horticultural excellence. The next Floriade takes place in 2022 and will have the theme 'Growing Green Cities’, offer inspiring ideas about future green cities and sustainability.

ANNUAL GARDEN HOLIDAYS MOST ENJOYED

Undoubtedly one of our most popular garden destinations each year is Keukenhof, the largest flowering garden in the world featuring an incredible array of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and many other Spring flowering spectacles of colour and heady scents. Having been at the heart of the garden industry for hundreds of years, The Netherlands offers the garden traveller an array of other interesting visits, from Hortus Botanicus in Leiden and live flower auctions in Aalsmeer, to intimate private gardens in Amsterdam that date back to The Dutch Golden Age.

PRIVATE GARDEN VISITS -  SPECIALLY ARRANGED VISITS AND TALKS

We also find many of you like to visit private gardens and enjoy talks by head gardeners and plant experts when travelling to gardens. From meeting the head grower at David Austin Roses to a guided tour of a private roof-top garden in South East Asia (the largest!), we love finding hidden gems to excite garden and plant aficionados and amateurs alike.

We hope you enjoy looking through the best of our garden holidays.

Singapore Garden Festival 2024 - holiday to see Asia's premier Flower and Garden Show

Historic Gardens of the Netherlands ~ Discover the Splendour of 17thC Dutch Gardens

Féerie Florale Flower Show presented by Belgium Florist Association, Alden Biesen September 2024

Easter Holiday in Crete 2024 – Wildflowers, antiquities & festivities

A Captivating Holiday to Singapore & Gaya Island in Borneo Malaysia

Keukenhof 2024 with Visits to Private Gardens & a Journey along the Famous Tulip Trails ‘Noordoostpolder Tulip Route’ & ‘Tulip Route Flevoland’

Keukenhof 2024 & a Fabulous Flower Parade - A flower filled adventure in The Netherlands

Holiday to Corfu, Κέρκυρα – The Garden Isle of Greece

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Introducing our award-winning collection of garden holidays. With over three decades’ experience in taking guests to glorious gardens all over the world, trust Brightwater to take you to some of the very best. As the No.1 operator for garden tours, ours often include access to privately owned grounds and the itineraries we offer showcase everything from the perfectly manicured gardens that frame Italian villas to the immaculate outdoor spaces that surround the UK’s historic houses and castles.   

The restorative power of the great outdoors is something that needs no explanation or introduction, and our range of garden holidays put you at the heart of the world’s flora and fauna. With Brightwater, you can look forward to everything from the alpine fields filled with wildflowers that sit among the Swiss mountains to Madagascar’s legendary Avenue of the Baobabs – we have a part of the natural world for every kind of traveller.  

Holiday Inspiration

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Boxwood Tours

Quality garden tours.

Quality Garden tours offer a chance to visit some of the most exclusive and beautiful gardens, featuring meetings with garden owners and head gardeners wherever possible. With small, friendly groups and carefully selected fine hotels, many chosen for the quality of their cuisine, together with travel in luxury coaches, we offer a complete service with great attention to your personal comfort and well-being to ensure a memorable, relaxed garden holiday, each accompanied by our Expert Hosts and familiar Tour Managers.

Gardens Illustrated: The Italian Rose

Country Life: Tangier's Secret Gardens

Gardens of the Heart of England

Gardens Illustrated: Somerset & Bath Contemporary Gardens

Highland Summer Gardens

Gardens Illustrated; Gardens of Brittany

Gardens of the Netherlands

Cornish Autumn Gardens

The EBTS goes to Denmark

Gardens of Corfu

Partner holidays, gardens illustrated garden tours.

A Boxwood Partner since 2011, the list of Gardens Illustrated reader holidays to date is extensive and wide-ranging. In 2024, our wide-ranging collection includes Somerset and Bath and Heritage in Bloom in Brittany. The Gardens Illustrated approach combines stunning photography with some of the world’s best garden writing, and a Gardens Illustrated holiday is a unique opportunity to bring its lushly printed pages to life in the company of world-class experts and fellow enthusiasts.

Country Life Garden Tours

Boxwood’s partnership with Country Life has been going from strength to strength since 2012, amassing a diverse portfolio of tours in this time. The magazine’s reputation as a publication that comments in depth on subjects such as gardens and gardening, the countryside, architecture and the arts is reflected in this portfolio, enriching journeys of horticultural discovery throughout Europe and beyond with injections of culture, architecture and the arts, in the illuminating company of industry-leading professionals.

HORTUS Garden Tours

In partnership with Boxwood since 2005, HORTUS is a privately published quarterly journal for intelligent and lively-minded gardeners. Founded by editor David Wheeler in 1987, HORTUS remains unique in its presentation and content, a thoughtful, analogue response to our increasingly digitised lives. Since its conception, HORTUS has published almost every garden writer of note. HORTUS garden holidays are curated with the same devotion, drawing on a broad network of contributors to match distinguished field specialists with outstanding horticultural locations.

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Tel: 01280 430 175

Email: [email protected]

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Coach Holidays, Escorted Tours & Events

0330 440 3999, monday - friday 9am to 5pm, garden coach tours, garden breaks by coach.

Explore some of the great gardens, picturesque parks and fantastic Flower Shows in the UK and Europe.

It doesn’t matter if you have green-fingers or just enjoy beauty of the flora and fauna, you are sure to find something with our great selection of garden holidays and tours. From the grounds of England’s Historic Houses to the delights of Keukenhof Gardens , the world-famous Monet’s Garden to the world's largest single span glasshouse in the National Botanic Garden of Wales, you really are spoilt for choice. Make sure you take plenty of photos while you are on one of the coach tours, so you can recreate these glorious gardens at home.

Coach trips to RHS Gardens

RHS Garden Bridgwater, Greater Manchester One of RHS’s newest attractions, this wonderful 156-acre garden is based at the historic site of Worsley New Hall, in Salford. One of the largest gardening projects in Europe is the perfect combination of history blended with world-class horticulture. Highlights of this Garden include one of the largest Victorian walled gardens in the UK, several beautiful large gardens as well as woodland, meadows and lakes.

RHS Garden Rosemoor, Devon Nestled in a North Devon Valley, Rosemoor is another of the stunning gardens run by the Royal Horticultural Society. This 65-acre haven has something to visit in every season from the cherry blossom in Spring to the aptly named Winter Garden. Make sure you don’t miss the Hot & Cool Garden as well as the Rose Gardens with over 250 different rose varieties.

RHS Wisley, Surrey RHS Wisley Gardens is one of the great gardens of the world. This historic home of the RHS is home to one of the largest plant collections in the world. There is so much to see here with gardens carefully curated for year-round colour. Wisley not only offers beautiful surrounding, but you you will also find RHS Hilltop, which is the UK’s first dedicated horticultural scientific centre of excellence.

Popular Gardens to visit by coach

The Eden Project Located in St Austell, Cornwall, the Eden Project us home to two massive covered domes (Biomes) which replicate different climates. Wander through the world’s largest indoor rainforest or discover the calm fragrance of the Mediterranean Biome. There are extensive outdoor gardens to be explored with over 20 plant based exhibits, art installations, play areas and colourful seasonal borders.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall The Lost Gardens of Heligan were discovered in 1990 to become one of Europe’s largest garden restoration projects. The gardens have been transformed and restored to some of the finest gardens in the UK. Explore the 200 acres of magical gardens, woodland walks and farmland and make sure you don’t miss the UK’s only outdoor jungle.

