Bird Watching

Join us for one of our favorite hikes: **[Ivinghoe Beacon](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/ivinghoe-beacon): A Panoramic Walk**. Here are the details: ### **When and Where** * **Meeting Point:** [Euston Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5mTjVzCb7QrscrtB7) * **Time to Meet:** 8:45 AM * **Departure Time:** 9:00 AM * **Expected Return to London:** 7:00 PM ### **About the Hike** * **Distance:** 16 km * **Difficulty:** [Medium](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/faq/trails/trail-difficulty.html) * **Ascents:** 360 m * **Hiking Time:** Approximately 5 to 6 hours * Starting & Finishing point: [Tring Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4muZfRQbbEUzbBGh8) * Starting point: Tring at 9:51 am We'll trek along an open ridge to **[Ivinghoe Beacon](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/ivinghoe-beacon)**, pass through peaceful forests, and end in a charming village. **Price**: £12 (without transport) If you’d like to include train tickets, please book directly on our website: https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/ivinghoe-beacon-a-panoramic-walk-saturday.html **Note:** Don’t worry if the attendee list looks small — we also sell tickets on other platforms and our website! Got questions? Call or text **Maria** at **07535 295739**.

🌟 We love to welcome you at our Monday Classes at 4Water London! 🌟 Our class structure helps you learn and grow at your own pace! **Every Monday**, we’ll guide you on your dance journey from Absolute Beginners to Higher Intermediate, with classes tailored just for you. 💃 Schedule Overview: 🕒 6:30-7:00 PM Absolute Beginners ✨ **Free** to attend every week ✨ Perfect for those just starting. Join anytime and get a feel for the basics! 🕒 7:00-8:00 PM Beginners and Intermediate (Parallel Classes) Beginners Join our 8-week flexible program, designed so you can start at any point! We also have a great value pass—just £55 for 8 consecutive weeks! The program is built to keep your momentum high, no matter when you begin during the cycle. Intermediate Building on Beginners’ skills, this class is tailored to your progress. Grab a £80 pass for 10 classes, which can be used anytime for any level above Beginners. 🕒 8:00-9:00 PM Improvers and Higher Intermediate (Parallel Classes) Improvers Know our 6 basic moves from the Beginner and Intermediate courses? This 16-week class will take your dancing to the next level! Higher Intermediate For advanced dancers, this class hones in on deeper skills, tailored by your teacher to meet your needs. No matter where you are on your dance journey, we’ve got the perfect class for you! 🗓️ Join us this Monday and be part of a welcoming, supportive community. Learn, connect, and grow while contributing to a good cause! 🌍 Inquire with us to get your discounted pass—don’t miss this chance to take your dance skills to the next level! See you on Monday! Your 4Water Team

**🥾Hike Details** **• Distance:** 26 km **• Hiking Time:** Approx. 6-7 hours **• Grade:** Moderate **• Ascent:** 360 m **• Pace:** Steady (we aim for 4 kms/hour) with breaks for lunch and photos **• Cost:** £33 per person (includes guided Hike & return train tickets) **👣 Hike Description** **Hertfordshire’s rolling countryside** takes centre stage on this beautiful circular hike through **chalk hills, ancient villages**, and peaceful river valleys just **west of Hitchin.** This varied route blends open farmland, shaded green lanes, woodland paths, and some of the most scenic landscapes in the Chilterns. We begin near the **historic market town of Hitchin,** known for its medieval roots, **Tudor buildings,** and long-standing market square. Soon after, we pass the impressive **St Mary's Church (12th century and largely developed during the 14th–15th centuries)** Hitchin, the largest parish church in Hertfordshire, before heading into open countryside and climbing gently towards the Chiltern edge. The route continues over farmland and along ancient paths before descending into the striking chalk landscapes of **Pegsdon Hills and Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve,** a designated **AONB** known for its flower-rich grasslands, rare wildlife, and sweeping valley views. In the afternoon, we follow the **historic Icknield Way** to the **village of Pirton,** where remnants of **a Norman motte-and-bailey castle** and a deserted medieval settlement reveal layers of local history. We then continue through Oughtonhead Common, a tranquil wet woodland reserve following the crystal-clear chalk stream of the River Oughton and back in Hitchin’s old town. **🌟Highlights:** * **Chiltern Hills views & rolling farmland** * **Pegsdon Hills chalk downlands NNR** * **Ancient Icknield Way & historic Pirton** * **St Mary’s Church (12th–15th century origins)** * **Hitchin medieval market town history** **📍⏰Meeting Point & Time** **Location:** London Kings Cross Rail Station next to main ticket office **Depart:** Meet us 08:50 am, we leave 09:10 am for 09:27 am train **Return:** 06:31 pm Back in London Kings Cross (commitment required until then). **Your guide:** Raj – local trail expert and experienced group leader **On-the-day contact:** 07788 839784 (available on hike day only) **🎒What to Bring** \- Sturdy hiking boots \- Water & packed lunch/snacks \- Weather\-appropriate clothing \(layers\, windbreaker\) \- Sun protection \(hat\, sunscreen\) \- Optional: camera\, walking poles **What not included:** Food and drinks, personal insurance, and any personal expenses. **By booking and attending this event, you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ATwisQ4GPE0KszBmFVy8wK4thfCKKlGF/view?usp=sharing)** **© 2026 Outdoorly Adventures Ltd. All rights reserved**

