Wisley Gardens

Wisely Gardens is a Royal Botanical Garden about 30 min. southwest of London.  Each February & March the large glasshouse on the property is transformed into a tropical garden overrun with butterflies of all shapes and sizes.


Each of the kids had a species pamphlet and we went around the glasshouse trying to identify as many butterflies as we could.


We were particularly drawn to the colorful ones:




These two were mating.  Unfortunately for them, they picked a spot out in the open along the path so modesty was thrown out the window.

And my personal favorite, the Glasswinged butterfly.

The garden staff put out pineapples and oranges which allowed us to look at the butterflies up close.

After the glasshouse we toured the grounds and then ate lunch at the cafe.  Once again, we were so impressed with the cafe food that was offered including shepherd's pie, roasted root vegetables, baked mac & cheese and apple & parsnip soup.  Total yum - worth a trip just for the food!

We ended up becoming members of the Gardens so I'm excited to go back in the spring when the grounds start coming alive with colors.