gardens to visit south london

The loveliest gardens to visit near London

From english country gardens to glorious outdoor sculpture parks, these are the loveliest green spaces to visit now that summer is here.

Osterley Park, Middlesex

Just west of busy Hounslow, Osterley is one of the last surviving country estates in London designed by the 18th-century architect Robert Adam. Visitors can admire the architecturally stunning house, but the formal gardens, which were restored during a six-year project from an overgrown wilderness back to their 18th-century grandeur, are the real draw. We recommend a walk through the meadow that is teeming with butterflies and wild blooms, through the woodlands and towards Middle Lake.

Read more Chiswick House & Gardens, Chiswick

The gardens have always been among our favourites with their rich reference to the English Landscape Movement in the statues, vistas and garden buildings. New York frequenters might recognise some of the garden as the foundation for Central Park. Highlights include the fragrant rosary, 65 acres of dense woodland and the rare collection of blossoming camellias in the Conservatory – believed to be the oldest collection under glass in Europe.

activities near London

Day trips from london.

Now's the time to pick your own fruit and veg near London

Where to go wild swimming: London and beyond

The UK holiday kit list: what to pack for a staycation

You have reached the limit of free articles.

To enjoy unlimited access to Culture Whisper sign up for FREE. Find out more about Culture Whisper

Please fix the following input errors:

Each week, we send newsletters and communication featuring articles, our latest tickets invitations, and exclusive offers.

Occasional information about discounts, special offers and promotions.

which includes our Cookie Use

Thanks for signing up to Culture Whisper. Please check your inbox for a confirmation email and click the link to verify your account.

If you click «Log in with Facebook» and are not a Culture Whisper user, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and to our Privacy Policy , which includes our Cookie Use

Site Search

The 56 best places to visit in london and the south east of england.

The South East is home to many of the most famous and glorious historic houses and gardens, and here we look at 56 of the most stunning examples from different counties within the region.

If you’re visiting the UK, or looking for a staycation adventure exploring the history and extraordinary heritage of Britain, then a visit to the South East of England offers some of the finest collection of historic houses and gardens anywhere in the world. From the Tudor castle of Hever – the childhood home of Queen Anne Boleyn, to stunning gardens of Arundel and ‘World Garden’ of Lullingstone . We also list some of the best places to visit in London, including the neo-classical Spencer House and Fulham Palace alongside the Thames.

Dorney Court, Windsor

Dorney Court is one of England’s outstanding Tudor Manor Houses. Grade 1 Listed, acknowledged for its architectural and historical importance while combining great character and warmth.

The House is home to the Palmer family, passing through fourteen generations, and hosts tours, weddings, filming and events.

Englefield House is a beautiful historic house

Englefield House, Reading

There is an inscription on a stone staircase in Englefield Gardens which reads, “If you help towards Englefield Garden either in flowers or invention you shall be welcome thither”.

This inscription was taken from a letter written in 1601 by Sir Edward Norris, the then occupier of Englefield House, and shows that a garden was managed and cared for on the Estate over 400 years ago.

Highclere Castle is the home of Downton Abbey in Hampshire, UK

Highclere Castle, near Newbury

Highclere Castle is a magnificent family home, often described as ‘the finest occupied Victorian mansion in England’. Owned by the Carnarvon Family for over 300 years, we hope visitors will discover its treasures throughout the tours of the State rooms as well as exploring the Egyptian Exhibition.

The Castle you see today was designed by Sir Charles Barry. He began in 1842 whilst re-building the Houses of Parliament. Many similarities exist between the styles of the two buildings.

Shaw House, Newbury

Shaw House is one of the best preserved Elizabethan mansions in England, built by Thomas Dolman in 1581. Over the centuries Shaw House has welcomed royalty, seen action during the Civil War, housed soldiers during World War II and schooled generations of local children.

Buckinghamshire

Chenies Manor House, Chenies

Historic Chenies Manor is open to visitors and is available for wedding ceremonies, receptions, exhibitions, events, filming and guided tours.

Beautifully nestled in the natural beauty of the Chilterns on the Herts/Bucks border. The idyllic rural setting of the manor also benefits close proximity to London and London Heathrow, situated just outside of the M25. Chenies Manor House is one of the UK’s finest Tudor Mansion Houses.

Nether Winchendon House in Buckinghamshire

Nether Winchendon House, Aylesbury

Welcome to Nether Winchendon House, an enchanting Medieval and Tudor Manor House and Country House Wedding Venue.

Nether Winchendon House is one of the most romantic of the ancient historic houses in England and listed Grade I, set in seven acres of tranquil Gardens and surrounded by 600 acres of Parkland, on the Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire border.

Stowe House, Stowe

In the 18th-century, the powerful Temple-Grenville family chose to create an idyllic landscape filled with temples. Amidst these enchanting gardens, they built the most lavish temple of all, Stowe House, famous during its 18th-century heyday as an important artistic masterpiece.

In 1922, in the face of demolition, Stowe School saved the building from certain destruction. Unlike the loss and decline of many English country houses, Stowe House found a new and revived use for the 20th and 21st-centuries as a school for boys and girls.

Waddesdon Manor Gardens credit Chris Lacey

Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury

This splendid mansion, built by Ferdinand de Rothschild in the style of Louis XIV, boasts an extensive art collection and immaculate furnishings.

The collection, built by successive members of the Rothschild dynasty, includes Dutch Masters, works by Reynolds, Gainsborough and others, and outstanding furniture.

Book an event when in South East England

Historic houses and gardens all across the UK play host to a range of regular events, especially in the peak season from March to October and then in the run-up to Christmas. If you’re visiting the South East of England, or live in the area, take a look at all the fabulous events on the horizon on our official events page here.

East Sussex

Firle Place, Lewes

Firle Place has been the home of the Gage family for over 500 years, and is a house with a rich history and extraordinary collection of old master paintings, porcelain and furniture.

The Firle Estate sits in the heart of the South Downs National Park and just 60 miles from the centre of London. Incorporating several villages and farms spread over rolling hills, Firle is a thriving rural community set in one of the most picturesque parts of the United Kingdom.

Glynde Place, Lewes

Glynde Place is situated at the top of the village of Glynde and has commanding views over the Weald and Sussex Downs.

The house was built in 1569 by William and Anne Morley, to replace the previous existing family home, from local flint, chalk and Caen stone. Glynde Place has passed from William and Anne, through three intermarried families, to the current owners.

Carron Nightingale photo of Great Dixter Gardens

Great Dixter Gardens, near Rye

Great Dixter was the family home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd – it was the focus of his energy and enthusiasm and fuelled over 40 years of books and articles.

Now under the stewardship of Fergus Garrett and the Great Dixter Charitable Trust, Great Dixter is an historic house, a garden, a centre of education, and a place of pilgramge for horticulturists from across the world.

Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker

Welcome to England’s longest medieval water filled moat. This picturesque island offers a great day out for all the family.

Discover 800 years of history at Michelham: from its foundation by Augustinian canons, through the dissolution of the monasteries into its later life as a country house.

Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst

At Pashley you will discover 11 acres of beautiful borders and vistas – the culmination of a lifetime of passion for gardening and an admiration of the tradition of the English Country garden. These award winning gardens are family owned and maintained – visitors often express delight at the attention to detail displayed throughout and the intimate, peaceful atmosphere.

Breamore House, Fordingbridge

The magnificent Elizabethan Manor House overlooks the Avon Valley on the edge of the New Forest, just north of Fordingbridge. The house was completed in 1583 and looks today much as it would have done to its original owners.

Visitors can enjoy seeing a wide variety of paintings as well as tapestries, porcelain, 17th-century needlework and a rare James I carpet. There are also fine examples of period furniture in the house.

Chawton House, Alton

Built by the Knight family in the 1580, the house has undergone centuries of change and development as it has passed through different hands.

This makes it rich with quirky and fascinating features: from graffiti on paintings and ‘witch marks’ on walls, to heraldic stained glass windows and ornately carved fireplaces.

Houghton Lodge Gardens, Stockbridge

Houghton Lodge Gardens has been described by visitors as ‘the jewel of the Test Valley’, and ‘A stately pleasure-dome on the most romantic river in England’.

The Grade II* listed formal and informal gardens surround the UK’s best surviving example of an 18th-century Cottage Orné, idyllically set above the tranquil waters of the River Test.

Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle

Stansted Park is home to stunning weddings, forest walks, afternoon teas and some of the best events in the south! Visit the Mansion with its State rooms and fully furnished Servants’ Quarters for a real sense of a bygone era.

The Grounds and Walled Gardens are open all year, this includes the Arboretum, The Pavilion Tearoom, The Stansted Park Garden Centre, The Stansted Park Farm Shop and The Maze & Railway.

Stratfield Saye House, between Reading and Basingstoke

After the Duke of Wellington’s victory against Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the Duke chose Stratfield Saye as his country estate.

The house contains many of the 1st Duke’s possessions and is still occupied by his descendants, being a family home rather than a museum.

Take a boat to Tennyson's home...

Farringford is a Grade 1 listed building on the Isle of Wight that was the main residence of renowned Victorian Poet Laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson from 1853 until his death until in 1892.

Here he wrote some of his most famous works, including Maud and The Charge of the Light Brigade, as well as entertaining eminent artists and intellectuals of the day.

Farringford on the Isle of Wight with a large tree

Belmont House, Faversham

Belont is a neo-classical brick country house by Samuel Wyatt, faced in pale mathematical tiles with Coade stone dressings. The light interior includes a fine staircase, hall and interesting collections of Indian and English furniture, as well as an outstanding clock collection.

A lifelong passion for horology led the 5th Lord Harris to accumulate one of the largest personal collections of clocks in the country. Six generations of the Harris family have each left their mark on this lovely country house.

Chiddingstone Castle, near Edenbridge

A historic house with Tudor origins, Victorian rooms that was rebuilt in the 1800s to resemble a medieval castle, set in 35 acres of Kentish countryside.

Chiddingstone is set in 35 acres of informal gardens with breathtaking views of the North Downs. It features large lawns for picnics, an intimate rose garden, woodland and a beautiful fishing lake.

Doddington Place Gardens, near Sittingbourne

Doddington Place is surrounded by wooded countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the North Downs.

The lovely landscaped gardens, recognised of being of historical importance by Historic England, are set in the grounds of an imposing Victorian mansion and cover ten acres.

Godinton House & Gardens, Ashford

Godinton is a comfortable, much-loved home; each room has a different feel, a contrast on a theme, not designed by architect or curator but for the taste and enjoyment of those who lived here over the centuries and now for visitors.

Tours of the house are led by expert guides unravelling the 600 years of history and revealing an excellent country house collection of furniture, art, porcelain and curios.

Goodnestone Park, Canterbury

Goodnestone Park was built in 1704 by Brook Bridges who had recently purchased the estate. The date of the house is scratched onto a brick on the main front.

During the early 18th century the house was surrounded by extensive formal gardens recorded in a view by William Harris. These disappeared later in the 18th century when Sir Brook Bridges, the 3rd baronet and great-grandson of the builder, replaced the gardens with a landscape park in the fashion of the time.

Hever Castle is a beautiful historic estate in Kent

Hever Castle, Edenbridge

Dating back to the 13th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I.

It formed the unlikely backdrop to a sequence of tumultuous events that changed the course of Britain’s history, monarchy and religion. Its panelled rooms house fine furniture, tapestries, antiques and an impressive collection of Tudor portraits.

Visit South East England sustainably

We’re really keen to promote sustainable travel to historic houses and gardens across the UK, so we’ve teamed up with the folks at Good Journey , offering car-free alternatives to reaching these stunning historic attractions. We recommend you take a look at their website when planning a trip around the houses and gardens.

...also in Kent

Hole Park, Cranbrook

A less well known but delightful private home, centerpiece of a rural estate situated in the Weald of Kent in a wonderful parkland setting.

The extensive 16 acres of gardens open to the public feature formal lawns with specimen trees and extensive yew topiary with statuary and herbaceous borders within. An interesting feature is the standard form wisteria in the Vineyard.

Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford

Set within 120 acres of beautiful Kent Countryside, Lullingstone Castle is one of England’s oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Domesday. The present Manor House and Gatehouse dating from 1497 have been home to the Hart Dyke family ever since.

Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham

We’re most well-known for our spectacular 10 acre Edwardian gardens featuring a topiary garden, rock and water garden, arboretum and rose garden.

We also have a fabulous grass maze, planted with ornamental grasses and herbaceous perennials. We are home to an extensive collection of spring bulbs, trees and shrubs including Rhododendrons, many types of Camelias and Magnolias.

Penshurst Place, Tonbridge

Penshurst Place has been home to the Sidney family since 1552 making it one of the oldest family-owned estates in England.

Surrounded by 11 acres of walled formal gardens and housing one of the few surviving medieval Baronial Halls in England, Penshurst Place is an historical gem in the Weald of Kent countryside. The stately home and gardens were once used as a hunting lodge for King Henry VIII, and now feature beautiful staterooms and grounds that are frequently showcased in popular TV and film productions.

Restoration House, Rochester

Restoration House is the amalgamation of two medieval buildings which were combined in the late 16th or early 17th-century to create a mansion house just outside the city wall of Rochester.

Over the past ten years the present owners have uncovered various parts of the decorative scheme which were the “run up” for King Charles II’s visit on the eve of his Restoration to the throne. These provide fascinating examples of fashionable mid-17th century Continental taste seen through provincial eyes at a time when such innovations had been quashed by Cromwell.

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks

170 years of continual planting by six generations of the same family has created a rich and valuable plant collection for visitors to enjoy at Riverhill.

The gardens are an intriguing mix of historic and traditional planting, with contemporary and quirky twists, making it a fascinating ‘must visit’ garden for families and garden lovers alike.

London and Middlesex

Fulham Palace east facade in spring, Credit Kajsa Kax

Fulham Palace, Fulham

Discover the historic home of the Bishops of London at Fulham Palace. The Palace sits beside the Thames in Fulham and reflects the 1,300 years of occupation by the Bishops.

Take a stroll through 13 acres of botanic garden, with a peaceful walled garden at its centre. Admire the 500 year old holm oak and the new Compton beds, grown with varieties originally brought to the Palace in the 1700s.

Grove House, Roehampton Lane

Grade II* Georgian House which is closed to the public but available for private hire.

Set in fifteen acres of parkland with original Georgian and Victorian features including a large lake, mausoleum, grotto and sham bridge. The gardens are open to the public free of charge.

Spencer House, St James' Place

From its conception, Spencer House was recognised as one of the most sumptuous private residences ever built in London and a building of unique importance in the history of English architecture.

Designed by John Vardy and James ‘Athenian’ Stuart, the State Rooms are amongst the first neo-classical interiors in Europe. The House has regained the full splendour of its eighteenth-century appearance after a painstaking ten-year restoration under the Chairmanship of Lord Rothschild.

Syon House, Brentford

The London home of the Duke of Northumberland, whose family were granted the former monastic site at the end of the 16th-century.

The Tudor mansion was remodelled by Robert Adam for the 1st Duke in 1760’s and the interiors are an architectural tour de force – the great hall may be Adam’s finest classical work.

The Charterhouse, Smithfield

Set in the heart of Clerkenwell, the Charterhouse has been living the Nation’s history since 1348.

Initially a Black Death burial ground, the site became home to the largest Carthusian monastery in the world until it was brutally dissolved in 1537 when 16 monks became proto-martyrs of the Reformation.

The Queen's House, Greenwich

Commissioned in 1616 by Anne of Denmark, wife of James I, the Queen’s House is the first purely classical building in Britain and represents a turning point in english architecture.

Designed by Inigo Jones as a private royal retreat, it was completed in 1638 after Charles I had given the House to his queen, Henrietta Maria.

Oxfordshire

Ardington House, Wantage

Ardington House is a Georgian masterpiece which we invite you to make your own for the most special of occasions.

Set in its own extensive gardens and parkland, Ardington House is a listed stately home, built in 1720 with an emphasis on perfect symmetry and natural light throughout.

Blenheim Palace Park, Woodstock

With its own special place in Britain’s history, Blenheim Palace is a true national treasure which brings wonder, delight and discovery to all who visit.

Home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, this masterpiece of 18th century baroque architecture boasts over 300 years of history.

Broughton Castle, Banbury

Broughton Castle is a moated and fortified manor house near Banbury in North Oxfordshire.

Set in parkland and built of the rich local Hornton ironstone, it was selected by Simon Jenkins as one of only twenty to be awarded five stars in his book England’s Thousand Best Houses.

Hook Norton Brewery, Banbury

Brewing since 1849, Hook Norton Brewery is a proudly independent family owned, fifth generation brewery based in the heart of the Cotswold Hills.We take the very best of our handcrafted brewing heritage and combine it with a thoroughly modern approach, to create a range of cask, keg and bottled core ales, seasonals and one off unique brews.

Brewing on the same site for over a century and a half; still housed in the original buildings, Hook Norton invite you to come and experienced the unique sights, sounds and smells of a historic brewery at work and share in our passion and commitment to beer.

Kingston Bagpuize House in Oxfordshire was a film location for Downton Abbey

Kingston Bagpuize House, near Abingdon

Kingston Bagpuize House remains a family home. Surrounded by garden and parkland this beautiful early Georgian style house is in red brick with stone quoins, banding and window surrounds.

The entrance hall is dominated by the handsome cantilever staircase. The elegant reception rooms have period furniture and paintings.

Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames

Stonor Park has been the Stonor family’s residence for 850 years making it one of the oldest family homes still lived in today.

Discover art and treasures collected from across the globe and view historic maps and documents that reveal generations of service to the country. A stroll through this house is a vivid walk through history.

Limnerslease, Compton

In 1889, seeking a winter retreat from their Holland Park house and studio and wishing to escape the smogs of London that caused George’s bad health, G F and Mary Watts stayed with friends in Compton.

They quickly decided that this picturesque village nestled in the Surrey hills would make the ideal location for their own autumn/winter residence.

Loseley Park, Guildford

Loseley House is situated only a short distance from London in acres of rolling parkland with views that have changed very little in 500 years. The house is a fine example of Elizabethan architecture featuring many fine works of art. Loseley was built as a family home and it still remains so.

Hospitality is a family tradition and we take pride in opening our estate, house and gardens to visitors as well as for weddings, corporate events, country fairs and artisan shows.

Painshill Park, Cobham

Painshill is a beautiful award-winning 18th century landscape garden in Surrey.

The 158 acre wonderland has something for everyone and makes a great family day out. Discover the mystical follies, historic plantings, the John Bartram Heritage Collection of North American trees and shrubs (Plant Heritage, NCCPG), and some of Surrey’s amazing wildlife.

The Garth, Lingfield

The origins of The Garth, also known as The Garth Pleasure Grounds, go back to 1729 when the Lingfield parish drew up a contract, with a local carpenter Thomas Stanford, to build a new workhouse at a cost of £290. It provided basic schooling for boys making shoes, hats, bonnets and waistcoats.

The garden at the Garth covers 9 acres and was designed in 1919 by a distinguished historic Arts and Crafts buildings and landscape architect Walter H Godfrey (1881-1961).

Titsey Place, Oxted

Titsey Place in Oxted, Surrey is an impressive manor house with beautiful gardens set in the stunning countryside of the North Downs.

The House and Gardens are held in Charitable Trust and for part of the year are open to the public offering guided tours of the house which dates back to the 16th century and stunning gardens, including the walled kitchen gardens, landscaped lakes, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Rose Garden.

Vann, near Godalming

The Historic England Registered Garden is some 5-acres, maintained with three days help.

It surrounds and complements a historic family home dating from the 16 century, giving a series of garden rooms of great variety, from the formal old “cottage garden” at the front with delightfully informal planting, to a robust pergola of Bargate stone by W.D.Caröe.

