Kew Gardens and Kew Palace

The most compelling tree-top experience in the UK - Kew's Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway takes you under the ground and then 18 metres (59ft) up in the air, bringing you close to trees in a way that will take your breath away.

The 17th-century gardens behind Kew Palace are guaranteed to restore flagging spirits, as the plants you'll find here were mainly cultivated for their medicinal properties. Take a stroll around and discover many herbal varieties that we still use to this day. In the summer you'll also find a host of aromatic plants from the Mediterranean region, including lavender, sage, oregano, thyme and rosemary.

This well-loved display, one of the most iconic images of Kew, will look quite different this year. The border will hold an array of Mediterranean fruits and vegetables, ranging from nine varieties of aubergine, growing in the urns by the pond, to olive trees and even watermelons.

This is home to the UK's largest collection of bamboos, which range from the well-known lofty pole varieties to wispy, variegated species. Dominating the garden is the Minka House, an authentic Japanese farm dwelling dating from the early 1900s and reconstructed at Kew Gardens.

Explore the beautiful Kew Palace and uncover its intriguing stories, from its origins as rich merchant's house to royal home of George III and members of his family. Highlights include George III's daughters' doll's house and an extraordinary Jigsaw cabinet containing some of the earliest jigsaw maps in existence - used to teach geography to the royal children.

Kew Palace is open from March to September and Kew Gardens visitors can now visit Kew Palace at no extra charge.