Dragons. Lanterns. Plant sculptures. Orchids – thousands of them. Experience the China-inspired spectacular that is reinventing Kew’s beloved Orchid Festival, celebrating three decades. This year, the Princess of Wales Conservatory has been transformed into a biodiverse wonderland. The real magic? Orchids After Hours, adults-only evenings when strategic lighting makes petals glow otherworldly, their translucent structures catching light, like stained glass. Live performances and cocktails add atmosphere as you wander this tropical paradise after dark. It’s botanical theatre meets conservation story, proving why this annual visual feast remains unmissable after 30 years.

Ground and reconnect this March, as the Painted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, transforms into a healing temple. Pianist and composer Christina McMaster creates a two-hour bliss session in which you lie down on soft mattresses amid the beautiful Baroque walls and ceilings, lulled into a trance-like state of calm via the power of sound. Plus, you’ll experience Tibetan bowls, gongs, and leading Cellist Colin Alexander (London Philharmonic) resonating with the deep, comforting C on the cello, followed by uplifting and joyous Bach. Sound therapy reduces cortisol and increases feel-good endorphins, and our tester was in (happy) tears by the end. A life-affirming experience.

See London from a new perspective, with a rooftop adventure. Summit is Alexandra Palace’s spectacular new experience – the highest roof walk in the UK – offering visitors an unforgettable way to experience London from 130 metres above sea level. Created in partnership with Wire & Sky, this fully guided climb leads guests across the iconic Ally Pally rooftop to the Angel of Plenty statue, opening out to breathtaking 360-degree views that stretch 25 miles across the capital. With a choice of daytime, sunset, or London Lights climbs, plus private, group, and educational options, you can discover the Palace’s rich heritage and take a walk on the city’s skyline.

Over at the British Museum, don’t miss Hawai‘i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans. Having grown up watching Hawaii 5-0, Elvis films and most recently seen White Lotus season one, my knowledge of the 50th US state is limited. But this exhibition will change that, as it charts the social and cultural history of the islands from 1824 when the then King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu set sail for London to strengthen trading relations. Sadly, both died from measles – a disease unknown to Hawaiians at that time. A fascinating look at a different culture and the first show documenting the complex relationship between Hawaii and the UK over the past 200 years. CA

Image: ©The Trustees of the British Museum

Simpson’s In-The-Strand – where Dickens dined, Churchill debated, and Audrey Hepburn charmed – reopens in 2026 under Jeremy King, the man behind Corbin & King’s empire. Since 1828, this Grade II-listed grande dame has served roasts from silver trolleys, earning one of Britain’s first Michelin stars in 1974. Closed since 2020, its future seemed grim until King, who’s been “excited for 20 years” about helming this place, stepped in. He’s calling its restoration "the apotheosis of my career". Expect old-world Englishness meeting 21st-century vigour, where history’s walls prepare to witness the next generation’s laughter and debates over perfectly carved beef.

Image: Photograph of Jeremy King by Chris Floyd

Now until March still requires comfort reading, and these two voices will be as familiar and soothing as a cup of tea. The first is Alan Bennett, whose Enough Said is the fourth in his series of diaries, starting at the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Sounds like a downer, but this 91-year-old makes every word sparkle and will lift you. (Faber, £25). Anyone who listens to BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time will know Melvin Bragg no longer presents it, but his memoir, Another World, (coming soon) gives you a chance to hear his soft Cumbrian lilt, as he charts his life: from northern, working-class lad who makes it to Oxford and then London gently, but firmly, dispelling myths and toppling stereotypes as he goes. (Pre-order, Foyles, £22). CA

Rising star director Jordan Fein, whose excellent production of Into the Woods is also playing at The Bridge, takes on Arthur Miller’s 1994 play, about a New York Jewish couple in the aftermath of reporting on Kristallnacht. An alarmingly of-the-moment rumination on the consequences of turning a blind eye. ND

What’s the secret to writing lyrics you – and everyone else – can’t get out of your head? The man behind Angels and some of Robbie Williams’ greatest hits, Guy Chambers, knows a thing or two about that. He brings his songwriting magic to Circle & Star’s intimate upstairs room in Hampstead this February. Chambers’ monthly gatherings are part masterclass, part discovery session – he introduces emerging talent, unpacks the craft behind those inescapable choruses and shares backstage anecdotes from pop’s golden era. In a venue where you’re close enough to see the passion in performers’ eyes, it’s a rare chance to understand how hits are built and discover tomorrow’s names today.

Prue Leith, our Great British national treasure, businesswoman, novelist, and campaigner’s new book, is not, as its title suggests, a how-to manual for ageing well, which Carmel Allen discovers while reviewing it in the Spring issue. ‘Old age is not all bad,’ says Prue. ‘I’m lucky enough for it to be almost always good. I am, I think, as happy as I’ve ever been.’ Now THIS is what we class as an influencer! (Short Books, £20)

Tate Director Maria Balshaw is stepping down, and her swan song show is Tracey Emin at Tate Modern, opening this month. As women of a similar age, this promises to be an epic journey into Emin’s life work, which has always had a deeply personal, confessional feel (remember her embroidered tent of everyone she’d slept with?), exposing her vulnerability and the highs and lows of a life lived to the full. Expect over 90 pieces of work encompassing painting, video, textile, neon, sculpture and installation. CA

Image: Tracey Emin My Bed 1998 © Tracey Emin. Photo credit: Courtesy The Saatchi Gallery, London / Photograph by Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd

Over at the Royal Academy, the Rose Wylie opens in the same week as Emin. Wylie’s an inspiring artist, not least because she didn’t start her art practice until she was in her 50s. Those who have visited her studio in Kent speak of how messy it is, knee deep in work and – on the surface at least – seemingly disorganised. Not so her work, which takes aim at popular culture with incredible directness. No overthinking, just straight to the point. She might be 90, but her work has the rebel streak of a teenager. CA

Image: Pink Skater (Will I Win, Will I Win), 2015 Credit: Soon-Hak Kwon © Rose Wylie