West Sussex

Arundel Castle Gardens, Arundel

Set high on a hill, this great castle commands the local Sussex landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and the River Arun. From its 11th-century Norman Keep to the grandeur of its State Rooms with their stunning art and the glorious gardens, Arundel Castle will appeal to a wide range of visitors.

Gardens and grounds free to members. Closed Mondays. Free entry not valid on event days.

Borde Hill Gardens, Haywards Heath

Borde Hill features the delightful Azalea Ring and Rhododendron Gardens, Rose Garden and scenic Italian Garden, plus subtropical dells and ruins of Old Potting Sheds.

Beyond the Garden visitors can enjoy beautiful woodland walks, lakeside strolls or explore the grade II* listed parkland. Children can let off steam in the adventure playground and dogs on leads are welcome. Events throughout the season include horticultural talks and family activities during the school holidays.

Goodwood House, Chichester

Goodwood House, home to the Dukes of Richmond for over 300 years, is open to the public for 60 days a year.

The Regency State Apartments house some astonishing treasures including celebrated paintings by horse artist George Stubbs and Canaletto’s stunning views of the City of London. An extensive Sevres porcelain service is also on show, together with French tapestries, fine furniture, and fascinating objects.

High Beeches Garden is the perfect place for a walk

High Beeches Garden, Handcross

A hidden gem in the High Weald of Sussex, High Beeches is a botanical treasure trove planted with many rare trees and shrubs.

There is much to see at every season: In spring the magnolias and camellias are under planted with swathes of daffodils and the woodland glades and vistas are,in early summer, carpeted with bluebells and filled with the colour and fragrance of the many rhododendrons and azaleas.

Parham House and Gardens credit Elizabeth Zeschin

Parham House, Pulborough

Parham is a traditional stone E-shaped Elizabethan mansion, built in 1557. Idyllically set in the heart of an ancient deer park, below the South Downs, the Elizabethan house contains an important collection of needlework, paintings and furniture.

Parham has always been a well-loved family home, and only three families have lived here since its foundation stone was laid.

St Mary's House, Bramber

Enchanting medieval timber-framed house in the pretty downland village of Bramber, with fine panelled interiors and five acres of beautiful gardens.

St Mary’s has a unique Elizabethan ‘Painted Room’ with trompe l’oeil murals. Visitors admire its picturesque charm and enjoy its atmosphere of friendliness and welcome.

Explore other UK regions

Best Places to Visit in Wales

The 14 Best Places to Visit in the West Midlands

Harewood House was designed by Robert Adam

The 20 Best Places to Visit in Yorkshire

Gresgarth Hall in Lancashire with lake view

The 28 Best Places to Visit in the North West of England

Dunrobin Castle near Inverness in Scotland

The 46 Best Places to Visit in Scotland

The 53 Best Places to Visit in the South West of England

The 10 Best Places to Visit in the North East of England

Hindringham Hall beautiful lake photograph

The 21 Best Places to Visit in the East of England

The 24 Best Places to Visit in the East Midlands

The 4 Best Places to Visit in Northern Ireland

Visit the 300 Best Historic Houses & Gardens in the UK

Become a historic houses member.

Explore the nation’s heritage from just £68 per year.

Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.

Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.

Sign up for our newsletter

Read more of our stories, receive exclusive content, and find out what’s on.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our privacy policy .

" * " indicates required fields

Member Login

Forgotten your password?

Register to login

All members (except house and corporate members) need to register for an online account to be able to log in to the site. If you are a house or corporate member, contact our offices.

If you have already registered an account and still can’t login, try setting a new password by clicking ‘Forgotten your password’.

Not yet a member?

In order to view our online lectures and other members-only content, and access hundreds of Historic Houses for free, you’ll first need to become a member.

Guide to London’s coolest places to visit

Things To Do

23 Beautiful Gardens In London You Need To Visit

A guide to London's most beautiful gardens. From royal palace gardens to hidden gems within London parks and stately homes across the city. Read on to discover these gems.

Last Updated on 27 December, 2022

London is renowned for its lush green spaces, and the city’s gardens are a brilliant way to take in some of the natural beauty of this bustling metropolis.

From world-famous parks to lesser-known corners of serenity, here are some of London’s most beautiful gardens that are well worth a visit.

From iconic landmarks to fascinating museums and galleries , there are many reasons to visit this city. But for those looking for a moment of respite away from the hustle and bustle, its gardens can offer just that.

Whether you want to relax amidst fragrant blooms, wander along tranquil paths, or admire stunning views across the city skyline, London’s gardens have something to offer everyone.

23 Must-See Pretty Gardens In London

Kew gardens.

Kew Gardens is one of the most iconic gardens in London, and with good reason. Founded in 1759 as a royal botanic garden, Kew Gardens is now home to over 50,000 different species of plants from all around the world.

The grounds cover more than 300 acres and include sites such as the Palm House and Temperate House – two of the world’s most important surviving Victorian glasshouses.

Kew Gardens also features themed gardens, from the Japanese-inspired Bonsai Terrace to the Mediterranean Garden and the Rose Garden. This is also among the best places to visit for those looking for activities with kids in Londo n.

Nearest Station: Kew Railway Station

Chelsea Physic Garden

The Chelsea Physic Garden is one of London’s oldest botanical gardens, having been established in 1673. The garden is home to 4,000 different species of plants from around the globe and covers just over four acres and has a range of different themed areas, such as the Medicinal Plant Border, the Fruit Garden and the Cacti Collection. You simply cannot miss this place while exploring Chelsea .

Visitors can also explore the glasshouses that are home to exotic plants from all around the globe and take in some of the garden’s exceptional views over the River Thames.

The Chelsea Physic Garden is located in South West London area of Chelsea . This Grade I listed garden also hosts a range of events, such as guided tours, lectures and workshops throughout the year.

Nearest Station: Sloane Square Station

Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens, The Regent’s Park, Marylebone

The Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens are a stunning collection of roses located in London’s Regent’s Park . The gardens are home to thousands of varieties of roses from all over the world, making this one of the best places in London to enjoy these beautiful flowers.

You can explore the garden and take in its beauty as they stroll around the winding paths and tranquil ponds.

Nearest Station: Baker Street and Regents Park Stations

View this post on Instagram A post shared by xemme (@xemme.view)

The Barbican Conservatory is a hidden treasure in the heart of London. Founded in 1984 and located within the Barbican Centre complex, the conservatory contains over 2,000 species of plants and trees, as well as hundreds of varieties of fish.

Visitors can take a virtual tour of this indoor oasis or join one of the many guided tours that take place throughout the year. Before Covid you might have been able to just turn up on the day, now you have to book in advance. Also as its now used for events and functions, its closed on days its booked out so check in advance before heading over there.

Nearest Station: Moorgate and Liverpool Street Stations

The Rose Garden, Greenwich Royal Park

The Rose Garden at Greenwich Royal Park is a stunning and tranquil area of the park. With over 4,000 roses from around the world, visitors can take in the beauty of these wonderful flowers while admiring the views across London’s skyline.

The garden also features a variety of sculptures, fountains and ponds, which make this one of the most beautiful gardens in London. While in the area be sure not to miss Greenwich Market , Greenwich Naval College, Cutty Sark and many other cool things to do in Greenwich .

Nearest Station: Cutty Sark DLR Station

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Annabell (@annabell.johannsen)

Another London garden this is a favourite of mine, the Sky Garden is a unique garden situated atop the iconic Walkie-Talkie building in London’s financial district.

With breathtaking views of the city, this incredible garden boasts an amazing array of plants and trees from around the world. This is also among London’s freely accessible viewpoints in the city.

You can explore the gardens throughout the day and enjoy a spot of lunch or dinner at one of its many restaurants. Note that while they do accept a limited number of walk-ins, to avoid disappointments book in advance as they only have a number of tickets available each day for walk-ins.

Nearest Station: Bank And Monument Stations

Kyoto Garden

The Kyoto Garden is a tranquil and peaceful Japanese-style garden in the heart of London’s Holland Park. The two-acre plot features cherry trees, a waterfall and various ornamental plants that have been carefully arranged to ensure visitors feel as if they are at one with nature.

The garden also includes a serene pond where you can catch a glimpse of the koi carp swimming among the lotus flowers.

Nearest Station: Holland Park Station

Eltham Palace Gardens

If you are a lover of all things royalty then this place has to be among your list of Royal Palaces in London you need to visit.

Eltham Palace Gardens is a fantastic spot to explore and take in some of London’s royal history. Located near Greenwich, the Grade I listed gardens are home to a range of plants from all over the world, as well as beautiful terraces and walkways.

The gardens also feature an impressive array of sculptures and water features that have been carefully designed to create a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

Nearest Station: Mottingham Station

Thames Barrier Park

The Thames Barrier Park is a stunning public park located in East London. The Grade II listed park is home to a variety of trees, plants and flowers from all over the globe, as well as winding pathways for visitors to explore.

This area also features impressive water features, sculptures and fountains that have been carefully designed to create a tranquil atmosphere.

Visitors can also take in the breathtaking views of London from the top of the barrier, as well as explore the winding pathways and ponds.

Nearest Station: Pontoon Dock DLR Stations

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Frank & Vincent (@aesthetictubepics)

Hampton Court Palace Gardens

The gardens at Hampton Court Palace are considered to be some of the finest in England and an absolute favourite of ours. With a history dating back to 1529, Hampton Court grounds are full of ornamental plants and trees, as well as several large ponds and fountains.

This place has also been featured in Bridgeton, if you watch the Netflix series you make have spotted it in the last season.

The Gardens also feature over 600 different species of roses, making it one of the nicest spots in London to take in the beauty of these flowers. Visitors can also explore the historic maze, which is assumed to be one of the best in England.

Nearest Station: Hampton Court train station

Hyde Park Rose Garden, Central London

The Rose Garden at Hyde Park is one of the most beautiful gardens in London. Established in 1983, this garden is home to over 2,000 different varieties of roses from across the world.

Visitors can explore the stunning collection of roses, as well as take in the lovely views of the park and surrounding area. The garden also hosts a series of exceptional events throughout the year, such as the Summer Rose Festival and the Autumn Rose Show.

Nearest Station: Hyde Park Corner Station

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ⠀⠀❂ ᴬᴺᴰᴿᴱᴬ ᴶᵁᴺᴳ (@die_lichtjaegerin)

The Italian Garden, Hyde Park

The Italian Garden is an intimate and peaceful oasis in the centre of London’s Hyde Park. One of my favourite parts of Hyde Par k.

This secluded garden features a range of colourful plants, which have been planted to create a traditional Italian courtyard-style setting. Visitors can also take in the lovely views of the lake that surrounds this beautiful area. If you are in the area be sure to stop by for afternoon tea at Lancaster Gate Hotel.

Nearest Station: Lancaster Gate Tube Station

Hampstead Hill Garden + Pergola

The Hampstead Hill Garden + Pergola is a stunning and unique garden located in North London. This beautiful area features an array of plants, trees and flowers that have been carefully arranged to create a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

Visitors can explore the winding gardens, as well as take in the amazing views across London from the pergola at the top of the hill. This garden is a great spot to relax and enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of London.

Nearest Station: Hempstead Station

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caterina Soddu (@catesoddu)

Kensington Palace Gardens

Kensington Palace Gardens is just one of the most popular and beautiful gardens in London. This Grade I listed garden features a range of plants, trees and flowers from all over the world, as well as a large pond filled with koi carp and lotus flowers.

You can explore the winding pathways and take a glimpse of the koi carp from the viewing platforms. The gardens also feature an impressive array of sculptures and water features that have been carefully designed to create a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

If you are working your way through things to do in Kensington this is among the list of unmissable places to visit in Kensington. Be sure to stop by some a pub drink or lunch at these cool pubs near Kensington Palace .

Nearest Station: Kensington High Street Station

Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park

The Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park , is an impressive area located in South West London that features some of the most stunning gardens in the city.

This Grade I listed garden is home to an array of exotic plants and trees from all over the world, as well as winding pathways for visitors to explore.

The gardens also feature a variety of sculptures, fountains and ponds, which make this one of the most beautiful gardens in London. Visitors can also take in the stunning views across London from the top of the garden. If you are in the area, dont miss out on a chance to spot one of London’s islands from the views of the Thames from Richmond Park.

Nearest Station: Richmond and Hampton Wick Stations

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sofía Sjöwall-Martínez (@sweetladysofia)

Buckingham Palace Gardens

Buckingham Palace is one of those unmissable tourist places to visit in London so its gardens are also on the list of London’s most iconic and beautiful gardens. Visitors can explore the winding pathways as well as take in the stunning views of the palace grounds from the top of the garden.

The gardens are home to an impressive collection of plants and trees from all over the world, making this one of the best spots in London to enjoy some of the city’s most beautiful flora.

The gardens also feature magnificent water features and sculptures, as well as a maze that visitors can explore. This makes it a great spot for families to visit and appreciate some time out from the hustle and bustle of central London.

Nearest Station: Victoria And Hyde Park Station

Red House Garden

If you have read out a list of amazing stately homes to visit in London , you will have spotted this on the list. The Red House Garden is a stunning and tranquil area of London located near Regent’s Park. This unique garden features an array of plants, trees and flowers from around the world, as well as winding pathways that visitors can explore.

The gardens also feature a variety of sculptures, fountains and ponds, which make this one of the most beautiful gardens in London.

Nearest Station: Bexleyheath Station

Syon Park Garden

If you watch Pheriphals, you will no doubt have spotted Syon Park gardens and conservatory in that series. Syon Park Garden is an impressive and tranquil area of London that features some of the most gorgeous gardens in the city. This Grade I listed garden features a variety of plants, trees and flowers from around the world, as well as winding pathways, sculptures and fountains.

Visitors can take in the stunning views across London from the top of the garden, as well as explore the winding pathways and tranquil ponds.

Nearest Station: Syon Lane Station

Waterhouse Plantation, Bushy Park

The Waterhouse Plantation, Bushy Park, is a stunning and tranquil area located in South West London. This Grade I listed garden is home to a variety of plants and trees from all over the world, as well as winding pathways for visitors to explore.

The gardens also feature impressive water features, sculptures and fountains that have been carefully designed to create a tranquil atmosphere.

Visitors can also take in the stunning views of London from the top of the garden, as well as take time to explore the winding pathways and ponds.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nick Boorer (@nickboorer)

Chiswick House Gardens

The Chiswick House gardens is a stunning and tranquil garden located in West London. This Grade I listed garden features an array of plants, trees and flowers from all over the world, as well as winding pathways and ponds for visitors to explore.

The gardens also feature an impressive array of sculptures, water features and fountains that have been carefully designed to create a tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can also take in the stunning views of London from the top of the garden.

Nearest Station: Chiswick Station

Fenton House and Garden

Fenton House and Garden is a beautiful Grade I listed garden located in North West London. This stunning garden features an array of plants, trees and flowers from all over the world, as well as winding pathways for visitors to explore.

Nearest Station: Heapsteap Station

Map of Amazing Gardens In London

London is home to a wealth of beautiful Grade I and II listed gardens that are sure to take your breath away.

From the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park to the Thames Barrier Park, these gardens feature an array of exotic plants, trees and flowers from all over the world, as well as winding pathways and impressive sculptures.

Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of London from various points in the gardens. Whether you are seeking a quiet escape or simply to marvel at nature’s beauty, these stunning gardens have something to offer everyone.

My name is Bianca and welcome to my local guide of London's Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. Everything you need to know about exploring London in addition to the coolest hangouts and Instagrammable spots.

10 Cool Gyms In Soho (Updated 2023)

South Molton Street

Guide to visiting Leather Lane Market in the heart of Chancery Lane near Farringdon and London's financial districts. The Food is simply delicious!

A Taste Of Leather Lane Market – Why Food Lovers Simply Cant Miss This Market

What a prickle…

We're sorry – it looks like something's gone wrong

31 Best Gardens in London: Famous, Quirky, Secret & More

Sharing is caring!

Pinterest 2

London is, without doubt, one of the world’s most exciting capitals – from nightlife and a vibrant restaurant scene to art, sporting events and exceptional shopping, it’s truly a place that’s got it all.

However, sometimes hectic city life can all get a bit too much, at which point you might appreciate somewhere to escape for a moment of peace. Thankfully, London is blessed with a large number of gardens, and here’s 31 of our favourites.

Must-See Gardens

Some of the gardens in London are world-famous and simply can’t be missed while others are also essential stops on any garden lover’s itinerary due to their unique nature. Here are our recommendations for must-see gardens in London.

1. Kew Gardens

Address: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE

Founded in 1840 and housing the largest botanical and mycological collection in the world, Kew Gardens is one of London’s major attractions and should top the list of places to go for anyone with a love for all things that grow.

Highlights include a treetop walkway, the Alpine House, the Palm house and one of the largest compost heaps in Europe, which can be seen from a specially-constructed viewing platform. Also not to be missed is The Hive, a multi-sensory exhibit about the lives of bees.

2. Sky Garden

Address: 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF

The highest public garden in London provides a lush green haven far above the streets below and also boasts an observation deck and open-air terrace with sublime views of the capital’s skyline.

The plants are mostly drought-resistant varieties from the Mediterranean and South Africa, and the range of species ensures that something is always in bloom.

The Sky Garden also contains two restaurants and two bars, making it a spectacular location for a drink or a bite to eat. Entry is free, but places are limited, so tickets should be booked ahead online.

3. Kyoto Garden

Address: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA

A gift from the Japanese city of Kyoto that was opened in 1991 in honour of the longstanding friendship between Japan and the UK, the Kyoto Garden is one of the most beautiful, tranquil spots in London.

The garden was designed by a famous Japanese landscape artist and contains traditional Japanese elements such as tiered waterfalls, a pond filled with koi and Japanese maple trees.

The garden is located in Holland Park. Entry is free, but the park closes 30 minutes before dusk.

Palace and Stately Home Gardens

As the capital of England and the United Kingdom, London is home to a wide range of royal palaces and stately homes, many of which have outstanding gardens that can be visited.

Here are some of the best ones to track down and check out while you’re there.

4. Buckingham Palace Garden

Address: Buckingham Palace, Constitution Hill, Spur Rd, London SW1A 1AA

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch, and as such, it is connected to 16 hectares of suitably grand and elaborate stately gardens.

The grounds contain over 1,000 trees and 325 species of wild plants as well as being home to 35 different species of birds. Also of note are features such as the Waterloo Vase and the summerhouse that stands opposite it.

Another of London’s most famous attractions, Buckingham Palace and its garden should be on the itinerary of every visitor to the city.

5. Kensington Gardens

Address: London (the park has no address due to its size and many entrances)

Formerly the royal gardens attached to Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens are among the most popular of London’s many green spaces.

As well as an extensive area of lawns and trees, the gardens contain a number of other attractions – such as the statue of Peter Pan and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground.

The garden is home to the Serpentine Gallery, and many visitors also enjoy making a detour to see the Elfin Oak, a renowned 900-year-old carved tree stump. Entry is free, and the park is open from 6am to dusk daily.

6. Chiswick House and Gardens

Address: Burlington Ln, Chiswick, London W4 2RP

Chiswick House was built by Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington, during the 18 th century and takes inspiration from ancient Roman architecture.

As one of the first examples of an English landscape garden, the grounds of the mansion are historically important, with the gardens also displaying influences from ancient Rome.

The gardens contain a range of statues along with other highlights such as an ionic temple, an Italian-style cascade and a classical stone bridge.

Historical Gardens

As an ancient capital, London is also home to many gardens with long and sometimes colourful histories. Here are a couple of suggestions that will fascinate anyone with even a casual interest in the city’s past.

7. Chelsea Physic Garden

Address: 66 Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HS

This garden was once known as the Apothecaries’ Garden and was originally used to grow plants for medicines, as its modern name recalls.

