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Day trips

The international student support team runs a programme of trips throughout the academic year. These trips are open to all students of the College.

Remember to follow us on social media @iss_imperial and @issimperial to ensure you’re the first to know about the events and trips we have on offer.

We are currently in the process of organising trips for Autumn 2025 and will update this page very soon

Kew Gardens - Orchids

Saturday 21st February

Explore the Botanical Gardens, Kew, at your leisure. Kew Gardens includes more than 50,000 different plants in its living collection and over 7 million preserved specimens. Over 750,000 volumes and illustrations are contained in its library. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's also one of London's most popular attractions.

Your ticket will include free entry to Kew’s annual Orchid festival which has been inspired by the biodiversity of China.

The 2026 festival takes inspiration from China’s remarkable biodiversity, heritage and design traditions, filling our Princess of Wales glasshouse with a dazzling array of orchids and large-scale floral installations.

Wander among dragons, lanterns and intricate plant sculptures that bring to life the beauty and wildlife of one of the world’s most biodiverse countries and experience a burst of colour and warmth in the winter months.

Orchids will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the reach of Kew’s science and highlight the importance of plant conservation and global collaboration.

Entry time: 10am

Price: £5

Book here

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the day trips?

The day trips are open to all current Imperial College students, including EU and UK students. Occasionally staff members may attend, but they must ask permission from the International Student Support team first.

Unfortunately non-Imperial friends and family members are unable to attend.

How do I register and pay?

Click on the link in the trip you would like to attend. You will be asked to complete a registration form and will then be taken to a payment page where you will need a credit/debit card to pay. Your place will not be confirmed until you have paid.

Please note that each student wishing to attend the trip must register and pay separately.

What do I need to bring with me?

For each trip, you must bring:

Your Imperial College ID card.
Your Oyster Card if the trip is in London.
Suitable clothing and shoes for the weather.
Suncream, sunhat and water bottle if it is likely to be warm.
Lunch if you will not be buying this on the day. Please note that restaurants are likely to be busy and you may wish to reserve a table in advance, especially if a large group of you will be eating together.
Money to cover your expenses. Please do not bring very large amounts as we cannot be held responsible for this.
A camera.

There may also be additional items you will need to bring for specific trips but you will be notified of these in a pre-trip email.

What if I need to cancel?

Tickets are non-refundable unless otherwise stated.

Please be aware that as tickets for our trips are purchased in advance by the International Student Support team, we are unable to provide a refund of money if you can no longer attend. If you can no longer attend, you may find another Imperial Student to take your place. You will need to email us to let us know.

If there is a waiting list for the event, we may be able to find someone to replace you. In this case your payment will be refunded from the person taking your place on the trip.

If you have any queries about this, please email us: international@imperial.ac.uk

What are the closing dates below?

The closing date for each trip is the date after which no more bookings will be accepted. Note that a trip may fill up before the closing date.

Please note that all events are open to Imperial College students only. Each person wishing to attend must register and pay separately. PLEASE DO NOT PAY FOR MULTIPLE PEOPLE