Penny McCormick picks places to stay with gorgeous gardens and floral themes…
One of the best times to visit London in my opinion is during RHS Chelsea Flower Show, from May 21-24. Visitors can soak up the floral atmosphere without taking in the main event as each year, many shops, restaurants and hotels create floral displays to celebrate the show. This creative display normally spreads from Knightsbridge to Sloane Square, along the King’s Road to the pretty Duke of York Square and Pavilion Road.
Stay in The Chelsea Townhouse, one of only a few hotels in London with its own private garden – The Goring is another, as is The Lime Tree Hotel in Belgravia. Recently renovated, The Chelsea Townhouse (above) has 35 rooms and suites, some with direct access to Cadogan Gardens, which is a riot of blossoms with sheltered benches for reading – borrow a book from the hotel library – or savour a cocktail from the restaurant and bar. It’s impeccable without being imposing. Rooms are from €249. www.chelseatownhouse.ie.
Marrakesh in May is also a good idea – before it gets too hot. The Yves Saint Laurent museum has two concurrent exhibitions celebrating cacti and the late designer’s love of flowers (he especially loved bougainvillea, poppies, lily of the valley and roses). While the vibrant Majorelle garden is a must-do, recent visitor Rebecca Roe, creative director of Hedgeroe Home, recommends Le Jardin Secret as an alternative escape from the buzz of the Medina. This exotic oasis includes an Islamic garden, laid out according to geometric rules. Rebecca stayed in the Riad Jardin Secret which she describes as something out of 1001 Arabian Nights. It has seven rooms, (from €150), a shaded roof terrace as well as two tree-filled patios for lounging in after sightseeing. www.riadjardinsecret.com.
For dining, Rebecca recommends El Fenn’s roof-top bar and restaurant and says: “Get there early so you can explore the perfectly curated lifestyle store below the restaurant.” www.riadjardinsecret.com.
For me, summer wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Hunter’s Hotel, Co Wicklow, for an overnight stay (from €75 per person) or a warm scone and tea on the lawn of its mature garden which has a spectacular display of oriental poppies in May and June. The large kitchen garden makes me green with envy, and provides fruit and vegetables for the hotel, where the evening table d’hôte menu rarely disappoints. www.hunters.ie. If in the vicinity, do visit Patthana garden in Kiltegan, entry costs €7. It’s the subject of a new book Grounded in the Garden: An Artist’s Guide to Creating a Beautiful Garden in Harmony with Nature by TJ Maher, €30, Pimpernel Press.
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At Castle Durrow, Co Laois, guests can take garden tours of its mature garden with Head Gardener Bart Howard which includes the sunken, walled and kitchen gardens, and an impressive display of David Austen roses. From €200, bed and breakfast, per room. www.castledurrow.com
Bishop’s Gate Lodge, Co Derry, a pretty National Trust property, is on the doorstep of Bishop’s Gate Gardens and has a path leading directly to the Mussenden Temple folly, overlooking the Inishowen Peninsula. The light-filled lodge sleeps two and has a private garden. A two-night minimum stay applies; from £275stg. www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
The secluded Potting Sheds at Dromquinna Manor, Co Kerry hark back to their botanical past and provide a stylish base for visiting Kenmare. Its midweek offer, €220 per night for two people, includes a breakfast hamper and a choice of activities such as a 4×4 tour of the scenic Black Valley. Not to be missed is dining at the Boathouse Bistro for its idyllic views and new menu. www.dromquinnamanor.com.
Ard na Sidhe Country House, Co Kerry is a gorgeous 18-room manor house on the shores of Caragh Lake, Killorgin. Guests have use of a rowing boat and for those without sea legs, the gardens are the perfect setting for a picnic or afternoon tea. Overnight accommodation starts from €350 for two adults sharing. www.ardnasidhe.com
READ MORE: 10 Hotels With Gorgeous Garden To Explore