Founded in 1673, it’s now the second-oldest botanical garden in England. It contains many lovely plants and flowers as well as several secluded spots to sit and enjoy this tranquil corner of the capital.

8. Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

Address: New Spring Gardens Walk, Vauxhall, Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5HL

Once known as the New Spring Gardens, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens trace their history back as far as 1600. Nowadays, the area contains lawns and flowerbeds and is ideal for leisurely strolls and dog walking.

There’s a kids’ playground too, along with a basketball court, and the gardens also host events such as outdoor film nights.

9. St Pancras Gardens

Address: Camley St, London NW1 0PS

The St Pancras Gardens are set in an old churchyard, offering an agreeable area of grass, trees and shade. The gardens are known for the so-called Hardy Tree, an ash tree that has grown in the centre of a collection of tombstones that were moved at the time when the novelist Thomas Hardy was working there.

The church and gardens also have other literary connections. The poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and the future Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, held secret meetings at the tomb of Mary’s mother, the writer Mary Wollstonecraft, who was buried in the cemetery.

The church was also mentioned by Charles Dickens in his novel A Tale of Two Cities .

10. Fulham Palace

Address: Bishop’s Ave, London SW6 6EA

Fulham Palace was once the seat of the bishops of London, and now the buildings and the gardens are open to the public and free to visit.

You’ll find displays of paintings, archaeology and various artifacts from the palace’s history, and the attractive gardens are enjoyable for a short stroll.

For those who want to learn more about the history of the palace, guided tours given by volunteer guides are also available.

Quirky Gardens

Not all the gardens in London are large and grandiose – however, some of the smaller and lesser-known gardens merit a trip due to their unusual or quirky nature. Here are some of the more intriguing options to add to your list.

11. St Dunstan-in-the-East Church Garden

Address: St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD

Set on the grounds of a ruined church, St Dunstan-in-the-East is one of London’s more unique gardens. The church was originally built around 1100 and underwent several renovations and alterations through the centuries until it was largely destroyed during the Blitz.

After the war, the decision was taken not to rebuild it, and now the evocative remains of the church and the land around it provide a peaceful spot for rest and reflection.

12. Horniman Gardens

Address: Amroth Cl, London SE23 3BX

Home to some small but attractive gardens as well as a museum of anthropology, natural history and musical instruments, the Horniman Gardens are well worth checking out.

The gardens include a butterfly house, a bandstand, an enclosure with small animals, a nature trail and an ornamental garden – while the museum houses a famous collection of stuffed animals.

13. Cavendish Square Gardens

Address: Cavendish Square, London W1G 0PR

A small but charismatic park located near Oxford Circus, the Cavendish Square Gardens are best known for the large bronze sculpture of Lord George Bentinck that is found there.

There’s an open-air café and several benches scattered throughout the park, making it the ideal spot to while away an hour doing some people-watching as you recharge your batteries.

14. Dalston Eastern Curve Garden

Address: 13 Dalston Ln, London E8 3DF

Built on an old disused railway line, the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden provides residents with somewhere to grow fruit and vegetables as well as plants that help local wildlife thrive.

It’s open to visitors and has stalls selling food and drinks as well as benches and even sofas around tables to sit on.

The vibe is welcoming and friendly, making this a laidback place to meet for a coffee or a couple of beers and a bite to eat.

Hidden Gems

While everyone wants to tick the most famous gardens off their list of places to see, London is also dotted with many wonderful gardens that are largely unknown, even to people who live there.

Visiting these gardens gives you the impression of having been let into a well-kept secret that only a select few are allowed to know. Here are our top picks for London’s hidden gems – just don’t tell anyone else about them!

15. Whitehall Gardens

Address: Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2HE

A surprising corner of greenness and flowers that offers an escape from the noise and traffic of the riverside road.

This historic garden was formerly the Privy Garden of the Palace of Whitehall and was enjoyed by the Stuart and Tudor monarchs during times of leisure.

Along with the flowerbeds, it also contains several statues, making it an interesting place to explore.

16. Italian Gardens

Address: Kensington Gardens, London W2 2UD

The Italian Gardens are found within the grounds of Kensington Gardens, of which they are technically considered a part.

However, this elegant corner of the larger gardens is filled with historic pools and sculptures, making it well worth seeking out in its own right. It’s a wonderful place to visit for a walk or just to sit and relax next to one of the ponds.

There’s also an iconic vintage Rolls Royce car that’s been converted into an ice cream van, a most welcome addition during the warmer months of the year.

17. The Hill Garden and Pergola

Address: The Pergola, Inverforth Cl, London NW3 7EX

Free to enter and beautiful at any time of year, the Hill Garden and Pergola is an unexpected island of plants, trees and wildlife set in a picturesque Georgian terrace.

This little-known garden rewards exploration as you wander around discovering the various hidden corners and attractive decorative features. Perfect for a slow, romantic walk for two and just as good for sharing a picnic with friends or family.

18. St Mary’s Secret Garden

Address: 50 Pearson St, London E2 8EL

Somewhat away from the centre of London but worth making a trip for, St Mary’s Secret Garden is a community project that aims to provide support to those suffering from dementia, disabilities and chronic health problems.

If you want to contribute, you can buy plants from the garden, which are sold to raise funds. There are also several educational activities such as a ‘bug trail’ that teaches you about the vital role insects and other invertebrates play in the garden’s ecosystem.

19. World Peace Garden

Address: 6 S Hill Park, London NW3 2SB

The World Peace Garden is a space for plants and wildlife that’s cared for by volunteers.

Its incongruous location, right up against the Hampstead Heath overground station, comes as something of a surprise, but once you know where to find it, this garden provides a peaceful sanctuary where you can reconnect with nature.

20. The Phoenix Garden

Address: 21 Stacey St, London WC2H 8DG

A small community garden located in Camden between Soho and Covent Garden, the Phoenix Garden was established in 1980 and has been run by volunteers ever since.

The garden is open to the public during the daytime and provides a peaceful oasis of green where you’ll find yourself surrounded by plants, flowers, ponds and wildlife.

It might not be among London’s most famous gardens, but it’s worth seeking out if you’re in the area and want somewhere to escape for a few moments to yourself.

Also Worth a Look

To finish, here are a few other gardens that earn a place on our list simply as also being worth a look.

They might not be the biggest, the most famous or the most spectacular, but they are still pleasant places to stroll or sit, offering you a spot of greenery in the heart of the big city.

21. Victoria Embankment Gardens

Address: Villiers St, London WC2N 6NS

Several connected gardens between Blackfriars Bridge and Westminster Bridge on the north side of the Thames, the Victoria Embankment Gardens provide a pleasant place for a wander or even a picnic when the weather is fine.

There is plenty of seating along with areas for exercise, and there are also several coffee shops in the area for those in need of refreshments.

22. Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens

Address: Chester Rd, London NW1 4NR

Located in Regent’s Park and famous for its collection of 12,000 rosebushes – hence the name – this large garden also features several fountains and other landmarks.

The best time to visit is when the roses are in bloom, at which time the gardens are spectacular.

However, it’s also worth checking out at any time of year whenever you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city for a moment of peace.

23. The Garden at 120

Address: 120 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 5BA

The Garden at 120 is a raised terrace area that’s free to visit and that provides wonderful views over this part of the city – you’ll easily be able to pick out the Shard, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge from here.

You’ll also find plenty of pretty plants and flowers along with several corners where you can sit and enjoy a sandwich and a few moments to yourself in the middle of a busy day.

24. Island Gardens

Address: Saunders Ness Rd, London E14 3DW

The Island Gardens is a tranquil corner of greenery located at the southern end of the Isle of Dogs.

With sublime vistas of Greenwich across the river – with the former Greenwich Hospital, the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum all in view – this garden is ideal for a morning walk or jog.

There are also several tables, making it a popular spot for family picnics.

Related: Best Things to Do in Greenwich, London

25. Jubilee Park and Garden

Address: Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7PG

A relatively recent addition to London’s gardens, the Jubilee Park and Garden was created to mark the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. The small park is just a short walk from the London Eye, and it is also clearly visible to those riding the Eye.

The park contains several sculptures, and the grounds are clean and well-kept. Perfect to visit with children or simply to sit and read a book or have a short doze on the grass.

26. Victoria Tower Gardens South

Address: Millbank, London SW1P 3JA

If you find yourself wandering through Westminster, perhaps to visit the Houses of Parliament and take a snap of Big Ben, the Victoria Tower Gardens South make a convenient place to head for a breath of fresh air and somewhere to take a rest.

There’s shaded seating for hot days, and there’s also a play area for children if you want something to keep your kids occupied.

27. Crossrail Place Roof Garden

Address: Crossrail Pl, London E14 5AB

A small but fascinating botanical garden containing plant specimens from around the world, Crossrail Place Roof Garden provides a welcome escape from the constant noise and movement of Canary Wharf .

There’s plenty of information about the plant species on display, so there’s a good chance you’ll learn something new – and the best thing is, it’s completely free to visit.

28. Barbican Conservatory

Address: Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS

London’s second-largest conservatory is home to a wide range of tropical plants, flowers and trees as well as several species of exotic birds and fish.

Located within the Barbican Centre, the Barbican Conservatory is a lovely spot to relax and unwind. Entry is free, but tickets should be booked online in advance to avoid disappointment.

29. Culpeper Community Garden

Address: 1 Cloudesley Rd, London N1 0EJ

A well-maintained community garden that boasts a range of beautiful trees and plants, providing an idyllic setting for a relaxing break in natural surroundings.

It’s a fun place to explore or just to sit and take in the attractive setting. There’s also a children’s park there, so your kids will have something to keep them entertained.

30. Soho Square Garden

Address: Soho Square, London W1D 3QP

If you find yourself in the centre of London but want somewhere to duck out of the big city bustle and catch your breath, Soho Square Garden is a good option. The garden consists of a small park with plenty of flowers, lots of benches and even a mock Tudor gazebo.

Once inside, it’s easy to forget you’re in the centre of London, and it’s a great place just to sit and watch the world go by.

Related: Best & Fun Things to do in Soho

31. The Rookery Gardens

Address: Streatham Common S, London SW16 3HR

Another great place for a family walk or a picnic, the Rookery Gardens is an interesting place to visit. There are several areas to see, including the formal gardens, the old English garden and the pond as well as the wildlife areas and woodland.

There’s also parking available – and there’s even a small café if you need a quick drink or a bite to eat.

Read More: Top 27 Best Free Museums in London Best Sunday Markets in London Top 22 Unique Quirky & Cool Hotels in London One Tree Hill London Guide: What to Expect? Best Places for Roller Skating in London Safest Boroughs in London London Skyline’s Iconic Buildings & Skyscrapers

No Shortage of Places to Visit when You Need a Moment to Relax

As we have seen, when you need a moment to relax and collect your thoughts, in London, there is no shortage of places to head.

Whether you want to visit large formal gardens, check out some of London’s historic gardens or prefer to uncover one of the city’s less famous hidden gems, when it comes to green spaces in London, you’re really spoilt for choice.

Gardens in London

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors access to 180 of the best gardens in London.

Your visits and donations to private gardens near London raise important funds for Charitable causes across the UK.

Thanks to the generosity of owners opening gardens for free NGS was able to raise and donate over £3.4 million to charities last year. We hope to top this in 2024 with more beautiful gardens open in London for you to visit this year than ever before.

180 Private Gardens to visit in London
40 Historical Gardens in London
55 Dog Friendly Gardens in London
16 Child Friendly Gardens in London

Browse our UK garden map of over 3,500 gardens to find the best gardens near you to visit May-October 2024.

Main filters

Dog Friendly

More filters

1 Clavering Road

1 Clavering Road, E12 5EY

1 Fife Road

1 Fife Road, SW14 7EW

1 Northchurch Terrace

1 Northchurch Terrace, N1 4ES

1 York Close

1 York Close, W7 3JB

10 Almack Road

10 Almack Road, E5 0RL

10 Furlong Road

10 Furlong Road, N7 8LS

100 Downham Road

100 Downham Road, N1 5BE

103 & 105 Dulwich Village

103 & 105 Dulwich Village, SE21 7BJ

103 Dulwich Village

103 Dulwich Village, SE21 7BJ

105 Dulwich Village

105 Dulwich Village, SE21 7BJ

11 Park Avenue North

11 Park Avenue North, N8 7RU

11 Shortgate

11 Shortgate, N12 7JP

Many gardens offer plants for sale, please visit the individual listings for more information. Here are some suggestions: 26 Holly Grove , 10 Almack Road , 68 Derby Road .

Our database has at least 10 gardens in London that showcase stunning autumn colours. Here are some suggestions to get you started: 26 Holly Grove , 19 Belgrave Road , Torriano Community Garden .

Some garden owners are happily accommodating group visits; 69 Antill Road , 1 Northchurch Terrace , 75 Bampton Road have recently been listed with NGS. Please use the filters above to find more and make sure to check which gardens allow group visits by arrangement only.

Absolutely. NGS currently lists 55 gardens in London that strive to ensure that all visitors are able to enjoy a positive experience. Please try and keep to the paths, particularly in wet conditions, and make sure to read each garden's information to make the best of your visit.

London boasts a wide variety of local and exotic plants, to suit most plant lovers in all seasons. We currently list 3 bluebell gardens, 10 gardens with naturalised daffodils, 15 gardens offering hundreds of eye-catching dahlias, 64 fragrant rose gardens, 17 tulip gardens, and 4 gardens with snowdrops, as well as 90 wildlife gardens.

Other garden locations

Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Caernarfonshire
Cambridgeshire
Cardiganshire
Carmarthenshire
Channel Islands
County Antrim
County Down
County Durham
County Fermanagh
County Londonderry
County Tyrone
Denbighshire
East Sussex
East Yorkshire
Gloucestershire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Huntingdonshire
Isle of Wight
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
Mid Glamorgan
Monmouthshire
Montgomeryshire
North East Wales
North Humberside
North Yorkshire
Northamptonshire
Northumberland
Nottinghamshire
Oxfordshire
Pembrokeshire
South Glamorgan
South Gloucestershire
South Yorkshire
Staffordshire
Tyne And Wear
Uncategorized
Vale of Glamorgan
Warwickshire
West Glamorgan
West Midlands
West Sussex
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire

Top Destinations
Mexico City, Mexico
Tokyo, Japan
Paris, France
Rome, Italy
London, United Kingdom
All Destinations
Upcoming Experiences
Private Walking Tours
Small-Group Tours
Tours for Kids
Museum Tours
Food, Wine and Market Tours
Newly Added Tours
Audio Guides
Pre-Trip Lectures
Admin Dashboard
My Favorites
Cookies Preferences
Client Orders
Monthly Commissions
My Advisor Profile
Advisor Toolkit
Guide Dashboard

Credit Balance

Transactions are based on current exchange rates and performed in USD. There maybe slight variations in the price estimates.

15 Best Gardens in London - From Royal Gardens to Secret Gardens

Tour the expansive Kew Botanical Gardens with a local Context expert.

London is known for its parks and gardens, but not many people know about the hidden gems that are scattered around the city. From royal gardens to secret gardens, there are a plethora of options for nature lovers in the city. Which ones will you visit on your next trip to the city?

Join us on a journey through 9 of the most beautiful gardens in London. From the famous Royal Parks like Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens to lesser-known gems like the Chelsea Physic Garden and the Barbican Conservatory, we will show you the best places to find tranquility and natural beauty in the city.

All of the gardens on this list are sure to delight and inspire! Read on to explore the diversity of London's gardens — and discover which ones are worth a visit.

Royal and Palace Gardens to Visit in London

1. kew royal botanic gardens.

The Kew Botanical Gardens were first founded in 1840 and have grown to become one of the most famous gardens in the world. Located in southwest London, they have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they host over 50,000 unique plant species. Learn even more during a Context Tour of the Kew Botanical Gardens, hosted by a local guide.

During your tour, you can explore the gardens' many greenhouses, including the Palm House, the Temperate House, and the Princess of Wales Conservatory. If the weather is nice, step outdoors to experience the delightful Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden. In addition to the gardens, Kew houses a library, art collection, and herbarium – which preserves 8 million unique specimens.

Perhaps most important of all is their Science Division, which is made up of several departments, including the Jodrell Laboratory, which focuses on plant systematics and evolution, and the Millennium Seed Bank, which aims to conserve the world's seed-bearing plant diversity.

At the gardens, you can explore the canopies of local trees, discover flora and fauna from each continent, learn about the importance of bees to the local environment, and see one of the largest and most diverse collections of orchids in the world.

To learn more visit their official website.

2. Kensington Palace Gardens

Kensington Gardens is one of the most popular Royal Parks of London and receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Originally, its gardens were for the exclusive use of Kensington Palace’s royal residents.

However, that rule was changed in the 19th century when Queen Victoria decided to expand access to the property after the death of her husband, Prince Albert. Some of the garden's most notable features include the Italian Gardens, the Albert Memorial, and the Serpentine Gallery.

More recently, a cast-bronze statue commemorating Diana, Princess of Wales, was unveiled by her two sons on what would have been her 60th birthday. The statue is located in the Sunken Garden, an area of the palace grounds that was one of Diana's favorite spots and where she used to walk her sons when they were young.

You can learn more about the history of London’s parks during Context’s Royal Palaces and Parks of London Tour .

3. Hampton Court Palace Gardens

Next time you’re in London, you must enjoy a Context Tour of Hampton Court Palace .

Originally built for King Henry VIII in the 16th century, theirs is one of the most iconic and historic garden landscapes in the United Kingdom. Covering over 60 acres, the palace gardens were a popular retreat for courtiers and aristocrats – who would participate in the many outdoor recreational tournaments and enjoy a reprieve from the city.

One of the most popular gardens is the Great Fountain Garden with ornate fountains and water features. Today is a popular place for locals to take a stroll or to have a picnic on the lawns.

Another must see is the Privy Garden , a hidden gem that offers a peaceful and secluded spot, where visitors can find a variety of different flowers and plants, including many rare and exotic species. And did you know that The palace's Great Vine, which is considered one of the oldest grapevines in the world, was planted in 1768 and still produces grapes today?

One final notable feature of the Hampton Court Gardens is its famous maze – which was created in the 17th century and it's one of the oldest surviving mazes in the world. The maze is made up of over half a mile of paths — a great challenge for visitors!

4. Charlton House Peace Garden

Charlton House Peace Garden is located in the London borough of Greenwich. The garden is situated on the grounds of Charlton House, a Jacobean mansion that was built in the early 17th century. The house and its grounds were originally owned by Sir Adam Newton, a tutor to King Charles I, but over the centuries it passed through various owners.

The house was used for a variety of purposes, including as a school and a hospital, before being acquired by the local council in the late 19th century.

In the early 21st century, Charlton House Peace Garden was created in a corner of the grounds as a peaceful retreat for the local community, the garden was a project that was led by the local community who converted the space into a green haven, into the garden you can find sculptures and statues of peace activists, a labyrinth and a tranquil pond, reflecting the theme of peace and tranquility, that is the main idea behind the garden.

There are many interesting things to see at Charlton House Peace Garden, but three must-see highlights are:

The Sculptures and Statues: One of the main draws of the garden are the sculptures and statues of peace activists, and figures that symbolize the theme of peace and non-violence. These sculptures provide an interesting contrast to the historical setting of the Jacobean mansion, and they give the garden a unique atmosphere.
The Labyrinth: The garden features a tranquil labyrinth, which is a meditative and contemplative feature that adds a sense of wonder and introspection to the garden. Walking the labyrinth may help visitors to clear their minds and to focus on their inner selves.
The Pond: The pond in the garden is a beautiful and tranquil feature that adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the space. The pond is surrounded by greenery and visitors can take a moment to sit and enjoy the reflections of the sun on the water or watch the many different birds that come to drink from the water. The pond is also a great place for children to explore the ecosystem and wildlife.