It’s glorious weather, so join us for a Bank Holiday drink at The Mayflower, Rotherhithe. The pub is by the Thames with an outdoor area. We may move to other pubs nearby. Will update any change of location in message discussion. ☀️ 🍻

**How about a scenic social canal side walk?** *CONFIRM via the link:***[https://fatso.ma/fn76t](https://fatso.ma/fn76t)** **and please RSVP too!** **We are starting from the new exciting Camden Market Hawley Wharf ending up at Kings Cross Cole Drops Yard shops and open market.** **Walk, talk, smile, socialise, connect! Enjoy conversations with new people, uplift your spirit, recharge in the sunshine, by the canal. The water element has the ability to ground us and calm our brain!** It's the weekend! Make the most of your afternoon, bring your social and friendly self out, expand your social circle, talk about everything and anything that makes your heart sing! Make friends, create connections, or perhaps even bump into someone that can become truly that 'special one'! **What's the plan exactly & how to join :** *-With the best smile on your face! 😃* *Introduce yourself, make a best first impression, see it reflected back you!* ***-MEET-UP at 13:30 in front of POPEYES fast food restaurant right opposite CAMDEN TOWN tube station, as you exit right across the street*** Eleni will be holding a pink-fuschia bag! Please be on time as after 13:40 messages can not be replied. **-AT 13:40 WE ARE MAKING OUR WAY FROM CAMDEN MARKET HAWLEY WHARF AT LEISURE ALONGSIDE THE REGENT's CANAL TOWPATH TOWARDS KINGS CROSS COLE DROPS YARD enjoying a scenic walk!** An urban escape passing through this new exciting development with canal side cafes, shops, colourful boats and industrial buildings. **The walk takes approximately 35 mins and covers a distance of 1.3 miles approximately.** Once we reach Cole Drops Yard we are taking a walk around the stalls, discover the Word on the Water floating book store and enjoy a coffee, food or similar in one of the numerous cafes. **Let's socialise and meet new people or catch up with familiar faces.** Do not hesitate to join for the first time or by yourself as everyone is welcome and included. We must be the friendliest group in London! **Please note that this is a social walk that allows easy flowing conversations, designed to bring people together in the open air scenic sites of London.** By attending this event you are fully responsible for your own safety. Fee is non refundable, non transferable unless the event is cancelled

Pitch.london is a curated speed-networking event for founders, operators and serious builders. Short, structured conversations. Sharp prompts. Real chemistry, fast. The hardest problem in early-stage entrepreneurship is finding the right people. Most events leave it to chance. We don’t. The room is curated, the prompts are clear, and the format is built for high-signal encounters between people who are actually building something. In one evening, you can meet more relevant people than you might in months of random networking. Two formats. One room. Zero fluff. **01\. Founder matchmaking pitches** Sixty seconds to share who you are, what you’re building, and what would actually help right now. Whatever you’re looking for, the room is built to help you find it: people to build with, people to hire or be hired by, advisors and investors, or honest feedback on what you’re shipping. **02\. Group brainstorms** Small, time-boxed groups tackle a real challenge brought into the room. Bring a live problem you’re stuck on. Get five minds on it for ten minutes. Leave with new angles and next steps. **This room is for you if you’re:** * A founder seeking a co-founder * A founder seeking a first hire * An operator looking for a serious team to join * A technical builder open to commercial partners * A commercial builder open to technical partners * A second-time founder scoping the next thing * An angel investor close to the early-stage scene It’s probably not for you if you’re hunting for clients, selling services, or still working out what you’re looking for. **Run of show** * 17:30 to 18:00 Doors, drinks, soft start * 18:00 to 18:05 Welcome and the rules of the room * 18:05 to 18:35 Speed pitches: Round 1 * 18:35 to 19:15 Group brainstorms * 19:15 to 19:45 Speed pitches: Round 2 * 19:45 to 20:00 Open networking, then drinks at the citizenM Skybar **What’s included** Your £25 covers your seat in the room and a drink at the citizenM Skybar after the programme. **First 30 in get a seat**