Ventnor Botanic Gardens, Isle of Wight With its own microclimate on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, this garden has a fantastic and unrivalled collection of subtropical plants grown unprotected out of doors. Make sure you take time to explore its impressive range of exotic plants and visit the large Tropical House.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire Nestled in the west wales countryside, this Garden is dedicated to the research and conservation of biodiversity and the enjoyment of the visitor. There is no much to see and do including a British Bird of Prey Centre, Double Walled Garden and not forgetting The Great Glasshouse, designed by Norman Foster. It is the largest single span glasshouse in the world and is home to the largest collection of Mediterranean plants in the Northern Hemisphere.

Monet’s Garden, Giverny, France Home to the Master of Impressionism, Claude Monet, these beautiful gardens have been restored and replanted to his original designs. Visit the flower and water garden which were the inspiration for some of the artist’s most famous work.

Coach tours to the Gardens tend to include: return coach travel, overnight accommodation in a quality hotel with breakfast and entrance to the Garden.

Gardeners’ World Travel Offers with Connoisseur Travel

Canary Islands, Cádiz and Madeira

British Isles, Isles of Scilly and France

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Welcome to the U.S. Botanic Garden!

The U.S. Botanic Garden is a living plant museum. We invite you to return again and again to watch the Garden change through the seasons and explore our  dynamic exhibits . Learn about the many  areas of the Garden  you can visit, and we hope you'll  join us for an educational program !

Admission to the U.S. Botanic Garden is free. No tickets required.

Locations & hours.

• Conservatory

Gated Outdoor Gardens

Bartholdi fountain and gardens, directions and parking.

Find information about arriving at our location, public transportation, parking, and more .

Accessibility

The U.S. Botanic Garden strives to make its facilities and programming accessible to all visitors. Our  Accessibility page  provides more information.

Explore Our Gardens

The Conservatory features plants from across the United States and around the world ranging from desert plants to tropical forests to orchids and is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Tickets are not required.

Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens are open from dawn to dusk daily. They are located across Independence Avenue from the Conservatory, with access from any of the three bordering streets:  Independence Avenue, Washington Avenue, or First Street SW.

The gated outdoor gardens ("National Garden") are open 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. These gardens have extended spring-summer hours April 1 – September 15, staying open until 7:00 p.m.

Visit our  Hours and Location page  for additional information and directions.

Safety Guidelines

Masks are recommended for indoor spaces, and groups are encouraged to maintain social distance from other visitor groups. Please stay home if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been asked to isolate because of COVID-19 exposure. Find more information in multiple languages  on the CDC website .

Photography and Sketching

Visitors are permitted to take photographs of the public areas at the U.S. Botanic Garden for personal use only. Commercial use of such photographs is strictly prohibited.

• Hand-held cameras, video cameras, or lap easels for sketching may be used at any time, as long as they do not affect the public's enjoyment of, or access to, the Garden.
• We do not allow visitors to do photoshoots or video shoots at the Garden.
• Please read the full  Photography and Art Policy  for more details.

Etiquette for Visiting the Garden

The U.S. Botanic Garden is a living plant museum for everyone to enjoy. Please respect the living collection and be mindful of other visitors. As you walk through the gardens,  here are some "do's and don'ts" to keep in mind .

There is no food or drink for sale at the Garden, though a water fountain and bottle refill station is available. Food and drink is allowed in the Garden, and visitors can use tables and chairs outdoors. We ask visitors to gather and pack out their trash, as there are limited trash bins outdoors.

There is a gift shop in the West Gallery run by the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden and local small business Rewild with plants and plant-themed offerings. 

Special Events

The U.S. Botanic Garden facilities are not available for weddings or other personal or private functions. Policies governing Congressionally sponsored evening events are established by the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. For more detailed information, see Congressional events .

School Group Resources

For information about school group educational resources, please visit our Field Trip page to plan your field trip.

United States Botanic Garden Campus Map

Photo Gallery

Sunbeams break through the plants in the Conservatory's Tropics house.

Explore the flowers, trees, fountains, and more in our outdoor gardens.

Sunset illuminates the sprays of the historic Fountain of Light and Water in Bartholdi Gardens.

U.S. Botanic Garden Visitor Guide

Read about the U.S. Botanic Garden  before you arrive! Our visitor guide is available in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish. Choose your language to download .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are any spaces air conditioned.

There are several air-conditioned spaces indoors within the Conservatory, including the West Gallery, East Gallery, and South Transition. Please ask a member of the visitor services team upon your arrival for assistance navigating to a cooler pace.

Is there a water fountain / bottle refill?

Drinking fountains and a water bottle refill station are located indoors in the south of the Conservatory near the restrooms.

Are there accessible restrooms and child changing tables?

Accessible facilities and children's changing tables are found in both men's and women's restrooms.

Are dogs allowed?

Leashed pets are allowed throughout the outdoor gardens. Pets are not allowed inside the Conservatory. We welcome service dogs that are trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability in all areas of the garden unless the dog poses a direct threat, is not housebroken, or is not under the control.

Is there a Lost and Found?

Items of value found at the Garden are given to U.S. Capitol Police at the end of the day. If you have lost something and the Garden is closed, please contact USCP at (202) 225-4200.

Can I park at the Garden?

We encourage taking public transportation - the Federal Center SW metro station is just three blocks away. Metered street parking spaces are available within a few blocks of the U.S. Botanic Garden. The Garden does not have its own parking lot or parking spaces. More information

Is there a cafe or restaurant?

There is no food or drink for sale at the Garden, though a water fountain and bottle refill station is available. 

Can I have a wedding / event at the Garden?

The U.S. Botanic Garden facilities are not available for weddings or other personal or private functions. Policies governing Congressionally sponsored evening events are established by the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. For more detailed information, see  Congressional events .

Explore and Discover

The U.S. Botanic Garden creates and offers extraordinary exhibits that delight, educate, and inspire the public to become more active stewards of the plants that support life on earth.

"Season's Greenings" holiday exhibit 2023

• Outdoor Gardens

• Arid and Desert
• Carnivorous

Expert-led garden holidays

Explore the ancient gardens of Croatia, the Moorish landscapes of Spain, or perhaps the wild beauty of Tenerife on our garden holidays, each one hosted by a horticultural expert.

You don’t have to be green-fingered to appreciate our garden holidays, as your host will be with you every step of the way to give you a fantastic insight into the horticultural beauty that surrounds us. Included visits venture into world-acclaimed gardens as well as unknown gems, so you can contrast meticulously maintained estates with the charming untamed beauty of wild meadows.

Experience the beauty of Granada’s spectacular Generalife gardens, where meandering pathways lead you to tinkling fountains and shady spots where the king and his court would have sheltered from the hot summer sun. Or step inside the stunning gardens at La Orotava, Tenerife, where you’ll find flowering frangipani and fruit-laden fig trees.

HOTEL HOLIDAYS

Wild Flora and Gardens of Tenerife

From £ 1,125 per person

Moorish and Modern Gardens of Spain

From £ 995 per person

Croatia's Ancient Gardens and Forgotten Islands

From £ 1,345 per person

GROUP TOURS

Madeira Flower Festival

From £ 2,135 per person

What do you think sparked your interest in gardens?

Have you always been interested? I have always been interested in plants. My parents took me to my first Chelsea Flower Show when I was still at school, so it started from a young age.

Where did you learn about gardens and acquire the knowledge you convey to guests?