5. Fulham Palace Gardens

Fulham Palace Gardens is the second oldest botanical garden in London, part of an estate with a rich history – dating back to 704 AD. The palace has been the residence of over 130 Bishops of London and was at one point used as a residence by King Henry VIII and Sir Thomas Moore.

During both World Wars the gardens were used to grow food to support the war effort and the Palace was used as a convalescent hospital. During the London Blitz of 1940, hundreds of local residents retreated here after their homes were destroyed.

Today the palace and its gardens are now open to the public year-round, with free admission. Visitors can enjoy the palace's many features, including the Great Hall, and the Bishop's Library – not to mention the palace's beautiful herb garden, rose garden, and wildflower meadow. Click here for additional information to help plan your visit.

6. Eltham Palace and Gardens

Eltham Palace , once a moated manor, has changed hands many times since it was first noted as belonging to a half-brother of William the Conqueror in 1086 AD. It is said that Henry VIII spent much of his childhood here, but he was among the last royal to do so.

Many artists have taken inspiration from its palace and gardens over time, including Turner, Girtin, and Sanby. In 1933, the Courtauld family bought the estate from the Royals and retrofitted the central mansion into the Art-Deco style.

Eltham is now a historic complex located in southeast London and open to the public. To learn more about Eltham Palace and Gardens, you can visit the English Heritage website which features information about the palace's history, current exhibitions, and opening hours.

7. Chiswick House and Gardens

Chiswick House and Gardens located in West London, is a stunning example of 18th-century British architecture and landscaped gardens. The house and gardens were created by architect William Kent and his patron Richard Boyle, the 3rd Earl of Burlington, between 1725 and 1738, who were influenced by the classical architecture of Italy.

The gardens at Chiswick were revolutionary in their natural-looking landscape and went on to influence gardens across the world. The estate passed to the Dukes of Devonshire and the house was later used as a mental health institution and rental property before being restored and opened to the public in 2010. Today, it welcomes over one million visitors annually.

The House is considered an excellent example of the English Palladian architectural style and it's been used as a filming location for several movies and tv shows such as

The Crown (TV series)
Pride and Prejudice (TV series)
The Other Boleyn Girl (film)
Sherlock Holmes (film)
The Favourite (film)
Little Women (film)
The Young Victoria (film)
Emma (film)
The Queen's Gambit (TV series)

To learn more, you can visit the Chiswick House and Gardens Trust website , which features information about the history of the house, the current exhibitions and opening hours.

8. The Tower of London Garden

Dating back to the 13th century, the gardens of the Tower of London complex are too-often overlooked. As you venture into the geometric design – featuring a central lawn, flower beds, hedges, and statues – you’ll see rare plants and flowers including roses, lilies, and herbs.

You can also take in the White Tower, the oldest building in the complex as you read about the garden's history – including its role in the Jubilee celebrations of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Included with Tower admission costs, the gardens a must-see spot for history and nature lovers. Don't miss out on this unique experience. Visit the official website for more information.

9. The Green Drawing Room Garden at Somerset House

This garden is located on the south side of the historic Somerset House estate, which was built in the 18th century by architect William Chambers. The garden was first designed as a private courtyard for residents only but opened to the public in 2000.

To learn more about the Somerset House, visit the official Somerset House website which provides information about the history, opening hours, and current events.

Secret Gardens to Visit in London

10. kyoto garden in holland park.

This garden is a tranquil oasis located within the boundaries of Holland Park. In 1991 it was gifted to London by the city of Kyoto as a gesture of goodwill and harmony between the two cities. The Kyoto Gardens features a traditional Japanese design, including bright pink cherry blossom trees and beautiful red Japanese maple trees scattered around a central pond.

11. The Flanders Fields Memorial Garden

Located in London's Victoria Embankment, this solemn garden serves as a tribute to the British soldiers who fought and died in the Flanders region of Belgium during World War I.

Visitors can learn more about a wide range of plants and flowers that would have been found in the Flanders region. This includes blood-red poppies, which have become a symbol of remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives during WWI. You can also see a replica of the Menin Gate, which bears the names of thousands of people who went missing during this era.

12. Chelsea Physic Garden

The Chelsea Physic Garden is the oldest botanical garden in London, dating back to 1673. The site was founded by the Society of Apothecaries to provide a place for medical apprentices to study the medicinal properties of plants – and it is now home to more than 5,000 species of diverse plants from all over the world.

Thousands of botanists travel to London each year to learn about this fascinating collection of medicinal plants. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the garden, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

13. The Hill Garden and Pergola

Rising above London's Hampstead Heath is the Hill Garden and Pergola . This garden – one of the city’s best hidden gems – features a beautiful pergola, built in the early 20th century, which spans over 100 feet and is covered in a variety of climbing plants.

The garden also has a variety of remarkable shrubs and trees to enjoy – including rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias, as well as a small pond and a rock garden. Visitors can take in the beautiful panoramic views of London from the garden's terrace.

14. The Shakespeare Garden

The Shakespeare Garden is nestled within London's Regent's Park and is dedicated to the memory of the famous playwright William Shakespeare. As you walk along the pathways, you’ll enjoy many unique varieties of roses, lavender, and pansies; the garden is filled with plants and flowers that are mentioned in Shakespeare's plays and sonnets.

15. The St. George's Garden

The St. George's Garden is a small and secluded garden located in London's Pimlico neighborhood. The garden features a variety of plants, including a small herb garden, as well as a pond, a rock garden, and a sundial.

The garden was founded during the 19th century and has become a popular, peaceful spot for visitors and locals to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The garden is also home to a statue of St. George, the patron saint of England, which was erected in the garden in the early 20th century.

Other Can't-Miss Stops for Garden Enthusiasts

The garden museum in london.

This unique museum is located in the former church of St Mary-at-Lambeth. Its galleries tell the complex historical narrative of British Horticulture – through its collection of art, tools, and artifacts dating back to the 16th century.

When you visit, you’ll enjoy an array of interactive exhibits, including a replica of a 17th-century knot garden, a Victorian greenhouse, and a display of historic gardening tools. If you time your visit right, you can also enjoy their public events and workshops throughout the year, including tours of the nearby Lambeth Palace Garden.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Since 1869, this flower market has been a gathering place for gardening enthusiasts from all across the city. Its a favorite destination among locals, tourists and professional florists – who come to see the wide variety of flowers, plants, and supplies on offer.

Visitors can find everything from exotic blooms to traditional English favorites, as well as a selection of vintage and handmade goods. The market is open every Sunday and its best to visit early in the morning to try and enjoy the best selection. Additional details can be found here.

Context Kew Garden Tour

Discover the beauty and history of English gardens on Context Travel’s Kew Royal Botanical Gardens tour . Led by a licensed guide, you'll explore the stunning landscape of Kew and learn about the history and design of English gardens.

From the manicured lawns and flowerbeds to the rare and exotic plants, you'll gain an appreciation for the artistry and science behind these masterpieces. This tour is perfect for garden enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to delve deeper into the rich history and beauty of one of London's most renowned gardens. Join us on this one-of-a-kind tour and experience the best that Kew has to offer!

Camden Market and Gardens

Camden Gardens are located in the heart of London and are home to a variety of different gardens, including the Camden Lock Market Garden, the Regents Canal Garden, and the Camden Market Garden.

Dating back to the early 19th century, Camden Market has evolved from a small trading post to a bustling market and hub for the local community – making it the perfect place for tourists to get a taste of the authentic daily life in London. The space is known for its eclectic variety of shops, delicious restaurants, and talented musicians who perform for free.

However, the remarkable flowers and plant species that adorn its gardens are not to be missed. The rose garden and open-air theatre are unique attractions and popular meeting places for local community events.

Frequently Asked Questions about the history of London’s Gardens

What is the most beautiful garden in the uk.

It would be tough to choose the most beautiful garden in the UK, as there are so many to choose from and each possesses a unique charm and historical narrative. Your experience of each garden is also going to be drastically different depending on the weather and time of year.

However, the Kew Botanical Gardens are often ranked as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. They also host a substantial number of botanic and scientific research studies each season.

What are 3 gardens in London?

Three gardens in London that are notable include The Royal Botanic Gardens, Hampton Court Palace Garden, and The Chelsea Physics Garden.

Where are the biggest gardens in London?

The biggest gardens in London are the Royal Parks, such as Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Greenwich Park. These parks cover large areas and offer a variety of activities and attractions.

What is Royal Botanic Gardens Kew known for?

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is known for its collection of over 30,000 plant species from around the world, as well as its historic glasshouses, including the Palm House and the Temperate House. The garden is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's also home to the Kew Science, which is a leading institution in research, conservation and education in the field of botanic. The garden is also home to several famous gardens like the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and the Waterlily House.

What are the famous gardens in London?

The famous gardens in London include

Royal Parks: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and St James's Park.
Chelsea Physic Garden
The Barbican Conservatory
Japanese Garden at Holland Park.

Our Key Takeaways

In conclusion, few cities offer as many delightful gardens to visit as London does. From the regal and historic nature of its many royal gardens to its tranquil and less crowded Kyoto-inspired gardens there are options available for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re seeking a retreat from the hustle and noise of the city, or looking to keep your children entertained during a pause in the rain – the options are endless. Each of London’s gardens has its own unique historical narratives and botanical highlights. Next time you’re traveling through London, be sure to leave enough time in your itinerary to explore these natural landmarks.

Even More from Context

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Keep Exploring

Which Vatican experience is best for you?

Explore Tours

Join walking tours with top experts all over the globe.

Browse Our Cities

Our Experts
Working with Context
View All Cities
Sustainable Tourism
Refer a Friend for $50
Travel Updates
Advisor Login
Expert Portal
Privacy Statement & Security
Cancellation Policy

Gardens to visit

15 best free gardens to visit in London

Looking for maximum planty wonder without spending a penny? Then check out my fave London garden and parks below. This is a realtime list of places I’ve visited that I’ll update regularly as I go to more and as my interests change.

1) The Barbican

Nearest tubes: Barbican, Old Street, Liverpool Street, Bank.

Futuristic brutalist housing estate, it feels like another planet, especially when entering the conservatory when it’s open occasionally on Sundays. It’s always been home to lots of plants, hanging from balconies and lining the communal areas but recently it had a revamp by garden designer Nigel Dunnett that sent the horticultural world into meltdown.

2) Clapham’s Eden Garden

Nearest tubes: Clapham Common

Tucked away in the bit of Clapham most people don’t explore, past the common, past the shops, bars and restaurants, sits a little slice of the area’s history. Looking at St. Paul’s church you could be out in the countryside as this grassed patch hasn’t changed since this actually was countryside. Down a wrought iron fenced path romantically called Matrimony Place, sits the real treasure. One of my favourite spots in London is this humble wildlife garden, designed by Stephen Barney and now looked after by head gardener Benny Hawksbee and volunteers. It’s a small garden filled with insect attracting pops of colour, visit for the bees and butterflies, the flowers are bonus. I’ve learnt so many lessons from this place.

3) Kennington Park

Nearest tube: Oval

The gardeners at Kennington Park clearly know a thing or two about plants. Star attraction is the flower garden with contemporary plantings against the industrial backdrop of metal fences onto sports areas. There are also some choice trees dotted about but the thing I like the most are the wilder meadow areas in the corners of the park.

4) Fulham Palace

Nearest tubes: Putney Bridge

I was recommended this little gem by the Thames Valley Horticultural Club when I popped down to give a talk. Despite having lived in Putney for a few years when I first moved to London, I’d never ventured in. Having received funding from the National Lottery in recent years I nipped in after a design job locally and was blown away. Freely flowering borders created by volunteers and a few small glasshouses. It’s not huge but well worth popping in one lunch time or afternoon. It has the feel of a village in the heart of London.

5) Horniman Museum

Closest train station: Forest Hill

One of London’s least known museums, quite the feat given its name. Worth a visit for the museum’s walrus biscuits alone, you’ll also be treated to an experimental and inventive garden split into a variety of exciting zones. From tropical to dahlias, to shrubberies and kitchen gardens. There is also a new planting by designer James Hitchmough.

6) NEO Bankside

Nearest tubes: London Bridge, Southwark, Borough, Waterloo

I found this garden by chance while wasting time before a meeting I’d turned up early for. Nestled between tall glass tower blocks behind the Tate Modern, this garden is a lesson in garden design because it’s essentially a woodland garden. Colourful and lush, I especially love the statue and rocks.

7) King’s Cross

Nearest tube: you guessed it, King’s Cross – be sure to take the snazzy colourful lights tunnel exit (you’ll know it when you see it)

Anyone who remembers King’s Cross before the 2012 Olympics will remember feeling both grotty and scared, and that was just looking at the rundown WHSmith next to a grubby takeaway only Burger King. These days, thanks to an injection of more money than any of us could ever imagine and more natural stone than Mount Everest, it’s now clean and stylish. Around the canal you’ll find lots of exciting planting by Dan Pearson’s studio. It’s been very interesting watching this space change over the last ten years. Plants have been key to give the area heart and prevent it being a soulless Canary Wharf Part 2.

8) Regent’s Park

Nearest tube: Regent’s Park, Great Portland Street, Baker Street, (and Warren Street with a bit of a walk)

One of the Royal Parks, Regent’s Park is as vast and exciting as any paid for public garden. Split into various zones there are formal designed walks, tropical beds, seasonal displays, a Japanese garden and more. In recent years there have been sculpture exhibitions too.

9) Battersea Park

Nearest tubes: none yet but one is planned to open in the next few years.

A completely human made park, designed by Victorian architect James Pennethorne. It houses landscaped lakes and rockeries making it possible to get lost and escape the bustle of London completely. Over the years community groups and garden designers have added to the park to create many beautiful planted areas too – if you can find them in its maze like sprawl. Don’t miss the herb garden and English country garden.

10) Potters Fields

Nearest tube: London Bridge

Who knew that there was a Piet Oudolf designed garden in the centre of London. Potters Fields isn’t very big but it is filled with Echinacea. Worth visiting for the beautiful clay paver paths as much as the planting. Once afternoon I sat here just taking in the atmosphere, sketching ideas for show gardens and wishing all of London’s parks were like this.

11) National Theatre Roof Garden

Nearest tube: Waterloo

Much smaller than most gardens on this list, it’s worth a little look see in late summer. A good example of tough and exciting plants on a brutalist roof terrace overlooking the Thames with views.

12) West Ham Park

Nearest tube: Plaistow / Nearest train station: Maryland

Working around the corner on a garden design, I decided to explore the area and minutes away is this wonderful park. Like the best parks in London, the gardeners clearly enjoy playing around with plants. There are many different areas filled with a lovely mix of different plantings. I particularly liked the above heather and grass vista, soft, natural and heather rarely seen in modern design.

13) Olympic Park

Nearest tube: Stratford

This vast site was radically transformed as the main location for the London 2012 Olympics. Much of the planting was designed by Nigel Dunnett, James Hitchmough and Sarah Price. Although it doesn’t have the same level of funding now as during the Olympic year, it’s still a remarkable example of contemporary garden design.

14) Richmond Park

Nearest tubes: Richmond, Roehampton – but it’s quite a walk from both

An enormous sprawling park filled with deer, the main reason for going, though their munching makes the park less exciting for wild flowers. Hire a bike or walk around and you’ll feel like you’ve escaped London. At the top of the breathtaking hill nearest to Richmond sits some planted gardens too with awesome views out of the city.

15) Crossrail Place Roof Garden

Nearest tubes: Canary Wharf

I love this place. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going out the way to visit because it’s small, though we did and enjoyed the trip (on the weekend to avoid the hordes of business people). It sits above a small shopping centre and is filled with various exotic plants including tree ferns. It’s the structure as a backdrop to the plants that impresses.

From the streets: London’s green spaces in Lockdown

The Most Scrumptious French Macarons in London

20 best gardens in london, from secret places to famous spaces.

Ever wanted to visit the best gardens in London? We’ve got you covered

London has some of the best green spaces in the country. And no matter what you want to do, you’ll find the right garden here in the city. So we’ve made a list of the best gardens in London, from secret botanical wonders, to famous places and even wildlife havens.

Street art graffiti east london fashion street

The Ultimate Street Art in East London Guide

cafe and coffee shops ealing broadway london best

The Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Ealing Broadway

Random musings 30-something londoner housing market

Random Musings Of A Londoner

And we’ve listed them geographically, from east to west, north to south, and central London. Happy garden hunting!

The best gardens in Central London

Barbican Wildlife Gardens
St Dunstan’s in the East
Floating Forest Gardens
Coram’s Fields
Chelsea Physic Garden

A map of the best gardens in Central London

1. Barbican Wildlife Gardens

For a secret rooftop garden.

The secret gardens in the heart of the Barbican estate are filled with walkways that bisect and encircle a lake. Towered flats surround two of the gardens, in the signature brutalist architecture from the time.

And the site also has a new rooftop botanical garden, the Barbican Wildlife Gardens. The new garden is a botanical wonderland, home to more herby plants that to floral ones, and it’s a nice space for contemplation. Few people know about, so you’ll probably have the place all to yourself.

Entrance to Barbican Gardens is free

Closest tube station Barbican

2. St Dunstan’s in the East

For the most secret of secret gardens in London

If you’re looking for a hidden gem, then St Dunstan’s in the East is one of the best secret gardens in London. It’s located in the ruins of a gothic church that dates to the 12th century. In it you’ll find a series of secret rooms and spaces, all lined with crumbling stone and arched windows.

Entrance to St Dunstan’s in the East is free.

Closest tube station Monument

3. Floating Forest Gardens

For aquatic adventures in Camley Street Natural Park

The Floating Forest Gardens are located on an islet in Regents Canal, in Camley Street Natural Park. It’s one of central London’s best secret places to enjoy nature.

And if you want to get *really* interactive with the aquatic surroundings you can try pond-dipping. Yep, I didn’t know what that was either. Basically pond-dipping is where you hire nets to get a closer look at the plants and animals in the waterways. So it’s the perfect garden for kids who are interested in amphibians like frogs.

Entrance to Floating Forest Gardens is free.

Closest tube station Kings Cross

4. Coram’s Fields

A park for kids of all ages.

If you have kids, Coram’s Fields is one of the best gardens to visit in London. That’s because there’s loads to do all year round. Apart from the usual playgrounds, Coram’s Fields also host paddling pools in the summer and a very fun looking sandpit.

For older kids there are various studios, including ones for art, music, and dance. And there’s also a petting farm filled with rabbits and goats.

Entrance to Coram’s Fields is free

Closest tube station Russell Square

5. Chelsea Physic Garden

For a horticultural and botanical garden experience in central London

Plant lovers come from far and wide to stroll through Chelsea Physic Garden. That’s because it’s one of the best botanical gardens in London. It’s also one of the oldest botanical gardens, having been built in the 17th century.

The Chelsea Physic Garden is home to thousands of species of plant and flower and its glasshouses are home to tropical flora and fauna too. There’s even an alpine garden, and a ‘Garden of Edible and Useful Plants’. Fancy.

Entrance to Chelsea Physic Garden is £8.50 for adults (and free for children under 5)

Closest tube station Sloane Square

Read more: Afternoon Tea at Laduree, Covent Garden

The best gardens in West London

Isabella Plantation
Kyoto Garden
Chiswick House
Kensington Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

A map of the best gardens in West London

1. Isabella Plantation

secret gardens in west london isabella plantation richmond

For an intimate garden in Richmond Park

At over 2000 acres, Richmond Park is one of the largest and most famous royal parks in London. It’s mostly formed of rolling grassy areas, but it’s also home to Isabella Plantation. This woodland garden patch is one of the prettiest in the park and is filled with evergreen azaleas.

