A London orchid festival inspired by China will mark the festival's 30th year.
This eagerly anticipated annual event, held in London at the Princess of Wales Conservatory within the Royal Botanic Gardens, showcases an extraordinary display of flora.
The festival's theme for 2026 draws inspiration from China's distinctive biodiversity, rich heritage, and tradition of design.
The venue itself will be transformed into a vibrant spectacle, with an assortment of ornate floral installations.
The event promises to immerse attendees in a fascinating environment adorned with dragons, lanterns, and detailed plant sculptures, all echoing the beauty and wildlife of China.
Moreover, it brings colour and vibrancy to the typically subdued winter landscape, offering attendees a unique experience.
But the orchids are not only about aesthetics.
The festival also serves as an opportunity to spotlight the global influence of Kew’s scientific research and the critical importance of plant preservation and international cooperation.
An added attraction this year is the Orchids After Hours event, a series of evenings where visitors can appreciate the floral displays in the glasshouse under night-time lighting.
Beginning from February 7 through to March 8, 2026, the festival operates daily from 11am, with the last entry into the gardens at 4pm in February and 5pm in March.
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Included with entry to the Gardens.
For Kew members, special time slots are exclusively available, from 10.15am–11am, as well as from 11am–4pm.
However, these slots must be pre-booked, and members are required to bring their membership cards and ID for verification on entry.
The festival is easily accessible, with wheelchairs and mobility scooters permitted within the conservatory.
It is important to note that while all areas related to the festival are wheelchair accessible, not all parts of the glasshouse are.
For a quieter and more relaxed experience, visitors using wheelchairs or mobility scooters are advised to consider booking weekday morning slots or Monday quiet sessions.
Monday quiet sessions (February 9, 16, and 23 and March 2) from 11am to 12pm offer a chance for guests to experience the festival before general public access.
This is especially beneficial for people with learning disabilities, those using mobility scooters or wheelchairs, and those with other sensory processing differences.
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