To celebrate the final chapter of famed period drama Downton Abbey, the Royal Botanical Gardens invites visitors to experience Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey – a collection of stunning fresh floral mannequins inspired by the show’s unforgettable characters and iconic period fashion.
I am a huge Downton Abbey fan so was beyond excited when this event was announced and purchased my tickets as soon as they went on sale.
September 12 – 21, 2025
This is a timed-ticketed event and pre-registration is required.
Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey will also be on display at Kew Gardens in London September 22 – October 1 and at the Prudential Center in Boston November 5-9.
You Might Also Enjoy Reading
Alice in Bloomland: A Whimsical World of Floral Fun
A Festive Night Out at Winter Wonders – Royal Botanical Gardens
We spent 3 hours at the RBG viewing the exhibit, strolling the gardens of Hendrie Park and enjoying Afternoon Tea at the Turner Tea Pavilion – a wonderful way to spend a beautiful September afternoon.
About Fleurs de Villes
Co-founded by Tina Barkley and Karen Marshall, Fleurs de Villes (“flowers of the cities”) is the world’s only global flower show brand showcasing the artistry of local florists, designers, growers and nurseries in cities around the world to create stunning displays of art.
To date they have worked with over 1,400 floral artists at over 130 successful shows in 31 cities across Canada, the United States, England, Scotland and Australia – all which prove their tagline – “Flowers Make Us Happy”.
Check the Fleurs de Villes website for upcoming shows and follow Fleurs de Villes on Instagram for beautiful photos.
Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey
Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey is a fresh floral celebration of the famed period drama created in collaboration with talented floral artists in Southern Ontario. There are 15 stunning fresh floral mannequins on display inspired by the characters of Downton Abbey wearing glamorous gowns and fashions as seen in the film Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale premiering in theatres on September 12th.
Visitors can also vote for their favourite floral mannequin for a chance to win a pair of general admission tickets to the Royal Botanical Gardens and a month of flowers. (I voted for Lady Edith – her pink gown is stunning!)
The floral displays are found throughout the foyer and McQuesten Theatre, the Breezeway and the Mediterranean Garden. Each display also has a card posted alongside it which describes the character with a photo, a list of flowers used in the creation and information about the floral designer. Each creation is so incredibly beautiful – the talent of the floral designers is seriously off the charts!
The featured Downton Abbey characters are: the Earl of Grantham (Robert Crawley), the Countess of Grantham (Cora Crawley), Lady Mary Talbot, Lady Rose MacClare, Mrs. Hughes, Anna Bates, Matthew Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Violet Crawley), Mr. Carson, Lady Sybil Crawley, Mrs. Patmore, Queen Mary, Lady Edith Crawley, and Tom & Lucy Branson.
Be sure to visit the outdoor Royal Court to enjoy the beautiful flowers and pause for a photo at the Floral Bench & Arch which is inspired by the grandeur and picturesque gardens of Downton Abbey.
There was a display with a few items of Fleurs de Villes merchandise available for purchase in the RBG Centre Gift Shop.
Afternoon Tea at the Tea House
The newly-renovated Tea House at the Turner Pavilion, located in the heart of the Rose Garden in Hendrie Park, is a lovely setting to enjoy afternoon tea either before or after viewing the Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey exhibition.
The menu for the Downton Abbey tea has several options available including vegetarian and vegan. We ordered one of the Manor Classic – a three tier tray with sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and assorted petits-fours. It was delicious and it was more than enough for two of us.
Reservations are required and are made through Open Table.
The Tea House is already fully booked for the duration of the Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey exhibition, however, availability may change due to cancellations so check back regularly if you have your heart set on taking tea during your visit.
Fleurs de Villes Jardin
There are also daily demonstrations and talks included with event admission that are quite popular with visitors. Some are daily and some are on specific days only so if you’re keen to attend one of the talks or demonstrations then check the schedule before selecting the date and time of your visit (although bearing in mind that the schedule is subject to change). We booked a 1 pm visit and a 2:30 tea reservation and, unfortunately, the timing of the scheduled events on the day of our visit didn’t work for us.
Check the RBG website for details on these scheduled talks and demonstrations.
- Downton Abbey Inspired Tablescapes
- English Country Hand Tied Bouquets
- Old England Compote Arrangements
- Fleurs de Villes: Travels Around the World ‘en fleurs’
- Walk & Talk Through the Exhibition
- The Golden Age of Cocktails
- Legacy and Heritage of Art Deco Gardens at RBG
Hendrie Park
If it’s a nice day then be sure to take the time for a stroll around Hendrie Park – the gardens are absolutely gorgeous at this time of year!
What You Need To Know
- Fleurs de Villes Downton Abbey at the RBG Centre (680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington) will take place September 12 – 21, 2025.
- Standard hours are 10 am – 5 pm but may vary so check the RBG website to confirm.
- Access to RBG Centre beyond the Gift Shop (including the Breezeway and Mediterranean Garden) available for Fleurs de Villes ticketholders only. Hendrie Park remains accessible to all visitors.
- Admission Fees for Adults: $25.00 + HST + $2 service fee. Reduced admission fees for Seniors, Students and Children. Age 2 and under are free. $10 for members – registration is required.
- Tickets are non-refundable and final sale.
Additional Reading
Celebrate Spring with a Visit to the Canadian Tulip Festival
8 of the Best Romantic Getaways in Ontario
Pin This For Later
Leave a Reply