The park is also known for its population of red and fallow deer, which are said to number in the hundreds. What’s more, several roads bisect Richmond Park so it’s a great place to cycle through, and you can also access it by car.

Entrance to Isabella Plantation is free

Closest tube station Richmond

2. Kyoto Garden

For a traditional japanese garden in holland park.

Holland Park is one of the best garden spaces in London and is home to the famous Kyoto Garden. The Kyoto Garden was designed three decades ago and is filled with Japanese flora and fauna, bamboo walls, and a koi pond. If you’re lucky, you might also catch site of a peacock.

Entrance to Kyoto Garden is free

Closest tube station Holland Park

3. Chiswick House

Romantic gardens in central london chiswick house

For an Italian garden in London

If you’re looking for a romantic garden, then then Chiswick House has you covered. It’s one of the best gardens in London for the classically inclined and is styled around Roman architecture. In the garden you’ll find lakes, bridges, and various statues.

The gardens at Chiswick House look like they could be in a painting, and at the foot of Italian gardens is a beautiful conservatory.

Entrance to the gardens at Chiswick House is free

Closest tube station Chiswick Park

4. Kensington Gardens

Home to the parakeets of london.

You’ve probably heard – parakeets are taking over parts of West London. I personally love them and try and spot as many of the bright green birds as possible. Kensington Gardens is a great place to see the parakeets, and you can even feed them.

Entrance to Kensington Gardens is free

Closest tube station Lancaster Gate

5. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Best gardens in central london kew gardens

For the best botanical gardens in London

Also known as Kew Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are filled with thousands of plants and trees. There are also several different glasshouses which support floral and fauna through a range of climates. My favorite glasshouse is home to more water lilies I’ve ever seen before.

And it’s not just a botanical garden. Kew Gardens also host laboratories and research facilities, with the aim of collecting and sorting through a massive variety of plants and seeds.

Entrance to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is £17.50 for adults (and free for children under 4)

Closest tube station Kew

Read more: The Perfect (Anti) Valentines Day Lunch at Gaucho, Richmond

The best gardens in East London

Haggerston Park
Mudchute Park and Farm
Geffrye Museum Gardens

A map of the best gardens in East London

1. Haggerston Park

For a garden that promises wisteria hysteria

If you’re fond of wisteria then head to Haggerston Park in late spring. If you do, you’ll see one of the best examples of flowering wisteria in London. The wisteria grows all along the central pergola at Haggerston Park, and there’s also an edible garden and community orchard.

Entrance to Haggerston Park is free

Closest tube station Hoxton

2. Mudchute Park and Farm

For the biggest inner-city farm in london.

There are dozens of different animals and birds that call Mudchute Park and Farm home. You can book in a farm tour to see horses, ponies, pigs, sheeps, cows, goats, and even llamas and alpacas.

It’s a great place to bring kids but is also worth a visit if you’re interested in setting up your own small holding. The farm offer lessons in how to keep chickens, and the equestrian centre offer horse-riding courses.

Entrance to Mudchute Park and Farm is free

Closest tube station Canary Wharf

3. Geffrye Museum Gardens

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Museum of the Home (@museumofthehome)

A garden that gives an interesting lesson in history

Geffrye Museum Gardens lead off the main museum building, which is used to showcase period living rooms from the 17th century and onwards. The gardens perform a similar task and are split into a series of ‘rooms’. Each one shows off the style and plants of a different era, and they’re a great way to appreciate living history.

Entrance to Geffrye Museum Gardens is free, but you have to pre-book tickets

Read more: 6 Affordable Restaurants in London with a View

The best gardens in South London

Thrive Garden
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Wildflower meadows at Archbishop’s Park

A map of the best gardens in South London

1. Thrive Garden

A rose garden to support people with disabilities.

Battersea Park ranks as one of the best green spaces to visit in London, and not just because of how big it is. Stretching across 200 acres of fertile marshland, the grounds at Battersea include an enormous lake and winter garden. There are also tropical gardens, housed in what used to be the old Victorian pump house.

But one of the nicest things about Battersea Park is its Thrive Garden, a rose garden that serves as a therapeutic space for disabled people.

Entrance to Battersea Park is free. People can attend session at Thrive Garden by referral through health care professionals

Closest tube station Battersea Park

2. Dulwich Picture Gallery

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dulwich Picture Gallery (@dulwichgallery)

A garden that doubles as an outdoor art gallery

The gardens of Dulwich Picture Gallery are often filled with outdoor art exhibits, which makes sense since they lead off the main gallery at Dulwich college. You’ll find various exhibitions at different times of the year, sometimes led by famous painters and sculptors.

Entrance to the Dulwich Picture Gallery is £16.50 for adults

Closest tube station West Dulwich

3. Wildflower meadows at Archbishop’s Park

For a community garden feel on a large scale.

The gardens at Archbishop’s Park are spread over almost 10 acres and include grassy plains perfect for an afternoon stroll. Or for kids and pets to run around in.

There’s also a botanical element to the gardens which is home to a wildflower meadow filled with local and exotic flora and fauna. It’s one of the best gardens in London to see something pretty in flower all year round.

Entrance to Archbishop’s Park is free

Closest tube station Lambeth North

Read more: Lunch at The First Cheese Conveyor Belt Restaurant in London

The best gardens in North London

Fenton House and Gardens
Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola
The Rose Garden at Alexandra Palace Park
Sensory Gardens at Broomfield Park

A map of the best gardens in North London

1. Fenton House and Gardens

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fenton House and Gardens (@fentonhousent)

For a secret walled garden

If you’re looking for a traditional English house garden, Fenton House and Garden is one of the best places to be. Its charm is in the secretive nature of the space, walled in by well-groomed hedges and containing winding walkways. There are apple trees in spring, and roses in summer. You can also book to visit the actual house and make a whole day of it.

Entrance to Fenton House and Gardens is £10 for adults

Closest tube station Hampstead

2. Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola

secret gardens in central london hampstead

An overgrown garden filled with flowers

Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola is the lesser-known sister to the famous Hampstead Heath park. But what it lacks in infamy it makes up for in charm.

The gardens are filled with charming walkways overgrown with vines and shrubs. In May, its one of the best places to see wisteria in the city.

And like Hampstead Heath, Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola also has stunning views of London

Entrance to Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola is free

3. The Rose Garden at Alexandra Palace Park

For a garden with panoramic london views.

Also known as Ally Pally, Alexandra Palace Park is home to one of the best rose gardens in north London. One of my favourite things to do is sit on a bench in the garden with a packed lunch and a thermos of hot tea.

And if you’re keen to wonder around the rest of the park, you’ll find great views that span across London.

It’s also a great place to take the kids. There are floating dragons on the lake for hire, or you could take a ride on the Segway rally. You can also book tree-climbing courses for older kids, and the park also has a soft play playground for younger children.

Entrance to Alexandra Palace Park is free

Closest tube station Alexandra Palace

4. Sensory Gardens at Broomfield Park

For a secret garden in aldermans hill that caters to the visually impaired.

Hidden gardens in London don’t get any more beautiful than the ones at Alderman’s Hill. And the Sensory Garden in Broomfield Park is a brilliant place to visit.

The Sensory Gardens were designed to support people with visual impairments and include varieties of plants chosen for their distinct smells. There’s also a tactile element to the horticulture in the Sensory Gardens.

Broomfield Park also has a series of ponds, one of which was most recently used as a bathing lake. Although they’re not in operation now, there are hopes that locals will be able to swim there again. Another of the ponds is a model boating lake, which I didn’t even know was an actual thing. How brilliant!

Entrance to Broomfield Park is free

Closest tube statio n Arnos Grove

Read more: The Fluffiest Japanese Pancakes in London – Hefaure vs Fuwa Fuwa

Have you been to any interesting gardens in London? Let me know on Instagram.

Leave a comment cancel reply your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Editors' picks

Peking Duck at Shikumen

Beautifully laid out and reasonably priced, Shikumen is the obvious place to enjoy some excellent dim sum and Peking duck in West London.

Five Guys, Shepherds Bush

The burgers are tepid - the meat is a passionless patty of miscellaneous cow, set in a wad of hardened processed cheese in a characterless white bun. Don't do it.

Polenta Galore at La Polenteria

La Polenteria in Soho is a restaurant that focuses on polenta, whcih is served in starters, mains and desserts, some of which are masterpieces in simplicity.

Travel Food

Hôtel Royal Savoy Review | Switzerland

One Night At The Prettiest Motel In California

Top 10 Things to Eat and Drink in Finland

Tanner & Co, London Bridge

Fish & Chips at Kerbisher & Malt

A new menu at The Portman, Marylebone

Become a Member
Already a Member? Sign in
Events this month
Garden design
International
Meet the gardeners
Garden advice
Small gardens
Shady gardens
Low maintenance
Big gardens
Sunny gardens
Dry gardens
Wet gardens
House plants
Outdoor living
What to wear
Competitions
Newsletters

The best gardens in London to visit this year

Even in the big city you can find oases of calm and beauty – here's our pick of the best gardens to visit in London

Abigail Whyte

From a royal palace to an apothecary garden, we recommend lush green spaces to escape the hustle and bustle of our nation's capital.

Don't miss our guide to the best royal gardens to visit and gardens where you can pick your own flowers .

Gardens near me in London

Chelsea physic garden.

Chelsea Physic Garden has been a place of scientific understanding, healing and enjoyment for the people of London for over 300 years. It was founded in 1673 as an apothecary’s garden in a warm microclimate by the River Thames, to train apprentices in medicinal plants .

The garden is still on a grid system with its historic Order Beds, where you'll find over 800 plants laid out according to their families.

Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS, chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Chiswick House & Gardens

A classical garden landscape in West London. It was here that the English Landscape Movement was born with William Kent's designs. Admire the beauty of the naturalistic landscape, interspersed with impressive art and statues.

Chiswick House & Gardens, Burlington Lane, Chiswick, London W4 2RP, chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk

Get free entry with The London Pass

Kensington Palace gardens

Kensington Palace was the birthplace of Queen Victoria, home of Diana, Princess of Wales and is now the official London residence of HRH Prince William and Princess Catherine. The Sunken Garden features an ornamental pond and a bronze statue of Princess Diana, commissioned by her sons.

Since the installation of the statue, over 4,000 flowers have been planted in the garden including 200 roses , two cultivars being Pearl Drift (='Leggab') and Blush Noisette (='Noisette Carnée').

Kensington Palace, London W8 4PX, hrp.org.uk

Buckingham Palace gardens

The 39-acre garden boasts more than 350 types of wildflowers , over 200 trees and a three-acre lake. The garden also provides a habitat for native birds rarely seen in London, including the common sandpiper, sedge warbler and lesser whitethroat.

A tour of the garden can be completed by a cream tea in the café overlooking the Palace's famous lawn and lake.

Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, rct.uk

Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is one of the world's most famous gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover thousands of fascinating plants, have a stroll through the vast arboretum and spot local wildlife at the lake and Sackler Crossing.

Be sure to visit the Temperate House, which contains some of the rarest and most threatened temperate zone plants.

Kew Gardens, Richmond, London TW9 3AE, kew.org

Horniman Museum & Gardens

The Horniman Museum has 16-acres of gardens with spectacular views of London (especially from the Bandstand). Visitors can enjoy the Sound Garden, Wildlife Garden, Meadow Field and even a Prehistoric Garden, which features a display of ‘living fossils.’ The gardens are very popular with families, and dogs can be let off their leads in the Meadow Field.

The museum and gardens are free to enter, but you can buy tickets for exhibitions and events currently running.

Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, London, SE23 3PQ, horniman.ac.uk

The Garden Museum

The Garden Museum's urban courtyard garden was designed by Dan Pearson, and features exotic ferns, cannas and jasmine entwining the supporting pillars of the cloistered walkway.

Enjoy fresh bread, seasonal food and natural wines in the award-winning café, while admiring the lush green foliage in the contemporary garden.

The Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7LB, gardenmuseum.org.uk

Inner Temple Gardens

Located close to the Thames – enjoying central London’s microclimate – the opulent herbaceous borders of the Inner Temple Garden offer an extended season where visitors can revel in their colour well into the late autumn and winter.

Shrewd, successional planting gives exotic plants, annuals and late-flowering perennials centre stage in the 70m herbaceous borders, where head gardener Sean Harkin experiments with colour and innovative plant combinations. The gardens also include a Mediterranean Garden, a magnificent avenue of plane trees and a woodland garden. Chosen by Tom Brown

Inner Temple Gardens, London EC4Y 9AY, innertemple.org.uk

Museum of the Home

Museum of the Home, formerly known as the Geffrye Museum, includes an immersive garden experience that will examine the importance of domestic gardens through the centuries.

Gardens Through Time traces how urban homes have evolved, from a Tudor knot garden with a pattern of cotton lavender Santolina chamaecyparissus borders, to a contemporary green roof garden which addresses current issues of limited green areas , and how worthwhile it is to create a garden no matter how limited on space you are .

Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8EA, museumofthehome.org.uk

Crystal Palace Park

This peaceful green space in southeast London features the capital's largest maze . It's laid out in a circular shape and is nicknamed the 'tea maze' because it's ideal for a teatime stroll.

Elsewhere in the park keep your eyes peeled for the scarily realistic (but deemed inaccurate by modern standards) dinosaur sculptures, which were unveiled in 1854 as the first dinosaur sculptures in the world. They are now Grade I listed.

Crystal Palace Park, London SE20 8DT, crystalpalaceparktrust.org

Eltham Palace and Gardens

At this Art Deco mansion you can take in 19 acres of award-winning gardens, including a Rock Garden , pools, cascades, a moat, play area and London's oldest working bridge.

Eltham Palace, Court Yard, London SE9 5QE, english-heritage.org.uk

Become an English Heritage member to get free entry

Don't miss our gardens to visit guide.

Share this article

12 Best Gardens In London

Published 13 March 2024 . By Kay Field .

This city of ours? It's full of botanical nooks. But it's not all parks and playgrounds . High above the ground and tucked away off the bustling streets, there are a number of free gorgeous spaces filled with tropical plants, vibrant flowers and stunning water features. So, without further ado, take a look at our pick of the best London gardens and add some new spots to your summertime arsenal.

Located 38 floors above Fenchurch Street, Sky Garden has gained acclaim for having one of the most impressive indoor gardens. Head up to the city oasis where you'll be met with panoramic views and a handful of bars and restaurants interspersed among lush ferns and palm trees. The garden is open to the public for free but you'll need to reserve your spot in advance.

This pretty place also hosts regular live music events .

The Culpeper

It may seem like any old pub from the outside, but The Culpeper is home to one of the most underrated secret gardens in London. Beloved by those in the know, this Spitalfields watering hole has a 'working farm' packed with flowers, herbs and vegetable patches tucked away on its rooftop. No wonder their food and botanical cocktails taste so good.

One of the best rooftop gardens in London? Without a doubt.

Isabella Plantation

Colourful azaleas, 40 acres of wild woodland and various ponds and streams... it's not hard to see why the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park is regarded locals as their favourite green spot. Take a rhododendron-filled trail around the vibrant estate before enjoying a post-walk refuel at the White Horse . Their Sunday roast is especially scrumptious.

Get lost in a haze of pink at this Richmond Park gem.

Fulham Palace

Embrace your inner Bridgerton with a trip to Fulham Palace , a lofty 17th-century estate. A must for history and nature lovers, the walled garden and surrounding outdoor areas have some of the oldest holm oaks in the country and the first magnolias grown in Europe, as well as a Tudor wall. Make a day of it with a brunch at The Little Blue Door beforehand.

Live out your favourite Jane Austen novels here.

Kyoto Gardens

Kyoto Gardens is a zen and tranquil spot within Holland Park boasting a picturesque waterfall. Just a short walk from cosy pub The Castle and brunch favourite Balans , this tiny bolthole is a far cry from the usual parks around the capital. Instead, you'll find a central pond surrounded by Japanese maple trees and other remarkable shrubs.

Enjoy an afternoon in one of the free gardens to visit in London.

Barbican Conservatory

Searching for the best gardens to visit near you? Look no further than the Barbican Conservatory . Along with fauna from all over the world - from desert cacti and succulents to Swiss cheese plants and orchids - there are three ponds filled with various types of carp. While you're there? Be sure to visit Barbican Brasserie by Searcys , a great European restaurant nearby.

Admission is free to this tropical paradise.

St Dunstan In The East

Nestled in the hub of the City, St Dunstan in the East wins the prize for unusual gardens. Since being all but destroyed during a WW2 bombing, the church has become a public park and a popular place to unwind after work. However, with the Walrus and Carpenter only a hop, skip and a jump away, the pub's not a bad shout either.

Check out this sanctum for a calming lunch spot.

Dalston Curve Garden

Created with the community at its core, Dalston Curve Garden is a gorgeous free hideout in the heart of East London. Take a book and spend a few hours relaxing while sipping on a cup of coffee from its café. Or, if you're after something a little stronger, Village 512 is moments away, offering the likes of CBD-infused lagers and neon interiors.

Step off the train and into this garden to de-stress.

Chelsea Physic Garden

Originally opened in 1673, Chelsea Physic Garden holds the title of the oldest botanical gardens in London. It has greenhouses dotted all around if you fancy checking out some of the 5,000 different plants and regularly hosted events, ranging from picnics to seasonal fairs. For those after a chilled day of tanning and R&R, it's only a stone's throw away from The Phene , a cosy haunt with drinks and classic pub grub.

The Chelsea Physic Garden's tickets start at £15 per person.

Hampstead Heath Garden And Pergola

One of the most well-known and beautiful, Hampstead Heath Garden and Pergola is a jewel in the northern neighbourhood's crown. Along with its charming streets and knockout pubs - shoutout The Holly Bush - of course, venture to this romantic spot for wisteria-clad trellises, regal arches and grand pillars, reminiscent of a Roman palace.

Cameras at the ready for one of the best London gardens.

Chiswick House & Gardens

Another Jane Austen-era property, and the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement, Chiswick House & Gardens has, without a doubt, one of the most stunning gardens in our guide. Expect romantic statues, ornate bridges and curated lawns which are bound to impress. Perhaps not quite as fancy, but a crowd-pleaser all the same, Bell & Crown is your go-to for freshly poured pints and riverside views.

Chiswick House Garden London | DesignMyNight

The 65-acre garden is open all year round.

Kew Gardens

We couldn't make a list of the top gardens to hitup without including the national treasure that is Kew Gardens . Handily located by The Coach & Horses , the extensive Royal Botanic Gardens house themed areas, two giant conservatories and a 14,000-strong arboretum; more than enough to keep you entertained. Tickets for adults are £22 if you pre-book online for a peak time, or if you're a student or under 29, you can nab them for around £7 - definitely well worth the trip.

Kew is is an iconic garden with a host of spectacular displays all-year-round.

Looking for more alfresco things to do in London? Check out our outdoor guide here or for more inspo, sign up to our weekly newsletter.

If You Like This, You'll Love...

9 Best Spots For Toasties In London

5 Best Taiwanese Restaurants In London

Our Review Of Nobu Café In Shoreditch

13 Best Spots To Watch The Sunset In London: Evening Instagram-Worthy Views

Recommended by

How to work with us.

Whether you own a bar, restaurant, pub, club, private hire space, pop-up and/or run events, you can take advantage of our full suite of products. Explore one or more from the below.

Revolutionary booking and enquiry management software for bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs. Table management, pre-orders, payments and more.

An online event ticketing box office, catering for all kinds of events, pop ups to big music festivals, and free marketing and exposure to help sell more tickets.

Sell e-gift vouchers to your customers; whether it be a packaged up experience or a monetary value. Generate an extra revenue stream and open up your venue/event to even more customers.