Let's start the Spring with your brand new favourite springy hike! Yeeeeeesssssss! And it is gorse season so be ready for a yellow blanket covering the cliff top giving your photos the peps that it deserves! Wanna go to an absolutely stunning place and enjoy some less known and less busy views of the Jurassic Coast with as much beauty as the Durdle Door or the Coast of Ireland? Yes you do! And this is your trip! Wanna walk pass a place called 'Dolphin point'? Because, you can often see dolphins swimming in the sea as well as the last remaining nesting puffins, razorbills and guillemots(the last remaining penguin species in Europe) on the South Coast of England? Wanna go through a magical forest, an old quary and a splendid lighthouse for your new favourite photo? Well come with Mama Jon then! The Jurassic Coast is the Jewel on the crown when it comes to English Coastal beauty and the area which is 95 miles long (150 km) being difficult to access, most people and hikers just go and visit the Old Harry's, Durdle door and Lulworth Cove, about only 10 miles of this very long coastline missing the other 90% WHAT?! Yes I know, this is a big mistake! There is SO much more to enjoy and the landscapes you will see on this trip will blow your mind! SO, here are a few details for you to get an idea of the trip. We will take a train for a couple of hours, (about 2h20) and then a short bus journey(30 minutes) to Swanage cutting our journey time from 5 to 3 hours. From the sightseeing bus, you will be able to admire national beauties along the way. You need to deserve the Jurassic Coast after all, it isn't so easy to just get there! Once in Swanage, we will start our hike and climb to see the wonders of Dorset, the hike is medium with a few climbs but it is really worth it. Most of hike will be on the Southwest Coastal Path and around pretty places such as Anvill Point Lighthouse, Dulston Castle and The Globe with incredible view of a sea that doesn't really make you think UK kind of sea but has more of a Mediterranean kind of vibe. We will have a break on the cliff top and will then walk through another path back to Swanage where you can get a take away for the train or have a drink there or Wareham if we have time. Guys, the Jurassic Coast is on the other side of the world so it will be a full day out, we should be back at Waterloo by 21:30... and our train tickets are booked for a certain time to save a bit of ££, but British rail...you know... so do not plan an early one in the evening as I will not cut the trip short, I will have a UNO though so be ready for war! INFORMATION: ATTENTION As Always, trains in Britain, once you leave the South Eastern coast are extremely expensive. Usually about £45 return with the group discount, I will collect that money on the day before the hike via bank transfer to buy the train tickets. There will also be an additional charge on the day of 4£50 tap in with your bank card to pay for a return bus ticket too. DISTANCE: 9 miles/16km and it takes about 5 hours DIFFICULTY: Medium, a few steepish climbs PRICE: £17 via Paypal The train ticket should be around £45 ish return to send on my BA on the day before the hike. About 4£50 tap in for a short bus journey on a sightseeing bus INCLUDED in the fee: Guide fee My costs (My train and buses) My Paypal fees and my costs A lovely time with the loveliest people, also called Jonions NOT INCLUDED: Bus fare Train Food Anything not mentioned above WHAT TO BRING: A packed lunch A bank card that you can use to tap in Weather appropriate clothing(Think winter, you will might get wet) Preferably hiking shoes, unless you wish your shoes to die. They will! MEETING POINT: London Waterloo next to the cash machines located next to the clock in the main station hall and the Whsmith at 8:00 am I will send the location when I am there. ATTENTION: Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄 As you can see, my humour is terrible, good luck with that but know that I take care of my Jonions and read the bit about discrimination please, if you are racist, homophobic, cannot accept that people have other opinions or mental health issues, this might not be a trip for you. If you aren't any of the above, we will love you so, come on, press the button. POLICIES: 1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection to any of our trips and this without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationality, people of all ages, sex and political believes and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group. 2: Our trips are only refundable up to 14 days before departure, if you wish to cancel after that, you will be offered a transfer to another trip for the same price or you may resell your slot to somebody else. 3: If we do cancel the entirety of the trip on our side, you will be fully refunded, 4: I am not responsible for train cancellations and do not pay for taxis and alternative routes, by signing to this trip, you do agree to this.

