Greenfingered Weekend

Hotels

Horticultural havens

Nestled in the heart of Bloomsbury is the best floral hotel in London. The Montague on the Gardens prides itself on top-notch service and attention to detail, but it's the vast gardens and terraces that really make it stand out for gardening enthusiasts.

Or try The Goring, built by the great-grandfather of the present owner, with similarly beautiful gardens. Enjoy a cocktail on the garden terraces, and feel your cares drift away.

If you really want to unwind and heal those gardening-weary muscles, head to The Savoy on The Strand and indulge in a spa treatment. Their Darphin range uses botanical aromas and plant extras; you'll leave feeling inspired and invigorated.

Saturday Morning

Natural History

Start your greenfingered weekend with a reminder of how it all began at the Natural History Museum. For those with a particular interest in gardens, check out the Orange Zone: see the wildlife garden (open April to the end of October) and go behind the scenes of the Darwin Centre. To see the latter, you'll need to book.

Saturday Afternoon

Royal Botanic Gardens

Then take the tube to Kew Gardens, the ultimate destination for gardening enthusiasts. Kew Gardens is a big space, (over 300 acres, with a remarkable collection of over 30,000 types of plants, as well as the host of lots of special, seasonal events), so take a little time to plan which highlights you particularly want to see.

Saturday Night

Fabulously fresh

True greenfingered types know food fresh from the garden is the best there is. For amazing fresh food in London, it has to be the River Café. The menu changes to synchronise with the seasons – but the astonishing quality of the dishes available remains constant. (You're unlikely to get in without a booking, so don't forget to call beforehand.)

Sunday Morning

Flower Power

If the early bird catches the worm, then the early riser in gets the best of the flowers at the stunning Columbia Road Flower Market. It starts at 8am. Don't worry if that seems early – there are plenty of excellent little eateries between the flowers if you're in need of a second breakfast.

Horticultural History

Once you're done browsing the flowers, it's time to see how your hobby first began. Catch the bus from the aptly named Primrose Street down to the Garden Museum in Lambeth.

Founded in 1977, and inspired by the neglected tombs of 17th-century plant hunters (the John Tradescants), this lovely little museum looks at the history and development of gardens and gardening in the UK. Well worth a visit.

Then, hop on the tube to Daylesford Organics near Sloane Square for a spot of shopping and a great place for lunch. The shop's got 3 floors of fantastic foodie treats to tempt you; the cafe has a simple but imaginative menu. And if it's all getting a bit too urban for you in Pimlico, take a few minutes to chill out in their gorgeous garden.

Sunday Afternoon

From Victoria station, you have two choices, both a short train ride away.

Palatial Gardens

Head to Eltham if you're interested in architecture, as well as greenery. Eltham Palace is a masterpiece of 20th-century design; a 1930s Art Deco mansion right next to the Great Hall of the medieval Eltham Palace.

The 19-acre gardens also include both 20th-century and medieval elements. These include a rock garden sloping down to the water-lilly-filled moat, a medieval bridge, a sunken rose garden and plenty of picnic areas.

Natural Selection

If you're prepared to venture further afield and feel inspired by yesterday's trip to the Darwin Centre, we really recommend taking the train to Orpington, then going on to Down House.

It was at Down House that Charles Darwin worked on his scientific theories, and wrote On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. The house is a wonderful museum of Darwin's life, with beautiful gardens that have been restored to their appearance in Darwin's time. Take time to stroll around the famous Sandwalk, the path Darwin paced as he worked out his ideas.

We're sure you'll return to your own patch inspired and invigorated after your trip to the capital.