I worked at several nurseries and over the years have worked for the park department in London, Harlow and then Cardiff where I started as a technical officer and worked my way up until I was responsible for over 1,000 acres of parks, as well as an international stadium.

I worked as a senior lecturer whilst at the same time acting as a curator of gardens and sports grounds. When I began, there were around 1,000 different types of plants on the grounds – by the time I left there were over 10,000!

Over the years I have been involved with suggesting and designing Saga garden holidays. I have also been Vice Chairman of two committees at the Royal Horticultural Society and have been exhibiting at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on behalf of the island of Mauritius.

What do you think is the most interesting or exciting part of your job?

I try to open people’s eyes to the beauty you can see, the scenery and the plants. It might be something straightforward or it could be a combination of things. I also like to tell guests about the butterflies and birds that are linked with certain plants.

I see my role as helping people to develop an eye to see beauty in things that they might not otherwise have noticed, to understand why things are beautiful and what is unusual so that they don’t miss anything.

What can a customer expect from one of your garden holidays, and why should they choose Saga for their holiday?

I think with the majority of Saga garden holidays you have a less rushed programme. We still do a lot, but at a good pace. and the guests feel looked after. There is a host out in the field, usually a host in the hotel and if going abroad, often staff at the airport too.

You don’t even need to be an enthusiast – you can simply enjoy looking at gardens and the wild flora and fauna. Within a group you get people who are interested in different things; it could be plants, garden design or the history.

You travel to various different countries to host Saga Garden Holidays – where in the world is your favourite place to go?

I couldn’t choose - everywhere is different. The best plants are different for each country and I like to explain why it is different.

Do you have any interesting stories or anecdotes from your time hosting Saga garden holidays?

I often have guests coming to me at the end of a holiday who say that before they came away they were scared to come as it was the first solo holiday that they had been on without their partner, but that they had had a fantastic time and had the confidence to do it again.

Roy gained experience in a number of nurseries and parks, progressing from gardener to chief officer. As a former senior lecturer and curator of Cannington College, Roy amassed 10,000 kinds of plant, using them to create new hybrids and award-winning exhibits at the Chelsea Flower Show. He is a member of two RHS committees, and the RHS has awarded him Associate of Honour, an accolade limited to just 100 professional horticulturists.

With the widest choice of holidays and travel experiences than ever before, you can now personalise your trip so you are in complete control. All this is backed up by the high-standards and service you’d expect from Saga.

70 years’ experience

Experienced travellers have been enjoying great value Saga holidays for over 70 years.

Peace of mind

You’re in safe hands with Saga. We’re an ABTA member and your holiday is ATOL protected.

Great value

We’re constantly monitoring prices and negotiating the best deals with our travel partners.

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21 Special Garden Holidays To Celebrate Every Year

By: Author Adriana Copaceanu

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2023

Categories Gardening 101

Garden lovers never need an excuse to spend time doing what they enjoy most. However, these special garden holidays that come around throughout the year are not to be missed. Most people have heard of Earth Day, which is celebrated throughout the globe. But did you know that there are many more garden-related holidays on the calendar? Even the biggest plant and gardening fan may not know about all of them, so mark your calendars and begin thinking of some great ways to honor these special days. 

Teach your kids about Earth day too! This book will help you do it in a fun way 😉

Special Garden Holidays To Celebrate Every Year

Every day in the garden is a celebration for those of us who love to play in the dirt. But, there are some garden holidays that deserve special attention. Here's a short list of my favorites.

Seed Swap Day: Celebrate Seeds and Cultivate Community this January

Seed swaps bring gardeners of all levels together to share seeds, and Seed Swap Day is the perfect time to attend one.

Western Monarch Day: 7 Ways to Save Butterflies on February 5

To help save and spread awareness about western monarchs, February 5 has been declared Western Monarch Day. Let's see how we can help celebrate this day.

What Is National Invasive Species Awareness Week?

Learn about the National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), and learn how you can help keep invasive plants out of your area.

Celebrate Flower Art on Floral Design Day

February 28 is Floral Design Day: here are 8 ways to celebrate it.

Celebrate Spring with Plant a Flower Day - Even with Snow Still on the Ground

What better day to get ahead of spring than by celebrating plant a flower day in March? Here are a few ideas to help you honor this day!

3 Ways To Celebrate "Learn About Butterflies Day" on March 14

Love butterflies? March 14 is designated as Learn About Butterflies Day, and it's a great opportunity to teach your kids about butterflies (and learn yourself too!) and help grow the butterfly population in your area.

Why You Should Celebrate Weed Appreciation Day on March 28

Weeds are something almost every gardener detests. So why on earth would anyone want to celebrate Weed Appreciation Day ? What is there to appreciate about weeds? Find out below.

4 Fun Ways To Celebrate National Garden Month (April)

Here are 4 fun ways to celebrate National Garden Month. It's in April every year and a great way to celebrate spring and the beginning of the gardening season.

Celebrate National Native Plant Month This April!

Native plants are so important to the ecosystem! Learn how you can celebrate National Native Plant Month and help improve local wildlife.

Tips for Celebrating National Asparagus Month this May

May is National Asparagus Month, and I'm sharing a few ways (some of them delicious) to celebrate this vegetable.

Celebrate National Public Gardens Day this Mothers' Day Weekend

Public parks are great places for family and friends. Here's how to celebrate National Public Gardens Day.

5 Tips For Celebrating Iris Day On May 8

Don't you LOVE irises? So pretty, in all shades of color, and easy to care for. Celebrate Iris Day on May 8th every year with these 5 easy tips.

Spread Joy on Bring Flowers to Someone Day, May 15

Did you know that there is a day designated for bringing flowers to someone? This May 15th, celebrate by bringing flowers to someone who doesn't expect it.

5 Tips for Growing Potted Lemons on Plant a Lemon Tree Day (May 21st)

Celebrate Plant a Lemon Tree Day by adding a potted lemon tree to your indoor garden. Here are 5 easy steps to help the process.

How to Celebrate Pick Strawberries Day on May 20

Pick Strawberries Day occurs on May 20, right in the middle of the strawberry season for many parts of the country, making it a perfect day to celebrate these wonderful spring berries.

Celebrate Pollinators on World Bee Day, May 20

Here are 5 ways to celebrate World Bee Day on May 20. Have fun and do something good for the earth!

How To Celebrate Learn About Composting Day on May 29

Did you know there is a day reserved for learning about composting? Here are some fun ideas to celebrate this day.

Proper Watering Techniques for National Water a Flower Day (May 30)

Celebrate National Water a Flower Day by learning how to properly water your plants.

6 Ways To Get Active on National Gardening Exercise Day, June 6

Ditch the gym and do your workout in the garden on National Gardening Exercise Day. Here are 6 ways to have a good garden workout.

Tips for Planting Red Roses on Red Rose Day, June 12

Do you have any red roses in your garden? Here are some fun ways to celebrate Red Rose Day.

Eat (and Grow!) Your Greens on Fresh Veggies Day, June 16

June 16th is National Fresh Veggies Day, and we, garden lovers, need to celebrate it. Here are 4 ways to honor this day.

As you can see, there are many great garden holidays to celebrate throughout the year. You might recognize these special days by tending to your own garden. Or you can invite some plant-loving friends to enjoy tea in the garden with you.

