rare beauties

Kew’s annual Orchids Festival, 9 February to 10 March, is this year themed on Colombia, home to more species of the exotic flower than anywhere else in the world. With displays inspired by the country’s rich diversity in flora and fauna, the Princess of Wales Conservatory will be transformed into a vibrant paradise, with the prized blooms artistically arranged to depict a carnival of animals, cascading rainbow river of hanging vandas, and enchanting butterfly forest, among others. Entry adult

£12.50, child £3.50.