**Last Place available!** **Single Occupancy with en-suite, £1845** Join us on a **magical 7-day trip** to experience one of the most exciting seabird colonies in the UK! We have scheduled **six separate boat trips to photograph the birdlife on the Farne Islands,** and our lovely accommodation is close to **one of the world's great coastal castles, Bamburgh Castle!** Along with **Dunstanburgh Castle**, this gives us the unique opportunity to indulge in some bonus landscape photography with **two stunning subjects in the evenings.** Northumberland's Farne Islands are home to more than **20 bird species**, with the **highlight being over 80,000 incredibly charismatic puffins!** Along with the puffin extravaganza, the islands' other species include **arctic terns, guillemots, razorbills, shags, kittiwakes, eider ducks, plus grey seals** basking in the sun by the water's edge. More info can be found at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/farne-islands/features/wildlife-calendar **Accommodation:** We have an amazing 6-bedroom (including 2 rooms with en-suites) close to Bamburgh Castle! **Single Occupancy Room, £1595 SOLD OUT!** **Single Occupancy with en-suite, £1845, Last Place!** **Suggested equipment:** * Telephoto lens - e.g. 300mm+, 100-400mm, 200-400mm * Walk around wide/mid-range/kit lens – e.g. 18-55mm, 24-70mm, 24-105mm * Wide-angle lens, e.g. 16-35mm, 17-40mm (optional for landscape subjects in the distance) * Don't have a telephoto lens? We'll have 3 telephoto setups available (please let me know at the time of booking). We also have 2 x branded 1.4x (Canon & Nikon DSLR) and 2.0x (Nikon DSLR) are available. * Tripod (for landscapes) * Monopod if required Filters (for landscapes). I'll have some KASE filter kits available (please mention it when booking). **Includes:** * Return transport from central London, plus transport in Northumberland to/from boats & castles. * Accommodation: An entire beautiful house in Bamburgh! (self-catering, restaurants, pubs, & shops close by) * Boat fees for 6 boat trips to the islands. * Photographic tuition on location * Camera and lens setups to borrow, if required. * Your funds are fully protected by our Travel Operator Insurance and Financial Failure Insurance. **Not included:** * Food and drink * National Trust Landing Fees (free for NT members) * Personal and travel insurance **Note:** The boat captain's decision to delay if adverse weather conditions are beyond our control (which is why we go for 6 full days just in case). **Price:** **£1845 + National Trust islands landing fees** (\~£13 per boat trip or FREE for National Trust members) (**Book direct through our secure website for the** **[Puffin Tours and Wildlife Tours here](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com/shop/wildlife-tours/). No need to make the £1 payment on Meetup**) Note: The £1 nominal Meetup event charge, should you pay, will be refunded. **More info at:** [UK Photo Tour's Puffin Photography in the Farne Islands](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com/photography-workshops/farne-islands-puffins-photo-tour/) page. **See our other tours at:** [https://www.uk-photo-tours.com](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com)

Join the Watch Football Meetup Group for an exciting Football match at O'Neill's Soho on Wardour Street. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just looking for a fun social event, this is the perfect opportunity to watch competitive football, connect with fellow sports enthusiasts, and enjoy delicious food and drinks. This event is open to fans of all teams Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallencano Wednesday 27th May. Kick off 8.00pm. meet at pub 7.30 pm. O'Neills Soho on Wardour Street. I will be in the upstairs bar near one of the football screens. I will announce the table number on day of event Look forward to it. Cheers Steve

