As the days get longer and spring starts to rear its head, one of London’s prettiest cold-weather floral installations is preparing to bid adieu to the city. The Kew Gardens Orchid Festival returned last month for 2026, celebrating 30 years of stunning flower installations. But the time has (almost) come for the floral display to close its doors.
The orchid festival is one of the earliest signs that we’re starting to turn the corner away from the cold weather, marching on towards spring (and summer!). The botanical garden’s Princess of Wales Conservatory gets transformed with the arrival of countless orchids in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, and colours. But act fast to catch it, because they’ll be closing the display on March 8.
Take a look at what you can expect to see here:
At the Orchid Festival
Each year, the festival draws inspiration from a specific country where orchids naturally bloom and thrive. In the past, the festival has drawn inspiration from Peru, Madagascar, Brazil, India, Thailand, Costa Rica, and more. This year, for the 2026 festival, they’re turning to China to inspire the installations.
Kew is drawing from “China’s remarkable biodiversity, heritage and design traditions” to fill the Princess of Wales glasshouse with a dazzling array of orchids and towering installations made up of the stunning blooms. You can expect to see everything from dragons to lanterns and intricate plant sculptures. All of these, combined with the mind-blowing spectrum of colour and beauty of the flowers, will bring “a burst of colour and warmth in the winter months.”
But the Orchid Festival is much more than just a chance to enjoy gorgeous flower installations. It’s also “an opportunity to celebrate the reach of Kew’s science and highlight the importance of plant conservation and global collaboration.”
The best part? If you’ve paid for entry into the Kew Gardens, there’s no additional cost to explore the festival. You will, however, have to book a slot to explore the Orchids. Make sure you plan ahead so you don’t miss out!
Orchids After Hours
Fancy seeing the orchids in a whole new light? Then be sure to also head to the special after-hours sessions of the Orchid Festival. On select Fridays and Saturdays throughout the festival run, Kew will open the doors late at night for a spirited way to view the blooms and floral sculptures.
Orchids After Hours will light up the displays under the night sky, with live performances and music adding to the experience. All the while, you can also enjoy special food and cocktails as you enjoy your visit. And be sure to head to the Orchids-inspired shop while you’re there!
Regardless of whether you visit during the day or at night, under blue skies or amidst thunderous storms, the Orchid Festival is sure to brighten your day.
🕰️ The Orchid Festival runs between February 7 and March 8, 2026.
đź“Ť Princess of Wales Conservatory, Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AB. The nearest station is Kew Gardens.
🎟️ Tickets are available here.