They also make a great time for awareness (which is what many of them were created for) so you can tell your non-gardening friends and family about them too. There are no rules about how you should or should not celebrate them, we just hope that you take a little time to get to know about them. You can use this post as your reference and return to it whenever you wish!

Adriana Copaceanu

Adriana Copaceanu is a passionate nature lover living in the country on her dream property where she grows vegetables, lavender, and wildflowers that she shares with the wildlife they attract. When she's not in the garden, she loves spending time with her chickens and planning her next nature project. Check out her books below:

How to Grow Lavender for Fun and Profit: Lessons Learned from Planting Three Hundred Lavender Plants

How to Raise Chickens for Eggs: A Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Chickens for Nutritious, Organic Eggs at Home

• Adriana Copaceanu https://www.backyardgardenlover.com/author/adriana-copaceanu/ How To Grow Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana - An Easy-to-Grow Beauty
• Adriana Copaceanu https://www.backyardgardenlover.com/author/adriana-copaceanu/ What Is the Best Soil Mix for Tomatoes?
• Adriana Copaceanu https://www.backyardgardenlover.com/author/adriana-copaceanu/ How to Grow Lavender Guide
• Adriana Copaceanu https://www.backyardgardenlover.com/author/adriana-copaceanu/ 15 Best Companion Plants For Nasturtiums

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Wednesday 30th of November 2022

[…] are a lot more garden celebrations throughout the […]

Western Monarch Day: 7 Ways To Save Butterflies On February 5

Tuesday 2nd of August 2022

[…] Take a look at these other special garden holidays. […]

Garden & Holiday Tours

Hyde Park In Bloom

The hyde park in bloom garden tour, the biennial hpib garden tour celebrates early summer with a showcase of private and public gardens throughout hyde park. visitors enjoy a mix of well-designed gardens sure to delight.  guests can expect a day of inspiration along a self-guided tour, complete with tour map and refreshments. knowledgeable docents greet visitors at each location happily answering horticultural questions and highlighting the site's best features. in past years, many of our benevolent homeowners have opened their homes for viewing and are on site to answer inquiries. proceeds from this community event help support the hpvec's beautification, education and advocacy programs. if you've never been on this tour before, you're in for a real treat. to get an idea of what to expect, please visit our photo gallery page for some highlights of past tours and our documents page of press coverage of this event.  ,   "the homeowners were delightful and welcoming and they would willingly share their information with you. it's a new adventure every year along the tour you get a lot of great ideas for your own home and garden." , cheryl o'leary; tour attendee,   "it was delightful to meet new people and re-connect with old neighbors. it's special to share your efforts and receive appreciation from others. not only was i giving information, but receiving it as well. very pleased how people were extremely respectful of my property.", june pierce; garden featured on 2009 tour, if you'd like to include your garden in our next tour please contact us at :  [email protected].

Home for the Holidays

Home for the holidays in hyde park holiday tour, "home for the holidays in hyde park" rings in the holiday season biennially with a self-guided tour of beautifully decorated hyde park homes and businesses. generous residents, innkeepers and restaurateurs open their enchanting properties to our guests for this charming early december event., the festivities begin with a gathering at a predetermined location, where attendees receive their tour program/driving map, mingle with friends and neighbors and are offered the chance to win one of the exciting raffle baskets., at each home, guests are greeted by homeowners and docents who are eager to share their home's history and family traditions. visitors are treated to refreshments, camaraderie, and in many cases musicians performing seasonal music., this tour is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season., tickets are limited and must be purchased or reserved in advance. please revisit this site for information on our next scheduled tour. if you'd like to open your home to friends and neighbors for our next tour, please contact us at   [email protected] .  , "the holiday tour was a fabulous way to usher in the christmas season, and really gave me some unique ideas for decorating. thanks for such a great event", jennifer mackay, tour attendee.

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Garden Tours in Spain

Spain is large and there is much to be said for taking a holiday which includes visits to gardens, rather than attempting a full tour. Spain was inhabited by Celts before the Roman conquest. It then became part of the Empire and a country of many gardens. Arab invaders brought Islamic design ideas. In the twentieth century Barcelona became famed for modernista (Art Nouveau) and then for modern design. See list of gardens to visit in Spain .

Escorted Garden Tours in Spain

Architecture & gardens of andalucia, departing 18th march, 13th may and 9th september 2024.

Gardens of Mallorca, 23rd April and 1st October 2024

Holiday travel arrangements for Spanish garden touring

Many tour companies take visitors to Spain but the country has a very large tourist industry and is comparatively easy for the independent traveller: there are many hotels, the trains and buses work well. English is widely spoken in the holiday areas but not elsewhere. Garden holidays and tourism are most comfortable in spring and autumn.

Gardens in Spain: 18 of Spain’s most beautiful gardens

If you’re taking a trip to Spain, make sure you check out one of these gorgeous gardens in Spain.

In a beautiful country like Spain, you might think that it can’t get any better than winding streets, grand palaces, sandy beaches or dramatic natural landscapes. These stunning gardens prove that it can! From formal Royal gardens to city parks, botanical collections and modern, architectural gardens, these are the most beautiful gardens in Spain.

Gardens in and near Madrid

If you’re visiting the Spanish capital and the surrounding region, make sure you pay a visit to some of these lovely gardens.

Retiro Park, Madrid

By Or from My Path in the World

Covering 350 acres, El Retiro is one of the largest parks in Madrid. It actually used to belong to the Spanish Monarchy but was open to the public in the late 19th century. Today, it’s one of the most popular places in Madrid , loved by both tourists and locals.

Apart from all the beautiful, relaxing green areas, this park is also home to many fountains, monuments and small specialist gardens. Rose-lovers shouldn’t miss La Rosaleda, a magnificent rose garden that really comes to life in May and June.

Other points of interest in the park include El Palacio de Cristal (‘The Glass Palace’), a unique glass and metal structure dating back to the 19th century; the Retiro Park Lake: An artificial lake located right in front of the impressive monument of Alfonso XII; and the Velázquez Palace, A gorgeous building from the 19th century that now functions as an art gallery.

This garden in Madrid is filled with many more interesting spots to discover, and you can easily spend a few hours roaming around and exploring everything it has to offer. With a cup of coffee in your hand, it makes a perfect morning or afternoon stroll.

This post contains affiliate links – all that means is that if you buy something as a result of clicking on a link in the post, I’ll receive a small commission that helps me with the costs of running this site. Thanks!

Atocha Tropical Garden, Madrid

This beautiful garden in Spain’s capital city is in the old part of the Atocha railway station. The old station was built in 1892 (the architect Alberto de Palacio Elissagne collaborated with Gustave Eiffel on its lovely brick and wrought iron design) but by 1985 it was too small for the number of trains arriving. The station was remodelled, train services moved to a new extension and the old building was filled with bars, restaurants and a 4,000 m2 tropical garden.

The Atocha tropical garden is one of my favourite gardens in Spain because it’s so unusual – who would expect to find a tropical garden in a train station? The building is absolutely beautiful and it’s a really peaceful place to wait for your train – perhaps with a drink from one of the bars that surround the garden. Even if you’re not travelling from the station, I recommend visiting Atocha tropical garden on your trip to Madrid.

If you enjoy visiting historic old railway stations, don’t miss the Mercado de Motores vintage market which is held at Madrid’s railway museum – itself also an old train station.

Jardines de Aranjuez, Aranjuez

Aranjuez is a city just south of Madrid, only 45 minutes by train from Atocha station. From the tropical garden of Atocha, the Jardines de Aranjuez are altogether a more traditional Spanish garden experience.