**Who We Are** Early Bird Speakers is one of London's best public speaking club for beginners and experienced speakers alike. Our fast-paced, engaging meetings help members develop confidence and refine their speaking skills in a supportive environment. **What to Expect** Each meeting follows a structured format with three key segments: * **Prepared Speeches** – Members deliver speeches based on projects that enhance skills like storytelling, persuasion, and vocal variety. * **Impromptu Speaking (Table Topics)** – Participants practice thinking on their feet with 1–2 minute speeches on surprise topics. * **Evaluations** – Constructive feedback is given to foster continuous improvement. **Why Join Us?** * A **diverse and welcoming** community, including professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and more. * **Energetic and engaging** sessions designed to make learning enjoyable. * A **structured yet fun** experience that builds confidence and skill. * Optional **post-meeting coffee or breakfast** for networking and socialising. * Each meeting is attend by 30-50 people **Whether you’re terrified of public speaking or already confident at the mic,** this club is the place to grow. From first-time speakers to experienced presenters — everyone has something to gain here. **Meeting Details** 📍 **Where:** Freemasons' Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AZ 🕖 **When:** Every Thursday at 7:00AM - 8:45 AM (Please try to be on time as reception downstairs will close shortly after the meeting has started) Join us for free as a guest! Feel free to sign up on Meetup or **simply show up on Thursday.** Whatever your speaking ability, you'll find a warm and supportive atmosphere to grow your skills. 📩 **Questions?** Send us a message on meetup, visit [www.earlybirdspeakers.com](http://www.earlybirdspeakers.com/) or e-mail us on membership@earlybirdspeakers.com

Alright guys, some of you have asked me to do it again as it is my most popular and one of my most beautiful hikes, so here we go! I am taking you again to hike the White cliffs, my top number 1 hike. This hike is always full and there is a reason to this, it is just a fantastic place and one of the most beautiful in England. And as for now, it is supposed to be a sunny day! One of Britain's most popular locations and a well known view from the mainland tourists who travel through the English Channel from France, Belgium or the Netherlands . The chalk cliffs between Dover and Deal are a stunning location with some marvellous Sea views and seaside towns . You will see castles, beaches and will cross path with its inhabitants, the ravens, peregrine falcons or long eared owls if we are lucky. We have also been lucky a couple of times with the visit of harbour porpoises and Common dolphins who often swim along the coast. The landscapes are some of my favourite, and this trail is a feel good hike where you will be able to see the white and grey cliffs of France just across the sea on a clear day once we have reached the cliff top. We will have a proper break on the beach at St Margaret Bay where you could grab a hotdogs, ice cream or a pint of beer in the pub that is the closest to mainland Europe... As always, we will hike, we will laugh and we are likely to end the trip at a restaurant afterwards, so get ready for a lovely day out with stunning views! Probably a delightful Turkish restaurant, one of my favourites with those who wish to enjoy the day to the fullest INFORMATION: DISTANCE: 13.5 miles/20km TIME:5-6 hours TRANSPORT: By train; we will buy an off peak group days return that will allow us to save 35%on the ticket price. Please ensure that you bring £27.50 in cash The journey takes about 1h25 minutes on the fast train. PRICE: £14 ( for the guide's fee) via PayPal or credit/debit cards £27:50 In cash for the train INCLUDED: Guided hike A fun day out with lovely people NOT INCLUDED: Transport Anything else not mentioned above WHAT TO BRING: Waterproof shoes for the hike, preferably hiking shoes, otherwise good trainers; Weather appropriate clothes, including waterproofs if there is a chance of rain; Water bottle; Packed lunch and snacks. MEETING POINT: London St Pancras at 09:15 am PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CHECK THIS PAGE AGAIN 2 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE AS THE DEPARTURE STATION IS ONLY CONFIRMED BY SW TRAINS ON THE THURSDAY OR FRIDAY. ATTENTION: Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄 POLICIES: 1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection of any of our trips and this is without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationalities, people of all ages, sex and political beliefs and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group. 2: Our trips are only refundable up to 30 days before departure, if you wish to cancel after that, you will be offered a transfer to another trip for the same price or you may resell your slot to somebody else. 3: If we do cancel the entirety of the trip on our site, you will be fully refunded

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Happy Birthday to all June birthday people! I put this on the schedule because it's my birthday month, and this is my favorite place; it's also Dave Koczur's (MAFIA meetup leader) birthday on June 8; if you who are reading this have a June birthday as well, tell us in the Comments! For anyone off work or with a flexible schedule, come to Pistachio Vera in German Village for a tea and pastry. We will try to get a table outside. If convenient, you could put a fold up chair in your car in case we can all sit outside but we run out of chairs. https://www.pistaciavera.com/

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.