Now, this isn't a gift membership - but if you're looking for a special treat for someone and they are in or headed to London, how about giving them a Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea for Two in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon?

Fortnum & Mason has an incredible history.   Originally an exceptional grocer in the heart of London, it's now one of the world's preeminent destination stores.   And the tradition of taking tea has been an integral part of that growth.  

So how about Afternoon Tea in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon?  It actually was originally an apartment for the Fortnum famly, and then in the 1920s and 1930s, became an interior decorating department.  Then it became an antiques department and a restaurant known as St. James’s.  However ,since 2012 it has been serving up Afternoon Tea! 

The Salon was opened by the late HM The Queen, in the presence of their Royal Highnesses the then Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge.  So this really is a rather special place to tuck into sweet and savoury delights!  Imagine having Afternoon Tea in this Salon, opened by royalty!

To make Afternoon Tea all the sweeter, Virgin Experience Days have a couple of offers on Afternoon Tea for Two in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon!

Enjoy a host of sweet and savoury delights - finger sandwiches and exquisite cakes, together with freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and of course Fortnum's preserves.  An expert 'Tearista' will be on hand to advise you which tea is right for you - there's quite a range of signature blends, single-estate and infusion teas!

How about a Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea for Two in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon?
Enjoy this - it's on special offer, too, with Virgin Experience Days
for £140.00 instead of £160.00

And, if you feel like adding some bubbles...


You could indulge in a Fortnum & Mason Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two
in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon -
this is also on offer with Virgin Experience Days for £160.00 instead of £191.00

Tuck in and enjoy!

If you're looking for a membership for a spa and health nut in London, how about a Rena Spa Three Month Full Club Membership?

 
Enjoy full use of the state-of-the-art facilities.
They include a 25 metre swimming pool, steam room, sauna room and Jacuzzi.



You’ll also have access to the fully equipped gym and dedicated function work out area.



Spa Rena is in Greater London

Member benefits including complimentary towels, infused water, hot drinks and fruits, and shampoo and shower gel in the showers.

Not only that, there's a 20% discount on spa treatments and 10% discount at Leo’s Bar and Restaurant.  And you receive two free guest passes included in your membership!

A great way to relax and unwind...all for £225.00!

Find out more from Virgin Experience Days.

It’s time for RHS Chelsea Flower Show from 21^st to 25^th May 2024.  It will be full of beautiful gardens, lots of ideas, tips and advice and plenty of shopping, as well as chances to eat and drink!

And if you can’t get there – don’t panic, the BBC is covering the show!

Coverage starts on Sunday 19^th May 2024 at 6:15 with “RHS Countdown to Chelsea”, taking a look at the show.  There’s a tour of the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea before it officially opens to the public.

 
There's lots to see, including the RHS Plant of the Year 2024

Sophie Raworth and Joe Swift are joined by guests such as Carol Klein, Rachel de Thame and Adam Frost to explore the show gardens.  There’s a tribute to Venice and a space to help support recovery from strokes.

Take a look at the Houseplants Studio to give you lots of ideas.

On Monday 20^th May, at 3:45pm, BBC2 covers the opening day.  James Wong has a beginner’s guide to buying and caring for houseplants. And at 8pm, Monty Don, Joe Swift, Carol Klein, Adam Frost, Rachel de Thame, Arit Anderson and Frances Tophill look into some of the stories behind the gardens on show – there are 35 of them!

The highlights of the garden design awards are presented on Tuesday, 21^st May at 8pm, whilst Wednesday’s 8pm show looks at how Chelsea is helping to reimagine urban living.   The week comes to a close with a look at a garden perfect for outdoor entertaining and plants that will survive very hot weather (Thursday) and reviewing the winning garden in the People’s Choice Award on Friday (both 8pm)

It's not too late to buy tickets – and don’t’ forget that there are other RHS Flower Shows during the year.  And remember, Members get reduced price tickets!

The themes in 2024 are aiming to show that great design and sustainability can go hand in hand, using water wisely, and the joy of gardens and how we can attract a younger and more diverse audience to gardening.

And Ask Monty and Joe is back – viewers can ask them questions, for instance on how to deal with troubles at the garden.  There are exclusive interviews with famous faces at the show who love gardening – and the annual visit by the Royal Family!  And news!   King Charles III has been announced as Patron of the RHS!  Liz Potter took a look at the King’s gardening ethos and green credentials here.

And there’s the first Pocket Garden Makeover Prize, which is a collaboration between The One Show and the RHS!  Great for anyone who has access to a balcony or small space outside. 

Find out more about the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Visit the BBC2 here

Visit the RHS here

The RHS Flower Show  - Tatton Park  takes place from the 17th - 21st July 2024

It will be an amazing event, with lots to see and do and activities for all the family, from the younger members to older children and adults!

For instance, one of the feature gardens I'd love to see if I lived closer is the RHS Nocturnal Pollinator Experience and there's also the Empowerment Garden, a Terrace Garden, which has been co-designed by users of Petrus (people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness). 

Don't miss the Plant Village and Floral Marquee, where you can pick up lots of lovely top tips from expert growers.  There's the Flower School - find out how to create amazing displays - and the Summer Fruit and Veg Competition.  There's family fun and inspiring talks, too.  There's a list of exhibitors here

There's lots to see and do at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show!

There’s lots more information on the RHS website, as always. 

Why not give a gift membership or treat yourself to a membership of the RHS?  Apart from the benefits you will gain, it will help the RHS grow and nurture gardening for all ages.   Find out more about joining the RHS here