Aranjuez is famous for its beautiful Royal Palace. King Philip II (1556–98) had travelled extensively in Europe and had a great interest in botany and nature. Under his reign, the Island Garden area of the palace grounds became a wonderland of plants, with fruit, vegetables, medicinal herbs and perfumed plants all growing in the gardens.

Later, Charles III (1759–1788) had the Prince’s Garden landscaped – this garden is the largest fenced garden in Europe and has been called the “garden of gardens”. It’s multiple gardens in one, with an arboretum, a Spanish Garden and gardens influenced by the English style. There are also fountains, rotundas and a day palace for the Royal family and their guests to relax in after a day in the gardens or the hunting grounds.

The Aranjuez gardens, palace and the historical centre together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gardens in Catalonia

Barcelona and the Catalonia region contain some of the most beautiful – and famous – gardens in Spain.

Marimurtra Botanical Garden, Blanes

Of all the gardens in Spain, the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens surely has one of the most beautiful settings. Set at the top of a steep cliff and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea on the Costa Brava, it’s a gloriously dramatic and romantic place.

The gardens were founded by a German businessman, Carl Faust, in 1924. He had been interested in botany since he was a child but was pushed into business by his family. In his 50s he felt able to give up some of his commercial responsibilities and established the garden in the town of Blanes, near Girona.

Visitors to the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens can see over 4,000 plant species from all over the world, but even if you’re not an expert on gardening, you’ll still love the beautiful flowers and gorgeous sea views at this lovely garden.

Park Güell, Barcelona

Barcelona’s Park Güell is one of the most famous gardens in Spain, if not the world. Created by Antoni Gaudí between 1900 and 1914, it was originally intended to be a luxury housing estate. 60 plots would have made the most of the views over the city. Only two houses were ever built (the houses were by other architects), and no buyers came forward. Gaudí ended up buying the show house himself; the house now holds the Gaudí House Museum.

Today Park Güell is firmly on the Barcelona tourist trail and 9 million people visit the garden each year. To try and mitigate the impact of so many visitors, tickets are now required for what’s called the “Monumental Zone”. This part of the garden contains most of Gaudí’s work at the site, including the dragon mosaic at the main entrance and the winding mosaic seating in the large main square.

Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona

By Ben Holbrook from DriftwoodJournals.com

Built on the location of an old citadel, this 17-hectare urban oasis is one of the greenest and most beautiful spots in Barcelona . As well as being a regular hangout for skaters, dancers, jugglers, slackliners, picnickers and ping-pong players, it also harbours a host of attractions, including Barcelona’s sprawling zoo. No joke, attend one of the park’s regular funky food-truck festivals and you may very well hear the roars of lions and tigers in the distance.

Rent a rowing boat and drift around the lake or pop into the Castillo de los Tres Dragones (Castle of Three Dragons) to see the fascinating zoological collection. Pose for photos in front of the cascading waterfall and definitely don’t miss the scenic route to or from the park via the palm-fringed Passeig de Lluís Companys, the crowning glory of which is the hulking Arc de Triomf. Built in 1888, when Barcelona hosted the Universal Exhibition, it is one of the city’s biggest emblems and one of those places where you are sure to be warmed by that “Wow, we’re in Barcelona!” feeling.

From Parc de la Ciutadella it’s just a gentle stroll back into the old town or, better yet, to the old fishermen’s neighbourhood of Barceloneta, where you can feast on seafood tapas and stretch out on the endless city beaches. Eso es la vida.

Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Barcelona

By Vicki from Vicki Viaja

Barcelona, the Catalan capital is full of wonderful corners. But you certainly wouldn’t have thought there was a labyrinth in the middle of Barcelona, would you? One of the unique things to do in Barcelona is a visit to the Parc del Laberint d’Horta. At its center, you can find a real maze.

This labyrinth consists of hedges that are two meters high. It’s easy to get lost inside. As soon as you reach the middle of the labyrinth, I recommend that you take a short rest and enjoy the silence and tranquility of this place. Take a look around and discover how beautiful the Greek-oriented style of this section of the park is.

But also the rest of the park outside the labyrinth is beautiful and well worth a visit. The romantic garden was created in the 18th century to expand the labyrinth and covers around 54 hectares.

For us, this park is one of the most beautiful places in the city. Especially since it is one of the unknown attractions of the city and is therefore not full of tourists, such as the Parc de la Ciutadella. If you are looking for a little rest and want to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city, the park is just perfect. Its location a bit outside the city center also contributes to its peacefulness.

Botanical gardens on Montjuic Hill, Barcelona

By Ciara Turner-Ewert of the blog Wellness Travel Diaries

Barcelona is full of beautiful Gaudi inspired architecture, mouthwatering restaurants, and evergreen gardens for the ultimate wellness retreat. While there’s a plethora of unique things to do in Barcelona , with vivid green gardens and parks located throughout the city, a majority of these elegant gardens are on Montjuic Hill.

On top of Montjuic Hill, there are three botanic gardens to stroll through. First, there’s the Jardí Botànic de Barcelona, the Botanical Garden in Barcelona. This garden is placed between the vast Olympic stadium and magnificent Montjuic Castle. This botanical garden is the largest in the city and home to extensive vegetation that thrives on the Mediterranean climate. It’s comprised of giant forest trees, various green plants and fascinating shrubs, some of which have originated from other countries with Mediterranean climates such as California and Australia.

Likewise, the botanical garden, Jardí Botànic Històric, or Historic Botanical Gardens, is also found on the hillside of Montjuic. This charming garden hosts unique vegetation because of its rare microclimate that allows plants to be at colder temperatures. Therefore, some of its plants can’t be enjoyed in other botanical parks in Barcelona.

Finally, the last garden to explore is the Jardin Botanico Montjuic, Botanic Garden of Montjuic, another verdant oasis on Montjuic Hill.

Gardens in Valencia

If you’re visiting Valencia and the Valencian region, don’t miss these stunning and unusual gardens in Spain.

Turia Gardens

Valencia has one of the loveliest urban gardens in Spain, but it’s here because of a disaster. Where the park is today, the River Turia used to flow. After a devastating flood in 1957, the river was diverted south of the city, leaving a 9km riverbed through the city. After some debate, the city decided to turn it into a garden. The gardens are still crossed by the bridges that used to cross the river, including several from the 15th, 16th and 17th century.

The Turia Gardens have multiple sections. Some are dedicated to children (the giant Gulliver play area will make you wish you were small enough to have a go), some parts are grassy and shaded with trees and some are more formal, with fountains or defined planting.

At the southern end of the Turia Gardens you’ll find the City of Arts and Sciences, which has a garden of its own. It’s quite a surprise when you emerge from the trees and meandering paths and see the futuristic buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences in front of you.

If you’re planning to visit Valencia , make sure you spend some time in the Turia Gardens. Rent a bike or some rollerblades, read a book under the trees, or just spend a day wandering through one of the most unusual gardens in Spain.

Terraza L’Umbracle

At the southern end of the Turia Gardens is the City of Arts and Sciences, an ultra-futuristic complex designed by Santiago Calatrava that houses an aquarium, science museum, IMAX cinema and theatre. There’s also a sculpture garden called l’Umbracle that’s filled with palm trees and other species native to the Valencia area.

The plants in l’Umbracle’s terrace have been designed to change colour with the seasons, so it’s different whenever you visit.

