The floral regions that you need to see in person
To mark the end of the 2026 Chelsea Flower Show, we’re delving into the world’s most impressive floral regions.
Green thumbs at the ready – it’s the Chelsea Flower Show this week. While the 2026 celebrations might be ending this weekend, there’s still time to experience the world’s most impressive horticultural hotspots while they’re in bloom. Though there’s sure to be plenty of colourful plant life wherever your travel dreams take you, there’s no denying that some spots simply do flowers better than most. Whether you’re a keen florist or are simply keen to soak up some of the most scenic vistas across the globe, here are five floral regions that you won’t want to miss.
Which floral regions deserve a spot on your wish-list?
1. The Bollenstreek, The Netherlands
Starting closer to home, the colourful Dutch Bollenstreek is arguably the best choice for wildflower-viewing if you’re keen to avoid the long-distance travel. Bookended by Amsterdam and the Hague, this 20-mile stretch is awash with colour in the spring, with more than two billion tulip bulbs blooming each year.
The region’s crown jewel, the world-renowned Keukenhof, is the largest flower garden in Europe and welcomes millions of visitors annually. Despite only being open for eight weeks, from late March to early May, the garden remains one of the region’s most memorable highlights and deserves a spot at the top of any springtime travel wish-list.
Don’t just take our word for it, listen to someone who recently experienced the bulb fields first-hand.
“The obvious wish-list moment for me was the Keukenhof gardens, and they really did exceed my expectations. They’re so much vaster than I even thought they would be, and though we spent all day there, I felt like I could explore for hours more without getting bored. It really does feel endless, and there’s something magical about that!”
– Jodie, Amsterdam & the Dutch Bulbfields
Our recommended tour – Amsterdam & the Dutch Bulbfields
2. Provence, France
Another fantastic choice for flower viewing across Europe is France, and there are almost too many horticultural highlights to choose a single destination. From the flower baskets and rose bushes of Alsace to the gardens that inspired the impressionists in Giverny, there are plenty of memorable options to choose from. Of all France’s floral regions, though, it’s elegant Provence that inspires our wanderlust the most.
With over 10,000 hectares of lavender fields and seasonal wildflower blooms adding splashes of colour to the surrounding countryside, Provence has captured the imaginations of French artists for centuries. For the best flower-viewing experience, the Côte d’Azur, or French Riviera, is the ideal choice, and the nearby Plateau de Valensole is a must-see for its lavender and sunflower fields in the summer.
Our recommended tour – The French & Italian Rivieras
3. The Cape Floral Region, South Africa
Of the world’s most biodiverse destinations, South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region is a standout for its unique endemic plant life. Nestled along the country’s south coast, this colourful region became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 and is home to more than 9,000 species of flora, 70% of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
The best time to visit, according to the locals, is between August and October, when the Cape’s wildflower meadows and coastal fynbos biomes are at their most impressive. What’s more, once you’ve seen the region’s wildflowers in bloom, you’ll be perfectly placed to round out your trip with a stop in the acclaimed Cape Winelands after a short drive north. Whether you’re a keen botanist or just fancy a scenic safari detour, the Cape Floristic Region is definitely one for your travel wish-list.
Our recommended tour – Cape Town, the Garden Route & Big Five Safari
4. Sichuan, China
Despite perhaps being best known for its culinary offerings, mountainous Sichuan is also a region of extraordinary natural beauty and is world-renowned for its biodiversity. Its alpine meadows and ancient rhododendron forests are among the finest in Asia, with over 200 rhododendron species blooming across the highlands each spring.
Nestled on the outskirts of Chengdu, the remote Qionglai Mountains are a favourite among nature lovers, with their sweeping wildflower valleys and serene alpine lakes. Beyond the blooms, this Chinese province also boasts some of the largest bamboo forests in the world, and those visiting Chengdu can come face-to-face with the region’s iconic native bears at the Panda Research Centre.
Our recommended tour – Highlights of China with Yangtze Cruise
5. The Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
While it may not be a region per se, there’s no denying that Singapore’s iconic Gardens by the Bay offer some of the world’s most unique floral displays. Spanning over 100 hectares, this award-winning attraction blends nature with ultra-modern design and is a true horticultural wonder.
The Supertree Grove, a group of towering vertical gardens draped in tropical plants and flowers, is a must-see while in the city and has quickly become one of Asia's most recognisable landmarks. Elsewhere in the park, the temperate Flower Dome Conservatory houses exotic plant species from every corner of the globe and promises a celebration of colour all year round. Whether you're visiting for an afternoon or an evening light show, the gardens reward at every turn.
See the world in bloom with Newmarket Holidays
Whether you’re an avid gardener or are simply fond of the world’s brightest flowers, we’ve got a broad range of itineraries which take in the world’s most impressive floral regions. To plant the seed on your next escape, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. If you’re looking for something else, we also have a wide range of escorted tours, spanning six continents, and you can browse them all on our dedicated destinations page.
