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6 CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN,

6 CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN, ENGLAND The English capital’s oldest botanical garden, with roots dating back to the 17th century, the Chelsea Physic Garden was created for dedicated students working on medicinal plants. Its enchanting walls are next to the Thames River, and this prime location is no accident. The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries chose this site specifically for its proximity to the river, as its warm air currents helped create a unique microclimate that still allows its 5,000-some different medicinal, herbal and edible plants to thrive. Among its residents is the UK’s largest fruiting olive tree and the world’s northernmost grapefruit tree. 7 KEUKENHOF GARDENS, THE NETHERLANDS Every spring, botanists, flower fans and tourists alike make the annual pilgrimage to the Keukenhof Gardens, the largest of its kind in the world, which began life in the 15th century as an herb garden. Here, you can see an unforgettable seasonal display of more than 7 million tulips, daffodils, narcissi, hyacinths and other spring bulbs, as well as bluebells and orchids. Plus, its 80 acres are dotted with lovely greenhouses, streams and ponds. Remarkably, it is redesigned every year. 8 FAIRVIEW GREAT HOUSE & BOTANICAL GARDEN, ST. KITTS Boasting mountains of rainforests and glorious beaches, St. Kitts is the larger of the two Caribbean islands that form the nation of St. Kitts and Nevis. From its capital, Basseterre, you can visit the beautifully restored 18thcentury Fairview Great House, once the home of a French military commander and, later, the great-grandfather of Virginia Woolf. There are breathtaking views out to sea, and you can stroll in the garden through a tropical oasis filled with flowers, trees and shrubs bursting with color and fragrance. 88 VIKING.COM EXPLORE MORE

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN 10 GÜELL PARK, SPAIN Visitors to Barcelona can enjoy some of the surreal works created by architectural genius Antoni Gaudí at Güell Park. Covering almost 50 acres, the park was built between 1900 and 1914, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Many of the attractions in the park were originally designed for aristocrats to enjoy. But today, the otherworldly creations are accessible for all to experience, including the dragon fountain, a multicolored tile mosaic at the park’s entrance. Visitors will also be treated to great views of the city below. 9 MONA VALE, NEW ZEALAND This serene setting in Christchurch is now a public park based around a homestead and gatehouse, both of which have recently been restored to their former glory. Enveloped by mature trees, sloping lawns and beautiful bedding displays, it is steeped in history. Among the lush greenery, you will find rhododendrons, camellias and a stunning iris garden, as well as a fernery and rose garden. Visitors can stroll along the Avon River, which borders the park along a sweeping margin of annual bedding displays. There is also a lily pond, added in the 1940s. EXPLORE MORE VIKING.COM 89