A Valentines dinner and a stroll round an orchid-filled conservatory

Homeowners wishing for warmer weather could do worse than pay a visit to the Princess of Wales Conservatory at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew (RBG Kew).

The gardens celebrate their 250th anniversary in February and although there is no guarantee of sunshine, the tropical climate of the conservatory will be enough to boost the spirits of even the most weather-weary Brit.

RBG Kew is offering a number of activities including orchid-potting demonstrations and tours at its Tropical Extravaganza events, which take place throughout the month.

There is even a special orchid evening prior to Valentines Day, in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.

It will be an opportunity to enjoy champagne and canapés in the beautiful setting of the Tropical Extravaganza display. Thousands of orchids will adorn the conservatory and staff will be on hand to answer questions.

For the more romantic, a similar experience can be had on Valentines Night complete with dinner at the Orangery – RBG Kews excellent restaurant.

The experience will open the eyes to the wonders of glass houses and conservatories, and will likely prompt a few visitors to wish they had a similarly warm environment in which to relax in their own home.