Gardens in Andalusia

Sunshine-filled Andalusia is filled with some of the most historic – and romantic gardens in Spain.

Real Alcázar de Seville

The Real Alcázar de Seville is simply dreamy. Right next to Seville Cathedral and forming part of the same UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a heart-stoppingly romantic complex of gardens and palaces. It’s no surprise that visiting the Real Alcázar is one of the best things to do in Seville .

The Real Alcázar was built on the site of an older fortress; what you see today is the product of over 500 years of construction and blends Gothic, Romanesque and Moorish elements. The gardens are just as varied – there are quiet courtyards for contemplation, orange groves, lovely fountains, shady corners where peacocks roam and even a maze.

Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs, Córdoba

By Paul from Anywhere We Roam

After conquering Córdoba , the Christians built the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs in 1328 on the site of previous Roman and Islamic ruins. As both a fortress and a palace, it’s infamous for serving as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition in 1482.

But apart from an imposing palace, the alcázar also contains one of the most beautiful gardens in Spain. The expansive grounds consist of large ponds framed by extremely well-maintained trees, intricate water features, marble statues and beautiful mosaics. The whole compound has a spectacular grandeur befitting the kings who have added to it over the years.

The highlight is the Avenue of the Monarchs, a long tree-lined boulevard which features statues of all the key royal figures who have been associated with the palace. During the late afternoon, with the Córdoba sun drifting to the horizon, the gardens of the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs are a lovely place to stop and appreciate the history of this beautiful setting.

After exploring the many exquisitely designed spaces in the gardens, climb up the stairs to the Tower of the Lions for a bird’s eye view of the whole compound. From here, it’s easy to see why the kings and queens of Christian Spain chose this as their base.

Botanical Garden, Malaga

By Paulina from Paulina on the Road

If you happen to be in Spain and wondering about things to do in Malaga then the Botanical Garden is the one for you. This garden is the perfect place to reset your mind, meditate, have a picnic, or just enjoy the exotic ambience of nature.

The Botanical Garden has plants and trees from all around the world to create a beautiful garden that spans 23 hectares. The garden is impressively designed with multiple ponds, waterfalls, streams, fountains, sculptures, greenhouses and historical buildings, and has a large collection of more than 25,000 plants. As well as plants, you can also see various species of birds, rabbits, frogs, and chameleons.

Don’t forget to visit the northern section of the Botanical Garden Malaga, where you can find a route known as Around the World in 80 Trees and a collection of palm trees. Another feature worth noting in the botanical garden is the San Telmo aqueduct, built in 1782.

The Botanical Garden Malaga is a must-see horticultural gem and one of the most beautiful gardens in Spain.

Casa Don Bosco, Ronda

By Jeanine of Le Wild Explorer

Casa Don Bosco is a house-museum located on the historic side of the beautiful city of Ronda. The home is a modernist palace that was built at the beginning of the 20th century. It has a peaceful garden decorated in Moorish-style tiles and offers breathtaking views of the valley and of the city’s most famous bridge, Puente Nuevo. You won’t find many people here as it’s located in a more quiet part of the city.

If you’re looking for some to find tranquility it can definitely be found in the gardens. The garden offers plenty of seating and some shade. And at €2.50 for admission it’s definitely less expensive than eating lunch at the neighbouring restaurants just to get a good view of the Puente Nuevo bridge.

It’s one of the more underrated places to visit in Ronda. And if you love Casa Don Bosco you can even stay the night! Be sure to add Ronda to your Spain itinerary and check out more things to do in Ronda .

Generalife gardens, Granada

By Joanna from Andalucia In My Pocket

Generalife is one of the most famous gardens in Andalucia, the best example of Moorish landscaping that still remains in Spain. The gardens from Generalife used to belong to the summer palace of the Nasrid rules of the Emirate of Granada, bank in the 13th century, and were built on the idea of providing the visitors with the five most important benefits in life: spirituality, aesthetics, psychology, nutrition and science.

The tall trees are a connection between the earth of the sky, the water is life, the vegetables growing in the garden provide nutrition, the top of the hill which used to have an old Muslim oratory provides a perfect space for meditation and praying.

There are more than 600 different plants in Generalife. The gardens are split between two courtyards, each with water features, canals, pools, and fountains. As all other hidden gardens in Granada, Generalife used to have only one access point, to maintain its peaceful atmosphere without any disturbance from the outside world.

If you only have a couple of days in Granada and didn’t get a chance to book tickets for the Alhambra, you can still visit Generalife. The ticket office is just outside the main gate, at the end of the official Alhambra parking lot. Many people don’t know that Generalife can be visited independently from the Alhambra.

Kitty Harri’s Sculpture Garden, Costa Tropical

By Joanna from The World In My Pocket

Kitty Harri’s Sculpture Garden is a unique art experience located in the mountains of Almijara, just off Granada’s Costa Tropical . The garden – one of the most unusual gardens in Spain – is located in a remote area on a hilltop ridge, off the main road, and has stunning views over the mountains on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other.

Kitty Harri is a Swedish artist who moved to Spain 17 years ago. Her exotic garden is an ongoing project, featuring her own work but also pieces of art from artists who come to her beautiful house to let themselves be inspired by the nature and create.

The works of art are scattered around the terraced two-acre garden, between trees and flowers, creating a utopic alternative experience. Not only the art comes from artists around the world, but the plants in her gardens do too. The Costa Tropical is known as a microclimate in which any plant can grow.

Kitty Harri’s Garden is usually open every first and third Sunday of the month. The guests are invited to join Kitty and her husband Nick for beautiful afternoons by the pool’s bar, in the company of baroque classical music played at the harpsichord by The Chamber Players. The band is Nick’s soul project.

The entrance ticket to the garden is 10 euros.

Gardens in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

The otherworldly landscape of Lanzarote might not seem conducive to creating beautiful gardens, but that’s far from the case – thanks to Lanzarote’s most famous son, César Manrique.

By Megan of Meganstarr.com

Spain is teeming with many beautiful and unique gardens and LagOmar on Lanzarote in the Canary Islands is one of the most spectacular I have ever seen.

LagOmar is a museum and garden that was the former home of Omar Sharif, a famous actor, who fell in love with the property in the 1970s while on Lanzarote filming ‘The Mysterious Island’. He fell so captivated by the private property designed by César Manrique, an accomplished Spanish architect, that he bought it.

Today, the property is one of the most popular places to visit on Lanzarote and is a day trip from Arrecife and many other places on the island. When you arrive at LagOmar, you will be greeted by lots of colorful flowers, pools and ponds, and several gorgeous outdoor spaces that provide picturesque views over the island. Tickets are affordable and there is a cafe on sight and a lot of information to help you navigate the museum. There are also many tour options available that hit up LagOmar and other parts of northern Lanzarote.

Between the caves and labyrinths at LagOmar, it is a must-visit place if you like greenery and gardens combined with architecture that is incomparable to anywhere else on the planet.

Jardín de Cactus

By Darek from DarekandGosia.com

Spain is an extremely colourful place, full of castles and palaces surrounded by magnificent gardens. The charm of buildings created over hundreds of years is added by landscapes in the form of mountains, olive groves and vineyards. But there are places in Spain which are so dry that the only type of garden you can create is a Cactus garden!

One of those paces is the Jardín de Cactus on Lanzarote island. The garden was opened in 1990 and it is considered as the last work of César Manrique, on which he worked for almost 20 years.