Advertising

Need to get your venue out to millions? Use our targeted marketing packages to instantly push your venue to a young professional audience.

Inside 15 of London's Secret Gardens

Image may contain Grass Plant Park Lawn Outdoors Human Person Vegetation and Tree

A small black gate in Little Venice opens to Crescent Garden , one of the city’s largest private squares, where wide lawns beckon lucky children.

Image may contain Advertisement Poster Human Person Collage Brochure Paper and Flyer

Popular Galleries

*** 7 Perfect Days in 7 Popular Ports

Vintage Travel Posters We Want to Buy Now

The 2012 Gold Standard: Hotel Amenities

What's Inside Airline Amenity Kits

The Most Romantic Places to Kiss

Tour the Top Cruise Ships in the World

Image may contain Plant Grass Lawn Park and Outdoors

In _Notting Hill, _Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant climbed over the fence to enter Rosmead , but visitors on Sunday can stroll right in.

Image may contain Outdoors Garden Arbour Furniture Bench Grass Plant Flagstone Park Lawn Nature and Yard

The private garden of the 600-year-old Draper’s Company has raised beds and five mulberry trees.

Image may contain Grass Plant Outdoors Yard Nature Garden Vegetation and Lawn

Belgravia’s Eaton Square is one of London’s most exclusive addresses (Neville Chamberlain lived at number 37, Vivien Leigh at number 54). But it welcomes the common people on Sunday with Caribbean food, a steel band, and a Punch & Judy show.

Image may contain Tree Plant Grass Fir Abies Conifer Ornament Christmas Tree and Outdoors

Hampstead’s 17th-century Fenton House is a National Trust property that's open to the public, with formal gardens and an orchard growing 30 varieties of English apples.

Image may contain Human Person Boat Transportation Vehicle City Urban Town Building Metropolis and Outdoors

Southwark’s Garden Barge Square is made up of verdant barges floating in the Thames; it offers great views of Tower Bridge.

Image may contain Furniture Chair Plant Patio Building Housing Villa and House

Built in 1938 atop a department store, the elaborate Roof Gardens now belong to Virgin’s Richard Branson. It has three themed sections: the Tudor Courtyard, English Woodland, and Alhambra-inspired Spanish Garden. Four flamingos roam the premises.

Image may contain Human Person Plant Outdoors Vase Potted Plant Pottery Jar Garden Flower and Blossom

Plants and produce will be for sale at Fulham Palace Meadows Allotments this weekend. These 406 plots sit on an Anglo-Saxon site enclosed by the giant moat around the palace.

Image may contain Brick Garden Outdoors and Arbour

The languorous grounds of Fulham Palace include a walled apple orchard, a Tudor archway and century-old wisteria. This was once the kitchen garden for the Bishops of London, who summered here.

Image may contain Plant Grass Flower Blossom Tulip Campus and Outdoors

One of the city’s four Inns of Court—like colleges for barristers—the Inner Temple has a beautiful three-acre garden, open daily to the public. Parts date to the times of the Knights Templar; Dickens and Thackeray lived here too. Just off Fleet Street, it’s a hidden respite from the crowds.

Image may contain Outdoors Porch Patio Garden Yard Nature Pergola Arbour Housing and Building

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden , built on a disused railway line, opened in 2010 to give Hackney much-needed green space. Its acclaimed eco-conscious design includes butterfly bushes, tomato plots, and a wooden pavilion for neighborhood activities.

Image may contain Outdoors Vase Potted Plant Plant Pottery Jar Garden Planter Herbs Yard Nature Herbal and Soil

Historical research led to the faithful restoration of the private 1682 Chiswick House Walled Garden ; its lost paths and a cherry orchard have been reinstated.

Image may contain Furniture Bench Outdoors Garden Arbour Park Bench Grass and Plant

Chester Square , in Belgravia, was once home to residents including Mary Shelley and Margaret Thatcher. It has a central rose garden and 19th-century trees.

Image may contain Plant Grass Tree Human Person Tree Trunk Outdoors and Lawn

Tall London plane trees shade the lawn at Park Crescent , laid out by Regency architect John Nash. Visitors enter by a tunnel connecting it with Park Square.

Image may contain Housing Building House Mansion Villa Neighborhood Urban Condo and Plant

Recently refurbished, Hogarth’s House , the Georgian summer home of satirist William Hogarth, has formal gardens and is open to the public. Its mulberry tree may predate the house, part of the Chiswick property’s lost orchard.

Posted on Published: 27th May 2022 - Last updated: 16th June 2022 Categories Things to do

By: Author Lauren Kendrick

Best Things to do in South London: An Insider’s Area Guide

Love This? Save and Share!

Ready to discover the best things to do in South London? The southern parts of the capital are home to some of the most unique places to see and things to do in all of London.

Despite what the grumpy folk north of the river would have you believe, the areas south of the River Thames are a wonderland awaiting exploration. No ifs, no buts, no discussion.

It may surprise you that most of what is now South London was once submerged, a pretty distant image from the sprawling suburban areas known today. This was partly the handiwork of the Grand Surrey Canal, which ran through most areas.

Since then, significant industrialisation forced the canals of southern London to be filled and replaced with a network of roads and more. Now suburbs such as Southwark , Peckham , Richmond , and Brixton are popular urban hotspots among locals and tourists alike.

Venturing into the great maze of south London will surprise and entice you with its trendy restaurants, urban markets, art displays, historical museums, and scenic gardens.

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Get ready to discover the very best of South London.

What Are the South London Areas?

South London is an epic melting pot of culture and style. The area features the perfect blend of small villages and huge urban playgrounds – from the scenic leafy suburb of Richmond, the history-rich streets of Greenwich, and the nightlife of Clapham, to the vibrant streets of Peckham.

While exact answers will vary from Londoner to Londoner, the south of London generally comprises Croydon , Greenwich , Crystal Palace, Brixton , Tooting, Wimbledon, Brexley, Bromley, Kingston, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Richmond , Southwark , Sutton, and Wandsworth.

Things to Do in South London

Climb the o2 arena roof.

Famous for hosting some of the best musicians and bands of the last decades, paying a visit to the O2 is a must-do when in South London. The O2 Arena , originally built as the Millenium Dome in the year 2000, is a major highlight of the Greenwich Peninsula.

A 52-meter climb to the top of the O2’s roof undoubtedly provides the best views of London – you can book this activity here . And while you’re there, why not have a go at bungee jumping? Or, keep your feet firmly on the ground and explore the huge entertainment and restaurant complex inside.

Go Dinosaur Hunting in Crystal Palace Park

Crystal Palace Park is many things: it’s one of the most beautiful places in South London, a retreat from the buzzier tourist attractions, and perfect for those days where grabbing a coffee and having a wander sounds perfect.

Crystal Palace Park is also, strangely enough, home to dinosaurs . Well, to be fair, dinosaur sculptures. These are the remains of a Victorian-era theme park restored in 2002 as a prime attraction for the garden. Have a go and see how many you can spot.

As far as free things to do in South London go, this is pretty cool. And totally weird.

Indulge in Richmond Park

The Richmond area is a nature-filled haven. In fact, known for its tree-lined streets, sprawling green parks, and magical views of the River Thames, it’s any nature lover’s paradise.

One of the best things to do in South East London Richmond is to visit one of the few open deer parks in London. Spotting some deer and enjoying the escape Richmond Park offers from London’s craziness is an excellent addition to any trip.

Ride the London Eye

Easily one of the most recognisable landmarks in south London—and we’d wager the whole of London—the London Eye is a must-do on this list.

The 30-minute ride is perfect any time of year, but we suggest a late afternoon trip if you want to get the most out of it – time it around sunset and you’ve scored a major photo opportunity. If you’re in London over New Year, treat yourself to the firework shows centred around the Eye.

A few minutes walk from the Eye, you will find several great restaurants and street markets in the Southbank area .

Stroll Through Streatham Rookery

Originally formed around a private house, the Rookery is now one of the best formal gardens in London. This large, carefully-curated historic garden spans almost the entirety of Streatham Commons.

It includes numerous cascading ornamental ponds, an Old English Garden, a White Garden, ornamental native hedges, and a community garden. It also houses a variety of wildlife in its more wooded areas.

Take a Dive at Brockwell Park Lido

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Simon Garwood (@simon.garwood)

Suppose a shimmering 50-meter deep, pristine pool surrounded by art-deco buildings and picturesque gardens appeals to you? In that case, one of the most fabulous swimming pools in London , Brockwell Park Lido, is perfect.

Embracing the waters and scenery of Brockwell is enough to make anyone fall in love, but there’s more. The park also offers excellent grub in the form of Lido Café, perfect for hungry stomachs and wet feet.

Watch an Indie Film at the David Lean Cinema

View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Lean Cinema (@davidleancinema)

Located in the Croydon Clocktower on Katherine Street, you’ll find the David Lean Cinema . Aside from a brief closure in 2011, this piece of British cinematic history started screenings in 1995 and, to this day, continues with screenings six days every week.

Situated in the learning and cultural complex, you can take in the regular screenings and spend time in the library and museum. Afterwards, have a specialised drink at the Arts Cafe Bar.

Get Artsy at Peckham Levels

It’s no secret that we adore Peckham Levels – the former car park is now a seven-story arts space, focusing on local artists and indie businesses. Above and beyond this, Peckham Levels also has a premium cocktail bar, a full yoga studio, several food vendors, and dedicated pop-up creative spaces.

And it’s also one of the best places to party in South London.

Top picks very much include Near & Far , a bar inspired by world travels, the menu and decor of Near & Far traverses continents and styles. It now features among the best South London places to visit.

Head to the Greenwich Museums

Greenwich is still one of the most historically rich places in South East London, and you won’t have to look very hard to find examples of this. In fact, the abundance of Royal Museums are a great place to start.

The Cutty Stark (one of the last British Tea Clippers ever built) now serves as one of the most beautiful museums in London. Climb aboard and learn all about the job of a rigger, as well as how life on the seas was spent.

Visiting The Cutty Stark, the Painted Hall, and the Royal Naval College are fun things to do in South East London.

Scare Up Spooks at Nunhead Cemetery

One of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries in London, Nunhead Cemetary is a legend come to life. Compared to the other cemeteries, it is perhaps one of the least known but most hauntingly beautiful of the seven.

Take a walk through this Victorian remnant that showcases monuments dedicated to the most prominent citizens of the time. They’re surrounded by more miniature gravestones that commemorate others.

Read More: Our Guide to Nunhead Cemetery

Tour Eltham Palace

Another Greenwich great, Eltham Palace , might not be on the list of the most renowned castles in England, but it should be. This art deco castle is a sight to behold.

The childhood home of King Henry VIII, this magnificent palace is now open to the public as a historical exhibition. What’s nice about Eltham is that it is relatively quiet because it isn’t as well known, so your day trip here will be peaceful, serene, and certainly memorable.

Party the Night Away at the Bussey Building

The Bussey Building is prime real estate for party animals – it’s packed with brilliant venues to drink away evenings.

On the top of the Bussey party-goers list is CLF Art Cafe . Along with the delights of the cafe, there are also regularly hosted music festivals. For a genuinely great time, the venue hosts the world’s biggest soul party — The South London Soul Train.

You should also check out the stellar Bussey Rooftop Bar which sits atop the Bussey building in Peckham, boasting 360-degree views of all of London.

Heaps of History at Horniman Museum

As far as great places to visit in South East London go, the Horniman Museum is a dream come true if you’re a history buff. Although it doesn’t see the traffic of the other major museums in London, it certainly is worth the trip.

You’ll find this gem in Forest Hill . It features a butterfly house, music gallery, animal walk, nature trail, aquarium, world gallery, and much more.

It also boasts one of the most unique exhibitions of taxidermy dating back to the Victorian era. Check out the Horniman Walrus — it’s quite something.

Celebrate with Festivals on Clapham Common

Clapham Common has long been a holy ground of sorts for festivals of all kinds. With a primary focus being music and arts festivals, any visitor to the Commons can be sure they’re in for a good time.

Some recent festivals included the YAM Carnival (a celebration of black culture and music) and RTRN II Dance (drum and bass focused festival for EDM). Also included was ALT+LDN (coined as ‘London’s first alternative hip-hop and rock festival).

They’ve yet to announce their entire summer line-up for Clapham Common, but YAM Carnival and Electric City are two of the biggies in 2022 announced so far – we highly recommend checking them out.

Explore Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew is most definitely one of the jewels of South London – and it’s also the largest UNESCO world heritage site in London.

Take in the sprawling vistas, curated landscapes, and architecturally stunning glasshouses during your visit, which house some of the rarest plant life in the world. Kew Gardens is also the home of the world’s most significant seed conservation projects to protect endangered plant species.

Things to Do in South London: Eating & Drinking

Munch a south african braai at kudu.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kudu Restaurant (@kudurestaurant)

Kudu is an authentic and perfectly designed South African inspired restaurant in the heart of Peckham. Trust us – nothing beats the smells and tastes of Kudu.

While their dining space is stylish and elegant, their menu is bursting with classic open flame-grilled meat topped with tantalising herb rubs and sauces. Opt for the dry aged T-bone, beer pickled onions, and treacle bordelais braai and your stomach will thank you.

Maltby Street Market

For a fun (and tasty) weekend outing, the Maltby Street Market is pure heaven. For this market adventure, numerous artisan food vendors and shops sit around Ropewalks’ Victorian arches every weekend, serving up toothsome fare.

Start with a cheese toastie from The Cheese Truck, before exploring the rest of the market – and inevitably making a pit stop at Bad Brownie for a gooey treat.

As far as weekend street markets go, this one in Bermondsey sits at the top of the list.

Bermondsey Beer Mile

For thirsty travellers, Bermondsey Street boasts some of the best bars in South London, and finding the perfect ale or stout is always just a few steps away. Spending an afternoon bar-hopping here is one of the best things to do in South London.

With several excellent pubs and restaurants along this street, you’ll have plenty of choice. Though, our top picks include The Barrel Project, Hiver, and Anspach & Hobday. Start with these for a cracking afternoon.

Top Shopping Spots in South London

Explore brixton.

Brixton is home to a few great indoor and outdoor markets filled with the most fun things to do in South West London. It’s a vibrant entertainment, culinary, and retail hotspot with an edge of coolness other areas of London have tried to replicate (and failed).

Among the best of these are Brixton Village and Market Row. And, just in case you were wondering, food is a top prize at these markets, with more than 130 independent vendors selling their more-ish goods.

Beyond the excellent food, you should take a walk through the dozens of retail shops that cater to everything, including clothing, art, music, and crafts.

Deptford Market Yard

A derelict goods yard transformed into a truly modern shopping experience, The Deptford Market Yard hosts, without a doubt, some of the most eccentric trades and their wares in all of London.

At Deptford, expect a large variety of foods, drinks, shops, and creative spaces, all with a distinct south London flair. We especially adore the Iyouall store and their quirky home goods.

Practical Tips for Exploring South London, London

Although South London doesn’t feature much on the underground tube system, you should find it easy to get where you want to be with the above-ground train system.
We think that makes South London really unique is its love and appreciation for the arts. Include a couple of the many museums and art exhibits in your trip for an authentic South London adventure.

Where to Stay in South London

Intercontinental london – the o2.

If exploring Greenwich is a priority on your trip, there’s no hotel more luxurious or convenient than the Intercontinental. Make sure to book a room on a higher floor to make the most out of the dreamy views over the peninsula.

Hilton London Bankside

With an indoor pool, a dazzling cocktail bar, and brilliant restaurant, Hilton London Bankside offers an array of services, going above and beyond many of the capital’s hotels. Rooms are stylish, with some offering an indulgent city view.

Park Plaza County Hall London

Situated on the South Bank, this hotel boasts plenty of rooms with views of the iconic London Eye. Rooms themselves are spacious and modern, with sofas and a small living space to add an extra touch of comfort.

Discover More South London Area Guides

Greenwich Area Guide
Peckham Area Guide
Richmond Area Guide

LET'S GET SOCIAL!

London x London is the insider’s guide to discovering the best of London.

We delve into the cool, interesting and quirky spots that make London such a dynamic city, telling you the best things to do, eat and drink along the way.

Tired of the same old dull suggestions? Want to know where to find London’s secret bars, tastiest eats and weirdest finds? We provide practical guides that help you do just that.

Find Out More

Recently Published

Eltham Palace: Discovering South London’s Gorgeous Art Deco Secret
Staying At: The Laslett, Notting Hill Review
Carreras Cigarette Factory: A Curious Reminder of London’s Egyptian Art Deco Craze

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

20 of the UK's most beautiful gardens to visit

Looking for a glorious garden to explore on a day out or staycation? Check out a few of our favourites

With the warmer weather arriving, it’s the perfect time to start planning how you’ll make the most of the UK’s great outdoors over the coming months. As well as the many beautiful, natural landscapes we have here in Britain, we’re also lucky to have a variety of lovely gardens, from perfectly manicured palace grounds to fragrant and colourful cottage gardens.

These lush attractions invite you to witness their vibrant flower and plant displays and get inspiration for your own outdoor space, or simply soak up the ambience for pleasure.

With plenty of charm and character, you'll find impressive 'outdoor rooms,' walled gardens, herbaceous borders and more at these remarkable gardens around the country.

Browse the loveliest gardens to visit across the UK.

Sissinghurst Castle, Kent

uk gardens view of priest's house from the white garden in august at sissinghurst castle garden, kent

One of the most celebrated English gardens, Sissinghurst Castle Garden is a joy to explore. Designed by poet Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson who moved here in 1930, the gardens were completely transformed from a space to grow vegetables for farm workers to the series of ‘rooms’ filled with various planting schemes.

The bold and bright Cottage Garden with its hot colours and the White Garden, which has inspired countless imitations, are just two of the garden's highlights. You'll also want to check out the fiery reds and yellows of the South Cottage garden.

How to visit: Country Living's four-day exploration of Kent and Sussex's finest gardens will take you to Sissinghurst on an early bird visit, where you'll have the chance to explore the gardens before they open to the public. You will also spend time with designer Sarah Raven.

FIND OUT MORE

Tresco Abbey Gardens, Isle of Scilly

If ever you needed an excuse to visit the heavenly Isles of Scilly , the glorious Tresco Abbey Gardens is it. A botanical paradise that you're guaranteed to fall in love with, the garden was planted among the ruins of a Benedictine priory.

You'll find 20,000 plant species, which have been collected as far as New Zealand, South Africa and South America. It's also home to the Valhalla Museum, a collection of figureheads gathered from shipwrecks around the islands. Tresco Abbey Gardens is a great place to spot rare red squirrels, too.

How to visit: Join Country Living on a tour of the Isles of Scilly with top wildlife and nature expert Julian Branscombe, who knows the islands inside and out. You'll visit Tresco Abbey Gardens during the six-day break.

RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate

One of the Royal Horticultural Society's northern flagships, Harlow Carr is an inspiring garden, showcasing the best of gardening innovation. There are sections devoted to different groups of plants, including a rose garden, a bulb garden and an arboretum, and plants blooming across a range of terrains, with woodlands, wildflower meadows, and rockeries.

You can combine a visit to the garden with time exploring lovely Harrogate, the upmarket spa town where Harlow Carr is located. Attractions in this historic town include the Mercer Art Gallery, the Royal Pump Room Museum and of course Betty's Tearoom, a Harrogate institution, serving delicious afternoon teas. How to visit: Country Living has a special trip to RHS Harlow Carr as part of our four-day tour of some of England's best gardens. On the trip you'll also visit Easton Walled Garden and hear from Arthur Parkinson.

Hidcote, Gloucestershire

Located in the Cotswold hills, this Arts and Crafts-inspired garden has several intricately designed outdoor spaces to explore. Hidcote 's fabulous garden was created by talented American horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston and is characterised by its colourful outdoor ‘rooms’ that are full of surprises.

