Kew Gardens in West London are without doubt the most varied and beautiful of London’s open spaces, boasting miles of wild parkland and several lakes, plus the world famous tropical greenhouses. There are exhibition gardens, rock and water gardens, and educational resources.

There are giant Amazonian trees and rare butterflies. And most importantly there is enough space and woodland paths to find your moment of peaceful solitude.

Highlights include the Japanese Pagoda which is almost as old as the parks, the Chilean Wine Palm, the tallest greenhouse plant on the planet, and what must surely be the biggest British banana grove.

An unforgettable place, well worth the trek to West London and the price of admission.