The island of Lanzarote has particularly good conditions for growing cacti – the dry, warm climate and poorly fertile soil are just perfect for them. The garden was built on the site of an old quarry and you will be able to see both, local growing cacti as well as many imported from around the world – over 450 different type of species.

Tickets are at €6.50 for adults and €3.25 for children. There is also free parking in front of the garden. It is recommended to spend 3-4 hours in the garden, including lunch at the cactus restaurant.

If you are planning a holiday in Lanzarote, make sure the Jardín de Cactus is on your list of places to see. It really is one of the most beautiful and unique gardens in Spain!

Related posts

If you enjoyed this post about gardens to visit in Spain, you might find these other posts useful:

• 18 beautiful gardens to visit in Italy
• Visiting Giardini la Mortella, a garden love story on an Italian island

Which of these gardens in Spain would you visit?

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2 thoughts on “Gardens in Spain: 18 of Spain’s most beautiful gardens”

So many beautiful gardens around Spain. Most of the ones mentioned I’ve not had the chance to visit yet. I only learnt last year about the garden in Atocha train station a few months ago when I visited a friend. I think the Canary Islands might be the next new place I visit, so some good ideas for when I do.

So many amazing gardens to visit! I enjoyed reading about them.

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Gardens of Japan

By Japan specialist Jo

Gardens of varying sizes and styles are scattered across Japan, both in the cities and in quieter rural areas. For me, they represent the Japanese aesthetic — a love of nature, art and architecture — perfectly. You can plan a trip around seeing a range of gardens, or include a garden visit in a more varied tour of the country. I’ve visited many wonderful examples, but the following gardens stand out as particularly special.

Gardens to visit in and around Tokyo

While the parks are well-kept and often planted carefully, the Japanese consider them as places for picnics or for children to play. Their relationship with gardens is much more aesthetic, which they admire with the same hushed reverence you’d see in an art gallery.

In Tokyo , a good starting point is the Imperial Palace East Gardens. The palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, and the gardens are open year round. Modern Tokyo has grown up around the palace, making it accessible if you’re centrally located. Inside, you’ll find a maple-fringed pond, an elegant teahouse and a woodland grove leading onto large lawns.

Sankeien Garden, Yokohama

Many Japanese gardens aspire to encompass six key attributes: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, waterways and panorama. In Tokyo, spaciousness and seclusion are a little hard to come by, so I suggest a day trip to Sankeien Garden in Yokohama, a half-hour train ride away.

Sankeien was built by Sankei Hara, a wealthy silk merchant, in 1904. It’s an infant compared with other gardens, but it has amassed a collection of architecture that has been acknowledged as culturally significant by the Japanese government. Ponds and lawns are arranged around a series of historic buildings — many saved from being destroyed or disrepair — collected from across Japan.

This is a grand vision with landscaped hills, water features and a traditional teahouse. The defining feature is a three-storey pagoda, which was built in Kyoto in the 15th century and relocated to the gardens in 1914. I couldn’t see the pagoda when I first walked in: it’s slowly revealed as you follow the paths through the garden. I visited Sankeien in the morning then went into Yokohama for lunch. A port city with red-brick buildings influenced by traders, it has the largest Chinatown outside China .

Enjoy your own private garden in Kyoto

The Japan depicted in period films and ukiyo-e paintings, Kyoto is scattered with more than 1,600 Buddhist temples, hundreds of Shinto shrines and some grand Imperial villas. It also has some of the best examples of machiya, wooden townhouses originally owned by craftspeople and merchants. Many have now been converted into comfortable self-catering places to stay with their own garden.

The faithfully traditional interiors feature exposed wooden beams, sliding shoji doors and tatami mat flooring. The rooms are built around an open courtyard garden, or tsubo niwa: small and simple in design and surrounded by the walls of the house. It’s worth noting that you can’t usually access these gardens, the idea being to appreciate them from the comfort of your indoor living space.

Gardens to visit in Kyoto

Ryoanji zen garden.

Due to its intense concentration of temples and monasteries, Kyoto boasts a hefty collection of Zen gardens. Designed to imitate the essence of nature and as a place for monks to meditate, these gardens have a distinct minimalist aesthetic. Rather than foliage, the main components are sand and rock.

The Ryoanji Zen garden isn’t one of the biggest, but it’s considered the pre-eminent Zen garden in Japan today. To the untrained eye, it’s 15 rocks in a sea of sand and gravel, but don’t be deceived. Ryoanji has been designed to make you think about and interact with the space by walking around it. No matter where you stand, you can’t see all the rocks at the same time (I did try).

The bordering grounds were turned into a temple in 1450, but the origin of the garden is a mystery: no one knows who built it or what’s behind the arrangement of the rocks.

The garden is a 30-minute bus ride north from Kyoto Station, and I recommend visiting in the early morning to view it in the tranquillity that was intended.

Joruri-ji in Kizugawa

Quite a few of Kyoto’s temple gardens are on a well-trodden route and can get busy, so I journeyed out to Joruri-ji. From Kyoto it’s a 50-minute train to Nara , then a half-hour bus ride into thickly forested countryside. Aside from a couple of restaurants nearby, the temple stands alone. I was the only visitor, if you discount a couple of cats trying to grab lunch from the koi carp pond.

Dating back to 1047, the temple is widely considered to be one of the best examples of a paradise garden. These gardens are a concept from Pure Land Buddhism, a strand of the religion that became popular in the 11th century. Paradise gardens are focused around a pond that represents the ocean between birth and death, with an island signifying Earth in the middle.

Joruri-ji is one of the few remaining paradise gardens, and the only survivor to still have all nine statues of the Amida Buddha (the nine stages of nirvana) in its hondo (temple hall). It was one of the smaller gardens I’ve visited but, as it was so quiet, I could really appreciate the tranquil atmosphere. The garden is almost completely taken over by the lake, but you can walk around the outside in the shadow of a three-tiered pagoda.

Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa

The modern city of Kanazawa is within easy reach of Tokyo or Kyoto and is best known for Kenrokuen Garden . Alongside Kairaku-en in Mito, and Koraku-en in Okayama, Kenrokuen is considered to be one of the top three gardens in the country, achieving all six key attributes a garden should have to reach perfection.

As the city is quite compact, the garden lies within walking distance of most hotels. I suggest wandering over in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest times. I explored with a guide, who explained the intricacies behind the creation of the garden right down to the precise placement of the path-side lanterns.

After passing through a wooded entrance, one of the first things I saw was a sage-green pond with a fountain spurting proudly from the middle. It’s considered to be the oldest fountain in Japan, and the water source’s higher elevation creates a natural pressure that forces the water skyward.

Making my way up a gentle hill, the garden began to open out below — the best place to take a photograph — to reveal a large pond with a teahouse set on a corner. If you turn around from this spot, you can see the Ryōhaku Mountains in the background.

Kenrokuen is a strolling garden. All its elements have been planned with miegakure in mind — a technique to angle visitors toward a particular viewpoint. There’s a clear path running through the park, which should be followed in a clockwise direction.

Tea is served in the Shigure-tei Teahouse, once a residential villa and one of a number of teahouses dotted around Kenrokuen. You can sip matcha (a finely powdered green tea) and nibble wagashi sweets, a traditional tea accompaniment made from sweetened bean paste.