A must-see if you’re on holiday in the Cotswolds, you'll adore the maze of narrow paved pathways and secret gardens with plants bursting with colour. Many of the plants that grow here were collected from Johnston’s plant hunting trips in faraway places. It’s the perfect place to visit if you’re after gardening inspiration. Look out for green woodpeckers and the elusive hummingbird moth.

How to visit: Cotswold House Hotel is a 12-minute drive from Hidcote in Chipping Campden, with a restaurant, spa and a cosy atmosphere.

READ OUR REVIEW AND BOOK

The Royal Gardens at Highgrove, Gloucestershire

uk gardens the prince of wales launches the coronation meadows initiative

Since buying the property in 1980, King Charles has redeveloped the garden at Highgrove , taking on a new project every year. With the help of his friend Lady Salisbury, he surrounded the house with scented wisteria, honeysuckle, jasmine and thyme.

The royal also created an experimental wildflower meadow of around 32 different varieties of endangered native plants, such as yellow rattle and common spotted orchid.

How to visit: Whatley Manor is an eight-minute drive from Highgrove. The country pile has a superb spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant and gorgeous gardens of its own.

Tintinhull Garden, Somerset

Tintinhull Garden can be found behind a pretty stone house near Yeovil in Somerset and makes a wonderful spot to stroll around on a warm day. Sparkling ponds and water features, secluded lawns, brightly coloured borders and manicured hedges create the perfect place to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle.

Designed by Mrs Phyllis Reiss in the Arts and Crafts style, the garden is separated into seven garden ‘rooms’ by manicured yew hedges and stone walls, and you’ll discover different colours and scents in each.

How to visit: From country lodges to shepherd's huts and charming inns, there are places to stay in Yeovil, around 15 minutes from Tintinhull Garden.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR TINTINHULL GARDEN

Plas Cadnant, Anglesey

If you're looking for a garden to truly surprise you, you should plan a trip to Plas Cadnant on the tranquil Isle of Anglesey - considered one of North Wales’ best kept secrets. This hidden garden is still in the process of being slowly uncovered and is often called the Welsh 'Lost Gardens of Heligan'.

So far, three different gardens have been discovered, including an unusual walled garden with curving walls and a pool, a secret valley garden with three waterfalls and a river, and an upper woodland garden with stone outcrops and the remains of a 19th-century folly.

How to visit: There is an abundance of accommodation options near Plas Cadnant and around Anglesey, including Haulfryn Cottage, Anglesey Arms Hotel and Chateau Rhianfa.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR PLAS CADNANT

RHS Garden Bridgewater, Greater Manchester

the paradise garden at rhs garden bridgewater

The Royal Horticultural Society's long-awaited fifth garden, RHS Garden Bridgewater , is one of the most impressive new heritage gardens, not just in the North of England, but in the whole of the UK.

Created over 154 acres on the former site of Worsley New Hall, an Elizabethan Mansion in Salford, Greater Manchester, it's the first ever RHS garden to be created in an urban area. Highlights include the Weston Walled Garden, one of the UK's largest Victorian walled gardens, alongside extensive landscaped grounds including orchards, woods, meadows and lakes as well as living plant collections and horticultural trials.

How to visit: Check in to Didsbury House Hotel in a trendy south Manchester suburb and you'll be a 20-minute drive from RHS Garden Bridgewater. The Victorian villa has original features and a cosy bar for drinks.

Ventnor Botanic Garden, Isle of Wight

Ventnor Botanic Garden is a real must-see for any budding botanist. With a magnificent collection of over 30,000 rare and sub-tropical plants, it’s a true gem of a garden and is open year-round.

This impressive botanical garden is home to plants which you won’t be able to see anywhere else in Britain. The wonderful selection of exotic plants thrive here due to Ventnor Undercliff’s unique microclimate. The average temperature in Ventnor is around five degrees warmer than the rest of the UK, meaning it feels more like the Mediterranean - which is nice for visitors, as well as the plants! The garden is also dog friendly, so you can bring your four-legged pals as you wander through 22 acres of lush tropical beauty.

How to visit: The Royal Hotel in Ventnor offers a great base to explore the botanic garden. The grand Victorian hotel serves afternoon tea on the terrace, refined dinners in the dining room and cocktails in the bar.

Mottisfont, Hampshire

The gardens of this romantic 18th-century house boast carpets of spring bulbs, a beautiful walled rose garden, rich autumn leaves and a bright winter garden. Mottisfont is a feast for the senses all year round and the world-famous collection of old-fashioned roses flowers once a year in June, making this a great time to visit.

A fantastic place for families, you'll find plenty of space to run and jump around. The herbaceous borders in the walled garden showcase a huge variety of flowering plants, while the wide, grassy lawns, and the tree-lined river walk provide plenty of shade on sunny days.

How to visit: There's no shortage of welcoming country house hotels in Hampshire, but among our favourites is the stately Lainston House, a Georgian red-brick country pile dating back to the 17th century and only a 20-minute drive from lovely Mottisfont.

Temple Newsam, West Yorkshire

Just a short journey from the centre of Leeds, you'll be wowed by the explosions of colour, delicate scents to be found at the historic Temple Newsam . One of the highlights is the Rhododendron walk, which blooms in a pretty palette of fuchsia, purple, white and pink every May.

There are over 1,500 acres of beautiful woodland, parkland and gardens to explore here, landscaped by the famous 18th century gardener Capability Brown. You can have a picnic in the lakeside gardens, or take a stroll through the romantic Georgian walled garden. You’ll be able to see national plant collections, colourful herbaceous borders and stunning seasonal displays in the glasshouse.

How to visit: The Bells in Leeds is around an 18-minute drive from Temple Newsam and offers apartments with one or two bedrooms, huge living spaces and hot tubs in most rentals.

Mount Stewart, County Down

This neo-classical is considered one of the most outstanding gardens in the world and is unique and of rare quality, being one of the few late compartmentalised Arts and Crafts-like gardens.

The creation of Edith, Lady Londonderry in the early 20th century, Mount Stewart is a deeply personal garden and the strong, artistic theme combined with an unrivalled plant collection forms one of the most spectacular places to visit in Northern Ireland.

How to visit: Explore Mount Stewart during a stay at the Culloden Estate & Spa, overlooking Belfast Lough, just a 25-minute drive from Mount Stewart. The hotel boasts period features, including antique furniture, paintings and chandeliers for stay that's both luxurious, homely and rural.

Chatsworth Garden, Derbyshire

Well-loved for its beautiful water features and sculptures, as well as its pretty Victorian rock garden, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the sprawling 105-acre Chatsworth Garden . Home to the Dukes of Devonshire for many generations, Chatsworth Estate’s world-class gardens are steeped in history. The estate was purchased by Elizabeth and William Cavendish in 1549 and over the following generations the house and gardens have transformed into what you’ll see today.

The garden retains many of its original features, including the Canal Pond, the Cascade and the Duke's Greenhouse. There are plenty of activities for all the family to enjoy at Chatsworth too – perhaps take a walking tour in the gardens or join a drawing workshop.

How to visit: Check in to the charming Devonshire Arms at Pilsley and you'll be based just a five-minute drive from the Chatsworth Estate. It's dog-friendly, a great spot for walkers and it serves up hearty meals in the cosy bar and restaurant.

Wentworth Castle Gardens, South Yorkshire

uk gardens the victorian flower garden at wentworth castle gardens, yorkshire

Once known as ‘the finest garden in England,’ today Wentworth Castle Gardens is South Yorkshire’s only Grade I registered landscape. The original gardens, designed by Thomas Wentworth in the early 18th Century, used geometric patterns.

One remaining example is the unusual Union Jack Gardens, which is laid out so that, viewed from above, it combines the crosses of St George and St Andrew to celebrate the Union of Scotland and England. During a visit, you'll want to check out the Victorian Flower Garden and look out for unusual and exotic plants housed in the conservatory.

How to visit: Check into a traditional stone cottage around 10 minutes away near the village of Wortley. This romantic holiday rental for two people is in a secluded and peaceful location, where you have just sheep and cows as your neighbours.

Great Dixter, East Sussex

steps from lower terrace to the orchard with mulberry tree, great dixter house garden, northiam, united kingdom, architect edwin lutyens, 1912 photo by view picturesuniversal images group via getty images

A historic, 15th century farmhouse, Great Dixter was transformed in the early 20th century by Edwin Lutyens into an impressive country house. The heavenly gardens here are the handiwork of renowned English gardener and author Christopher Lloyd, who moved into Great Dixter in 1954, creating a nursery specialising in rare and unique plants.

You can still see the results of Lloyd's passion for horticulture, garden design and experimentation at Great Dixter today. There is a huge collection of exotic plants and a recent experiment involved installing a summer tropical garden rich in bold shapes and brilliant colours.

How to visit: Join Country Living's garden tour of Kent and Sussex with Sarah Raven, which includes a visit Great Dixter along with several other delightful gardens.

Scone Palace, Perthshire

Perched above the River Tay in Perthshire, this red sandstone palace's enviable location offers stunning views across the surrounding Highland landscapes. Scone Palace has been the seat of parliaments as well as the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including both Macbeth and Robert the Bruce.

The gardens here are as splendid as the Palace itself, with highlights including a maze in the shape of a five-pointed star, a kitchen garden providing produce for the palace kitchens, and a Laburnum Walkway which dazzles with its distinctive yellow flowers. The Grampian Mountains make a dramatic backdrop for these historic gardens, and you can gaze on the city of Perth across the river.

How to visit: You'll find guest houses, hotels and apartments within one to three miles of Scone Palace, where you can have a peaceful mini-break in Perthshire and explore the historic house on a staycation.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR SCONE PALACE

Powis Castle, Powys

Dating back 300 years, Powis Castle ’s world-class gardens are steeped in history. You can wander the Italianate terraces blasted from the solid rock and marvel at the spectacular yew hedges, dancing statues and lavish herbaceous borders.

From the fabulous hilltop setting you can see the Mid Wales countryside for miles around as they change through the seasons. Marvel at the herbaceous borders' riot of colour, cool off with a shaded woodland walk and spend a lazy afternoon relaxing in the Fountain Garden.

How to visit: Just a 10-minute drive away from Powis Castle, Offa's Dyke View is a grade II listed holiday cottage that's perfect for a group of family or friends, plus one dog. While it's a lovely place to stay near Powis Castle, you'll want to get out and about by walking and cycling the breathtaking surroundings.

Easton Walled Garden

The site of Easton Walled Gardens is at least 400 years old, but was left derelict in 1951 when Easton Hall was demolished. The beautiful 16th-century garden with its Victorian flourishes has now undergone extensive renovations, with its current owner, Lady Cholmeley. The house and gardens have been owned by the Cholmeley family since 1561 and it's truly been restored to its former glory, converted into the colourful and lively garden you can enjoy today. You'll see grand Italianate terraces and a yew tunnel, a cut flower garden, David Austin roses, meadows and sweet pea collections along with cottage and vegetable gardens.

How to visit: Visit Easton Walled garden on our very special tour of England's finest gardens. Not only will you meet Lady Cholmeley and hear her talk passionately about her restoration project, but you'll also hear from top gardening writer Arthur Parkinson who'll join you for lunch and a Q&A. FIND OUT MORE

Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

When Lord Fairhaven designed his garden at Anglesey Abbey , he wanted to create something that would inspire and surprise his guests. around personal taste and his regular routine of entertaining guests, with something to show them each and every season.

Today, the gardens still follow the same seasonal pattern, with different areas within the 114 acres coming into the spotlight for their time to shine, before making way for the next. The dazzling Dahlia Garden, striking Formal Garden and the pretty Wildflower Meadow are highlights of the stunning garden in Cambridgeshire.

How to visit: From country cottages to pubs with rooms and cute studios, there are a range of places to stay near Anglesey Abbey.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR ANGLESEY ABBEY

Arundel Castle, West Sussex

If you're looking for a garden to truly surprise you, Arundel Castle is the place to visit. It's home to a variety of landscapes and environments, from the quirky Stumpery to the formal Collector Earl’s garden to the warmth of the Glasshouses.

Here, you'll be wowed by the explosions of colour, delicate scents and structural designs. Immerse yourself in the fragrance of the Rose Garden and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Fitzalan Chapel's White Garden.

How to visit: Discover Arundel Castle's epic garden while staying in another historic West Sussex castle by checking in at the 12th-century Amberley Castle, just a 12-minute drive from Arundel and with its own pretty 12-acre grounds to explore.

.css-xccn36:before{margin-bottom:0;margin-right:-0.9375rem;width:3.125rem;height:0.819rem;content:'';-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;background-repeat:no-repeat;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-xccn36:before{display:none;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-xccn36:before{display:inline-block;}}.loaded .css-xccn36:before{background-image:url('/_assets/design-tokens/countryliving/static/images/arrow.svg');} UK staycations .css-1qpowtm:before{width:3.125rem;height:0.819rem;content:'';-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;background-repeat:no-repeat;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1qpowtm:before{margin:0.7rem auto 0.9375rem;display:block;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1qpowtm:before{margin:0 -0.9375rem 0 0;display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scaleX(-1);-moz-transform:scaleX(-1);-ms-transform:scaleX(-1);transform:scaleX(-1);-webkit-background-position:75% 0;background-position:75% 0;}}.loaded .css-1qpowtm:before{background-image:url('/_assets/design-tokens/countryliving/static/images/arrow.svg');}

Norfolk holidays: Happisburgh Lighthouse

'Forgotten' Devon seaside town with a huge beach

The best Scottish Highland hotels

dark skies uk, best stargazing spots for holidays

The best dark skies in the UK for stargazing

The best beaches in Scotland to visit in 2024

Britain's best country house hotels

a brick walkway leading to a large building with a brick walkway

Book bucket list Harvest Lunch at Le Manoir

22 best weekend getaways and breaks in the UK

The best places to stay in Snowdonia

The best inflatable kayaks in the UK

Why you need to visit the Isles of Scilly

12 of the best picnic bags for outdoor adventures

Going Out | Events and Things To Do

Where to watch the Euros final in London: the best pubs and bars to watch England vs Spain

The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

England’s Euros campaign may have been marked by jitters — play has been skittish, not calm and collected — but there has been a strange kind of magic to the way Kane and Co. have scraped through. That 2-1 win over the Netherlands? We’ve marched, somehow, all the way to the final. Bloody well get in. Ollie Watkins, you trooper.

And sure, it’s not been the greatest campaign of recent times — a tepid one-nil win over Serbia, two lacklustre draws (Denmark and Slovenia), that angina-inducing win over Slovakia — but we’re through, and it feels good. Really, really good. On Sunday, at 8pm, Southgate’s boys face Spain. Is it.. could it be.. comi — no, don’t curse it.

You don’t want to miss it. So, save going over to Germany to watch the games live, here are the best places to follow the Three Lions that still have tickets.

All three Boxpark locations — Wembley, Croydon and Shoreditch — are showing the final. The atmosphere in these shipping containers is madness, for some reason. Tickets here .

Various locations, boxpark.co.uk

Big Penny Social

There are screens inside and out and the Walthamstow brewery, and good beers too. The venue also has pyrotechnics ready for big moments, with a live band too. Let’s hope there’s plenty of chances for fireworks.

1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL, bigpennysocial.co.uk

Dalston Roofpark

In the heart of modern east London, Dalston Roofpark has transformed its warehouse into a “fan zone”. And so less natural wine, more anti-glare screens, DJs, and, here’s hoping, a few football legends milling about. We need all the support we can get.

The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin Street, E8 3DL, dalstonroofpark.com

Flat Iron Square

Flat Iron Square might be the place with the most televisions: 18, inside and out. Fan zones promise celebrity appearances, and there’s a tap room for beer and street food dotted around serving burgers, pizzas and more.

45 Southwark Street, SE1 9HP, flatironsquare.co.uk

TOCA Social

At Toca Social at the O2, experience an “immersive” football experience, with a penalty shoot-out game and various other activities. Drinks, too, and huge screens in communal areas, private ones in bookable rooms. There are still tickets left.

The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX, toca.social

Signature Brew

Signature Brew sites hosted Baller FC for the Women’s World Cup last year and will be doing the same for the Euros, creating inclusive, safe spaces to enjoy the beautiful game without some of the chaos that sometimes joins it.

Various locations, signaturebrew.co.uk

Between The Bridges

If the weather’s fine, Between the Bridges is an excellent location thanks to its enormous outside courtyard. A huge screen is joined by street food and there are several bars to about. A buzzy, collective atmosphere.

The Queen's Walk, SE1, betweenthebridges.co.uk

Clapham Grand

The Clapham Grand is one of South London’s prime spots to watch just about anything. Its 24ft, HD cinema screen is alluring. For the final, there will be six extra screens on the balcony, all showing England matches.

The Clapham Grand, 21-25 St John's Hill, SW11 1TT, claphamgrand.com/

Market Halls Victoria

Market Halls Victoria reopened last year with a fresh look and ever-more food and drink stalls. Inside, the place will be kitted out with screens, all showing the Euro 2024

191 Victoria Street, SW1E 5NE, markethalls.co.uk

Every Bounce site, in Shoreditch, Battersea, and Farringdon, will welcome England fans in their droves for this Sunday’s mammoth showdown. Match day packages are in order, including one that includes two drinks, a seat to watch the game, and unlimited pizza. And then, of course, there’s ping pong in the downtime.

Various locations, bouncepingpong.com

The Blues Kitchen

Each Blues Kitchen — Camden, Shoreditch and Brixton — will be airing the final. As always, lots of drinks, and food including burgers, loaded fries and chicken wings.

Various locations, theblueskitchen.com

The Last Talisman

The Last Talisman in Bermondsey does a “beer bonanza bucket”, bringing 10 cold ones for £50. There’s food, too, with a focus on Asian-style dining.

171-173 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UW, thelasttalisman.com

The Faltering Fullback

This lively Finsbury Park pub has been a favourite among London sports fans for years now. Although primarily a rugby pub, the Fullback’s front room is a great place to watch football and gets packed out for big games, so expect it to be busy this Sunday. Good real ales and food, too.

19 Perth Road, N4 3HB, falteringfullback.com

Famous Three Kings

The Famous Three Kings specialises in craft beer, cocktails and gins, while the kitchen offers tapas, pizzas, and steaks. The Euros will be on; this has long been one of London’s most sport-dedicated pubs .

171 North End Road, W14 9NL, crafted-social.co.uk

Bar Kick on Shoreditch High Street offers a friendly, engaging experience for fans in the area and remains one of the most popular settings for high-profile games, and this Sunday’s match is the most high profile of them all. The main room, complete with football tables and large screens, suits itself to big groups.

127 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE, cafekick.co.uk

The Cross Keys

You can always expect the football to be on at the Cross Keys, a traditional neighbourhood boozer in Hammersmith with a keen selection of beers and an outside space tucked away out back.

57 Black Lion Lane, W6 9BG crosskeyshammersmith.co.uk

Euro 2020 The Faltering Fullback pub in Finsbury Park, London

The Camden Eye

Found right around the corner from Camden Town underground station, the Camden Eye is one of the most dependable options for football in NW1.

2 Kentish Town Road, NW1 9NX, camdeneye.pub

The Coat & Badge

The Coat & Badge, a short walk from Putney Bridge station, is a good option for fans looking for a relaxed setting to enjoy this most majestic of games. Although during the final, things might get more lively.

8 Lacy Road, SW15 1NL, thecoatandbadge.co.uk

The World’s End

This Finsbury Park boozer is one of the best football pubs in North London. Punters will find Camden brewery and Meantime on tap, while big-screens in a couple of spacious rooms make it a good spot to watch the final.