The garden was originally attached to Kanazawa Castle, which the Maeda clan owned in the 17th century. This rich feudal-lord family remodelled the garden over the years, before they opened it to the public in 1874. The castle burned down a number of times over the centuries, but you can see the remnants at Kanazawa Castle Park, opposite Kenrokuen.

The history of Japanese gardens

During the Asuka period (538–710), Japanese merchants were inspired by gardens in the imperial courts of China. The first gardens in Japan were created using Chinese building methods and designed to channel Buddhist beliefs through an appreciation of the natural world. Few gardens still exist from this time, but many modern versions echo Buddhist principles.

For a time the gardens lost their religious significance, and there was a shift to replicating Japanese beauty spots in miniature — Suizenji Jojuen Garden in Kumamoto has a miniature Mount Fuji — as well as scenes from literary texts. As Buddhist influences regained importance in the Kamakura period (1185–1336), Zen gardens emerged, designed as a contemplative setting for meditation.

Each following period has influenced garden design in its own way, reflecting the society of that time. Some of the best-known gardens are for strolling, made popular by the nobility of the Edo period (1603–1868), where society’s elaborate social structure encouraged a patronage of the arts.

When to visit Japanese gardens

Japanese gardens are designed to be admired year-round and each season highlights a different range of attributes. Spring’s cherry blossom is well-known, but the season also brings a palette of other blooms, from rich, pink plum blossom to tendrils of mauve wisteria.

Summer is peak festival time across the country, when many of the gardens host events and are often illuminated for the occasion. But even if your trip doesn’t time with an event, nature hosts its own light show, with fireflies flickering across many gardens, lakes, streams, and ponds.

In autumn, the gardens blaze red and orange with the turning of the maple leaves. Visit in late autumn or early winter and you’ll see yukitsuri being carefully constructed. Translated as ‘snow suspenders’, these sculptural constructions of rope and bamboo help tree branches support the snow of deep winter.

In fact, November and early December is a time I particularly recommend. You can wander around the gardens with a hot tea, and while there’s still a lot of foliage to admire, the architectural features like bridges, carefully crafted waterways, and tea houses really shine. With far fewer visitors, you’ll also get a taste of the meditative calm these gardens were designed to evoke.

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Further reading

• What to do in Japan: our highlights guide
• Three days of Japanese arts and culture in Kanazawa
• Visiting Japan with your children
• Luxury holidays to Japan
• Japan’s bullet trains: an all-you-need-to-know guide
• Japan: a year in festivals & celebrations

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Desert city of Dubai floods as heaviest rainfall in 75 years hits UAE

City records more than 142mm of rain in a day, about as much as it expects in a year and a half, as highways and malls flooded

Highways and malls have been flooded, schools have been closed, and flights disrupted at one of the world’s busiest airports after the United Arab Emirates experienced what the government described as its largest amount of rainfall in 75 years.

At least one person was killed, a 70-year-old man who police said was swept away in his car in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the UAE’s seven emirates.

Footage from Dubai international airport showed passenger jets moving through deep water, spraying water in their wake, while photos captured city streets turned to rivers, with cars sitting abandoned in flood waters.

One man called the situation at the airport “absolute carnage”. “You cannot get a taxi. There’s people sleeping in the metro station. There’s people sleeping in the airport,” the man told Associated Press on condition of anonymity in a country with strict laws that criminalise critical speech.

Despite the widespread impact, authorities have remained tight-lipped on the extent of the damage.

The rains began on Monday night and by Tuesday evening more than 142mm (5.59in) had soaked the desert city of Dubai – normally the amount it gets in a year and a half.

Heavy rain also fell in Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman, where rescuers found the body of a girl in Saham, bringing the death toll in the country to 19 since Sunday.

In an average year, there is 94.7mm (3.73in) of rain at Dubai international airport, the world’s busiest for international travel and a hub for the long-haul carrier Emirates. On Wednesday, it said it had experienced “significant disruption”.

EgyptAir suspended flights between Cairo and Dubai until the conditions improve.

Paul Griffiths, the airport’s CEO, said the situation remained incredibly challenging. “In living memory, I don’t think anyone has ever seen conditions like it,” he told the state-owned talk radio station Dubai Eye. “We are in uncharted territory.”

Some media reports suggested the rains may have been made worse by cloud seeding, a common practice in the dry Emirates to encourage clouds to produce precipitation by releasing salt particles into the air, often using planes. The salt released in cloud-seeding operations helps water droplets to form, increasing the chance of rain.

However, the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), which oversees cloud-seeding operations in the UAE, told CNBC that no missions had been dispatched for seeding operations before or during the turbulent weather episode.

Omar Al Yazeedi, the deputy director general of the NCM, said: “We did not engage in any seeding operations during this particular weather event. The essence of cloud seeding lies in targeting clouds at an earlier stage, prior to precipitation. Engaging in seeding activities during a severe thunderstorm scenario would prove futile.”

Maarten Ambaum, a professor of atmospheric physics and dynamics at the University of Reading, said he had spoken to meteorologists at the NCM who had denied cloud seeding had taken place.

“Cloud seeding, certainly in the Emirates, is used for clouds that don’t normally produce rain … You would not normally develop a very severe storm out of that,” he said, adding that it would be “totally pointless” to try to seed clouds that were already likely to produce downpours. “Even if you did go out, there is no way you could find a measurable difference.”

He added: “In the 50s and 60s, people still thought about using cloud seeding to produce these big weather events, or change these big weather events. This [has] long been recognised as just not a realistic possibility.”

Rain is unusual in the UAE but occurs periodically during the cooler winter months.

Homes were flooded and vehicles were abandoned on roadways across Dubai, and authorities sent tanker trucks into the streets to pump away the water. Many roads and other areas lack drainage given the rarity of regular rainfall.

شاهد.. ارتفاع منسوب المياه بمطار #دبي #منخفض_الهدير pic.twitter.com/8gswSzbJKJ — العربية الإمارات (@AlArabiyaUAE) April 16, 2024

The major shopping centres Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates experienced flooding, and there was ankle-deep water in at least one Dubai Metro station, according to images posted on social media.

Lightning was seen flashing across the sky, occasionally touching the tip of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

The NCM in a post on X urged residents to “take all the precautions … and to stay away from areas of flooding and water accumulation”.

The UAE government media office posted on X that the downpours were an “exceptional” climate event.

صور الرادار ثلاثية الأبعاد لحركة تكون السحب #أمطار #أمطار_الخير#المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد 3D Radar images of cloud formation over the area #rain#national_Center_of_Meteorology pic.twitter.com/NBYkFL1Gsn — المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) April 16, 2024

Schools will remain closed in Dubai until next week, authorities said, underscoring the difficulty of the clean-up, and the government extended remote working for its employees.

The weather system had already caused floods across Bahrain and left 19 people dead in Oman, including 10 schoolchildren swept away in a vehicle.

Human-caused climate breakdown is supercharging extreme weather across the world, driving more frequent and more deadly disasters from heatwaves and wildfire to floods. At least a dozen of the most serious events of the last decade would have been all but impossible without human-caused global heating.

Extreme rainfall is more common and more intense because of human-caused climate breakdown across most of the world. This is because warmer air can hold more water vapour. It is most likely that flooding has become more frequent and severe as a result.

Ambaum said the world should expect more extreme weather events. He said: “We have been saying for several decades now that in a changing climate we will probably get more of these kinds of severe events, and indeed this is happening.”

Associated Press and Agence France-Presse contributed to this report

• United Arab Emirates
• Extreme weather
• Middle East and north Africa

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