23 Stroud Green Road, N4 3EF worldsendfinsburypark.com

This Irish pub in the far reaches of Tottenham is as proper as they come, with good Guinness, a pool table and a fun crowd. England won’t be on in an Irish pub, surely? Get away. It's a friendly place.

158 Broad Lane, N15 4QJ, 020 8365 1899

The Regent

Tucked away in a Balham side street, on the same road as Adele’s old school, is the Regent, a must for any football fans in SW12. The fish and chips aren’t bad.

21 Chestnut Grove, SW12 8JB, theregentbalham.co.uk

The Hercules Pillars

Fancy watching football in an old and traditional London boozer replete with Greek-style sculptures? This one’s for you.

18 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5DG, herculespillars.co.uk

England Play Denmark In The Euro 2020 Semi-Final

Dickens Inn

A three-storey pub overlooking St Katharine Docks, here there is pizza to be found, fine lagers and cask ales, and half a dozen screens positioned well to watch the Three Lions roar and thrash the Spanish.

Marble Quay, E1W 1UH , dickensinn.co.uk

Brixton Village

In good weather, there are few better places to perch than outside Brixton Village, with an al fresco bar and a big screen in the corner. Food comes by way of Fish Wings & Tings, Kaosarn, Jalisco, Okan, and plenty more besides.

Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PS, brixtonvillage.com

Pan Pacific

Less a raucous, pint-throwing situation, Pan Pacific has teamed up with Roseblood Provence wines to build a “terrace garden oasis”. But there are screens showing the final, so anyone who wants to glug chilled rosé while watching Jude Bellingham run midfield and score us a victory over Spain can do exactly that.

80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB, panpacificlondon.com

There are numerous screens and 11 different food stands at Metropolis, a lively food hall in the arches next to Vauxhall train station. Expect craft beers, bubbly cocktails and an excellent atmosphere.

Railway Arches, Albert Embankment, SE1 7TP, metropolislondon.co.uk

Create a FREE account to continue reading

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in

South Carolina Is Home to 76 National Historic Landmarks… These 5 Are the Best Ones to Visit

B eginning in 1935, the United States began an increased effort to preserve important historical places around the country. It took until 1960 for the National Historic Landmark program to come to fruition under the authority of the National Park Service and, later, as a segment of the National Register of Historic Places. Today, there are over 2,600 National Historic Landmarks (NHLs) throughout the country. According to the National Park Service , “The designation of a property as an NHL:

Preserves the stories of nationally important historic events, places, and people for all Americans.
Helps to protect the historic character of the property from any federal action.
Might facilitate eligibility for grants, tax credits, and other opportunities to maintain its historic character.”

Some states naturally have more NHLs than others, with a majority clustered on the East Coast where early colonists jumpstarted American history. South Carolina , as one of the original 13 colonies with a rich history, is home to 76 NHLs. With so many to visit, we’ve rounded up the top five best sites to explore on your next trip to the Palmetto State .

1. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum — Mount Pleasant, SC

Okay, this first location is a bit of a cheat. The museum itself isn’t recognized as an NHL, but several of the ships featured on the naval base are. With a single stop, you can visit two vessels listed as NHLs: both the U.S.S. Laffey and U.S.S. Yorktown rest at anchor in the Charleston Harbor.

The destroyer Laffey served in the D-Day invasion in 1944, the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the blockade of Korea in 1952, and Cold War efforts between 1957 and 1964, earning the nickname “The Ship That Would Not Die.”

Yorktown , an aircraft carrier also known as the “Fighting Lady,” played a large role in the World War II offensive in the Pacific between 1943 and 1945, as well as during the Vietnam War between 1965 and 1968. She also rescued the crew and capsule from the Apollo 8 space mission in 1968.

The National Park Service designated both ships as NHLs in 1986, and both continue to serve as museum ships to educate and entertain visitors.

2. St. Philip’s Episcopal Church — Charleston, SC

St. Philip’s represents the oldest congregation in South Carolina and, in fact, the oldest congregation south of Virginia . The original wooden church took shape in 1681 at the current location of the St. Michael’s Episcopal Church on Broad and Meeting. The current St. Philip’s is now located on Church Street, a few blocks away, after being damaged in a hurricane and moved.

The rebuilt church features Tuscan porticoes and Roman columns, which contribute to a larger-than-life feeling within the church. The steeple, the last part of the church to be completed in 1850, stands tall enough to be used as a lighthouse that helped guide sailors into Charleson’s harbor until 1915. The church was designated an NHL in 1973 to protect its history and significance.

3. Beaufort Historic District — Beaufort, SC

The second-oldest town in the state, Beaufort took shape on Port Royal Island in 1711. Many of the classic homes here take visitors back in time, before the Civil War. Most residents had already fled by the time Civil War armies reached the town, so they converted the buildings into hospitals, offices, and other useful purposes rather than destroy them. As such, historic Beaufort features breathtaking examples of antebellum construction, with homes designed in Federal, neoclassical, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne styles. Live oak trees hung with Spanish moss add to the atmosphere, as do the many graveyards, chapels, and businesses.

The National Register of Historic Places recognizes both the district as a whole and individual properties, including the Anchorage, the Barnwell-Gough House, Tabby Manse, and more. The district was recognized as an NHL in 1973, with two houses — the Marshlands and the Robert Smalls House — also recognized individually in 1973.

4. Burt-Stark Mansion — Abbeville, SC

The Burt-Stark Mansion goes by multiple other names, including the Armistead Burt House and “The Deathbed of the Confederacy.” This Greek Revival-style home was built in the 1830s and had seven owners before its donation to the Abbeville Historic Preservation Commission. Confederate President Jefferson Davis held his last council of the Civil War in the Burt-Stark Mansion in 1865, where he admitted the Confederacy had lost. After this meeting, the Confederacy dispersed.

The house was named a NHL in 1992 and continues to operate as a museum to the Old South. Period-accurate antiques, furniture, and artifacts fill the home, creating a time capsule for visitors to enjoy.

5. Atalaya and Brookgreen Gardens — Murrells Inlet, SC

Home of America’s first and largest formal sculpture garden, Atalaya and Brookgreen Gardens offer beautiful views for visitors. Atalaya, the expansive home on the property, features Spanish Revival architecture that echoes the styles found in coastal Spain . The house also includes the large studio space used by celebrated sculptor and philanthropist Anna Hyatt Huntington and where she produced much of her art.

Brookgreen Gardens encompasses more than 9,000 acres as a nature preserve, including 550 acres used as sculpture garden that showcases a wide breadth of Huntington’s sculptures alongside those of her contemporaries. The property’s designation as a NHL, which came in 1992, only includes the 550 acres of sculpture garden and the Atalaya buildings.

South Carolina contains many houses, buildings, and properties that contributed to the creation and formation of the United States. While we could only highlight a few here today, there are many more to explore, especially within Charleston. The beautiful historic homes, plantations, churches, and other areas help remind us of our history and commemorate our past in a way worth celebrating. Thankfully, projects like the National Historic Landmark program aim to preserve these places for all to learn from and enjoy.

Join the conversion and let your voice be heard. Click here to access the brand-new survey from A-Z Animals and share your opinions on the most important animal and nature topics today! Get started now!

Discover the 7 Oldest Cities in South Carolina
5 Must-Visit Islands in South Carolina (From Popular Spots to Hidden Gems)
12 Must-Visit Small Towns in South Carolina

The post South Carolina Is Home to 76 National Historic Landmarks… These 5 Are the Best Ones to Visit appeared first on A-Z Animals .

The South Carolina state flag waving along with the national flag of the United States of America. South Carolina is a state in the coastal Southeastern region of the United States

Press Herald

Account Subscription: ACTIVE

Questions about your account? Our customer service team can be reached at [email protected] during business hours at (207) 791-6000 .

Ossipee Valley Fair, Moxie Festival and more happening this weekend

The Maine International Film Festival starts Friday in Waterville.

You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.

Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more .

With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.

It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page .

Loading....

Now that we’re all comfortably settled into the rhythm of summer, let’s do a classic summer thing and go to a fair!

Jeremy Schoff of York leads his oxen, Pete and Red, during the ox pull on Thursday at the Ossippe Valley Fair in 2021. Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer

The Ossipee Valley Fair starts today and runs through Sunday. We especially love the Farmer Olympics because the hay bale toss and blind wheelbarrow obstacle course competition is fierce. Ray Routhier has details about Ossipee Valley and several others fairs happening this summer in Bangor, Waterville and Acton, among other locales.

Go a little farther afield and find a Maine summer fair for you

Aretha Aoki & Ryan MacDonald (right, in bear suit) performing IzumonookunI (stet capital letter at the end). Aretha Aoki & Ryan MacDonald will be bringing this dance program to the Bates Dance Festival July 12 and 14, 2024 at the Schaeffer Theatre on the Bates College campus in Lewiston, Maine. Photo by Colin Kelly

Another summer tradition is the Bates Dates Festival in Lewiston . Performances are underway, and arts writer Megan Gray has the scoop on “IzumonookunI” by Aretha Aoki and Ryan MacDonald. See it tonight and Saturday.

Topsham couple’s Bates Dance Festival performance is inspired by kabuki, punk rock and their 7-year-old

Big Yellow Taxi. Photo by Julian Parker Burns

I’m headed to One Longfellow Square on Friday night to see the Massachusetts-based Joni Mitchell tribute band Big Yellow Taxi. They’ll be playing Mitchell’s 1974 album “Court and Spark,” along with other tunes.

Tribute to Joni Mitchell celebrates 50 years of ‘Court and Spark’

“3 Vendors of Ipanema” is directed by Lewiston native Jonathan S. Lee. Courtesy of JSL Films

We weren’t kidding when we said there’s a lot going on right now. The 27th annual Maine International Film Festival starts on Friday and runs through July 21 in Waterville. Our film writer, Dennis Perkins, offers up his picks for 12 screenings worth your while.

12 hidden gems of this year’s Maine International Film Festival

Spectators watching a previous year’s Moxie Festival Parade in Lisbon Falls. Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer

Our weekly events roundup includes the East Bayside block party in Portland and the Moxie Festival in Lisbon Falls. Should you make it to the festival on Saturday, don’t miss “American Idol” alum Julia Gagnon singing at 1:30 p.m.

Kennebunks garden tour, Moxie Festival, East Bayside block party

One with Everything from Gunnar’s Icelandic Hot Dogs. Photo by Ray Routhier

Need a break from standard-issue hot dogs? We love them too, but sometimes a new twist is just what your taste buds need. Ray Routhier stopped by Gunnar’s Icelandic Hot Dogs cart . If you like what you read, you can find it parked from 4-9 p.m. Thursday at Apres in Portland, then on the roof of Bayside Bowl on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Sick of red snappers? Try an Icelandic hot dog instead

Modify your screen name

Join the Conversation

Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs .

Your commenting screen name has been updated.

Send questions/comments to the editors.

Member Log In

Please enter your username and password below. Already a subscriber but don't have one? Click here .

Not a subscriber? Click here to see your options

IMAGES

The Best London Gardens: Secret (and Not so Secret) Gardens You Have to
Top 10 Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
Kew Gardens in London
12 bloomin’ brilliant day trips for flower-loving Londoners
8 Most Beautiful Gardens in London
The Best Parks and Gardens in London, England

VIDEO

Thistle Kensington Gardens hotels
Free botanical gardens visit. Trang Thailand 😍🇹🇭🌳 #travelthailand
Sussex Gardens, London
Kew Gardens & Alton Towers Vlog
Vlog No. 184 Part 2 Cherry Blossoms at Kew gardens
Is it actually nice to take a walk in Kensington Palace Gardens in London? #uksrilankan #london

COMMENTS

Best 16 London gardens
Head outside and visit London's beautiful gardens, from magnificent Royal Parks to smaller green spaces maintained by volunteers. ... Enjoy a walk in the garden along the south side of Buckingham Palace as part of your ticket to the Buckingham Palace Summer Opening. The palace houses a hidden oasis covering 16 hectares (40 acres), including the ...
The loveliest gardens to visit near London
The Kyoto Garden was donated to Holland Park by the Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto (alongside the Japan festival held in London in 1992), and was designed by a well-known Japanese designer meaning it is a true ode to the ancient gardens of Japan. A favourite for weddings, garden parties or simply to stroll around in, the Kyoto gardens are a must ...
The 56 Best Places to Visit in London and the South East
Chiddingstone Castle, near Edenbridge. A historic house with Tudor origins, Victorian rooms that was rebuilt in the 1800s to resemble a medieval castle, set in 35 acres of Kentish countryside. Chiddingstone is set in 35 acres of informal gardens with breathtaking views of the North Downs.
30 Things To Do In South London: Exploring The Best Of The City
Yes, South London is rich in historical sites. You can visit landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe, the Imperial War Museum, the Old Vic Theatre, and the Royal Observatory. These sites offer a glimpse into London's history and provide an immersive experience for history enthusiasts. 4.
23 Beautiful Gardens In London You Need To Visit
The Rose Garden at Hyde Park is one of the most beautiful gardens in London. Established in 1983, this garden is home to over 2,000 different varieties of roses from across the world. Visitors can explore the stunning collection of roses, as well as take in the lovely views of the park and surrounding area.
23 Beautiful Parks in South London To Explore
Dulwich Park. Dulwich. It's hard to believe that the leafy, well-landscaped environs of Dulwich Park used to be farmland, but it's true. Prior to the park's creation in 1890, it and the surrounding areas were farmland and meadows. Today it's one of the prettiest parks in the south.
Gardens in London and the South East
Discover some of the most scenic gardens to visit in London and the South East and enjoy great days out all year round. Follow in the footsteps of dukes, earls, kings and queens at Cliveden as you stroll through a series of areas in the impressive garden, each with its own special charm. Enjoy every ...
31 Best Gardens in London: Famous, Quirky, Secret & More
1. Kew Gardens. Photo: @kewgardens. Address: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE. Founded in 1840 and housing the largest botanical and mycological collection in the world, Kew Gardens is one of London's major attractions and should top the list of places to go for anyone with a love for all things that grow.
The 14 most beautiful gardens to visit in London
It's a must-visit garden during spring in London. 13. Ham House. Richmond, TW10 7RS. £14. Historic gardens to visit through springtime. ... Whether you're a local or visiting in April, this guide covers the best tulip gardens in London and nearby in South East England. 2 Mar 2024.
Best 180 Gardens to Visit in London in 2024
The National Garden Scheme gives visitors access to 180 of the best gardens in London. Your visits and donations to private gardens near London raise important funds for Charitable causes across the UK. Thanks to the generosity of owners opening gardens for free NGS was able to raise and donate over £3.4 million to charities last year. We hope to top this in 2024 with more beautiful gardens ...
The Best London Gardens For You To Explore
Kicking off our roundup of the best London gardens you can visit is the Chelsea Physic Garden - London's official 'secret garden' which is a green oasis tucked away beside the River Thames and which holds a unique collection of 5,000 different plants. It also holds the prestigious title of being London's oldest botanical garden, and this year it's marking its 350th anniversary.
The Best London Gardens: Secret (and Not so Secret ...
Kyoto Garden. Kyoto Garden. I love the traffic and hustle and bustle of downtown London, but it's not exactly a zen kind of place to do some reflection. Luckily, London's Kyoto Garden certainly is. Donated by the city of Kyoto in the 90s, it's a peaceful oasis inspired by traditional Japanese gardens and one of the most romantic places in ...
15 Best Gardens in London
1. Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. The Kew Botanical Gardens were first founded in 1840 and have grown to become one of the most famous gardens in the world. Located in southwest London, they have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they host over 50,000 unique plant species.
15 best free gardens to visit in London
9) Battersea Park. Battersea Park, August 2016. Nearest tubes: none yet but one is planned to open in the next few years. A completely human made park, designed by Victorian architect James Pennethorne. It houses landscaped lakes and rockeries making it possible to get lost and escape the bustle of London completely.
London's Best Secret Gardens
Burgh House has the added bonuses of being free to visit, home to over 5,000 works of art and local artefacts (as the official Hampstead Museum), and boasting a covered, twinkly, café garden that's a lovely hidden gem. Details: Open Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm (9.30am-5.30pm weekends & bank hols) | Burgh House, New End Square, London, NW3 1LT.
THE 10 BEST London Gardens (Updated 2024)
By StephenCr0ss. The Rose Garden in Hyde Park is a great place to visit and June is a super month to see it in bloom. 25. Norfolk Square Gardens. 17. Gardens. By macedonboy. Norfolk Square Gardens is a traditional public garden square in Paddington. It's a long rectangular square surrounded...
20 Best Gardens in London, from Secret Places to Famous Spaces
In May, its one of the best places to see wisteria in the city. And like Hampstead Heath, Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola also has stunning views of London. Entrance to Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola is free. Closest tube station Hampstead. 3.
20 best Gardens and Parks in London
Want to visit the 20 best gardens and parks in London, then our guide has it all with loads of information, including maps and recommended hotels. List your Garden or Show | Help, About & Feedback Pay Balance | Telephone: 01 666 825390 . There is an annual charge of £3.95 for using our guide - ...
The best gardens in London to visit this year
The best gardens in London to visit this year - Gardens Illustrated. Even in the big city you can find oases of calm and beauty - here's our pick of the best gardens to visit in London.
12 Best London Gardens
Sky Garden. Located 38 floors above Fenchurch Street, Sky Garden has gained acclaim for having one of the most impressive indoor gardens. Head up to the city oasis where you'll be met with panoramic views and a handful of bars and restaurants interspersed among lush ferns and palm trees. The garden is open to the public for free but you'll need ...
Inside 15 of London's Secret Gardens
During London Open Garden Squares Weekend, June 9 and 10, one £9 ticket buys access to more than 200 gardens, 120 of which are private. ... Your Year of Travel Will End on a High Note. Steph ...
Best Things to do in South London: An Insider's Area Guide
Famous for hosting some of the best musicians and bands of the last decades, paying a visit to the O2 is a must-do when in South London. The O2 Arena, originally built as the Millenium Dome in the year 2000, is a major highlight of the Greenwich Peninsula.. A 52-meter climb to the top of the O2's roof undoubtedly provides the best views of London - you can book this activity here.
The 20 best UK gardens and top ways to visit them
Browse the loveliest gardens to visit across the UK. 1 Sissinghurst Castle, Kent ... You'll also want to check out the fiery reds and yellows of the South Cottage garden. How to visit: ... ©2024 Hearst UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 30 Panton Street, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ. Registered in England. All ...
The best London pubs and bars to watch England vs Netherlands
The Clapham Grand is one of South London's prime spots to watch just about anything. Its 24ft, HD cinema screen is alluring. For the Euros, there will be six extra screens on the balcony, all ...
South London Gallery on Instagram: "Visit artist Firelei Báez
1,665 likes, 46 comments - southlondongallery on July 7, 2024: "Visit artist Firelei Báez @fireleibaez in her studio, while on residency at Hauser & Wirth Somerset @hauserwirthsomerset. Head to the link in our bio to watch the full interview. Sueño de la Madrugada (A Midnight's Dream) is free to visit at the SLG, until 8 September. : @greatscottfilmsuk".
Are these London's most sustainable hotels?
Bankside Hotel, South Bank For elevating artists. ... 1-2 Queen's Gardens, London W2 3BA, queensgardens.inhabithotels.com . 9. The Corner London City, Whitechapel For low-cost low-footprint.
South Carolina Is Home to 76 National Historic Landmarks… These ...
Beginning in 1935, the United States began an increased effort to preserve important historical places around the country. It took until 1960 for the National Historic Landmark program to come to ...
Ossipee Valley Fair, Moxie Festival and more happening this weekend
Questions about your account? Our customer service team can be reached at [email protected] during business hours at (207) 791-6000.