Best gardens to visit in London

London, a city celebrated not just for its iconic landmarks and bustling energy, but also for its surprising abundance of tranquil and beautiful gardens that truly come alive in the summer. From the serene elegance of the Regent's Park rose gardens, to contemporary city rooftops and the vibrant tapestry of Kew, you'll find plenty of spectacular gardens to visit in London. Whilst these fantastic green spaces are great to visit any time of year, to truly get the most out of the gardens we recommend visiting the best summer gardens in London between May and September.

Visit in May, and you'll experience London as it comes to life to celebrate the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. From 'Chelsea in bloom' - an impressive collection of floral displays from the businesses along Kings Road, to the world famous show itself, there's plenty of opportunity to enjoy this exciting time, which many refer to as the 'beginning of summer'. Keen gardeners, visitors and locals alike can't help but be inspired by the city as it colourfully celebrates this renowned event - showcasing cutting edge garden design, floral displays and more.

For those seeking historical charm, the Chelsea Physic Garden, London's oldest botanical garden dating back to 1673, showcases a fascinating collection of medicinal and useful plants in a beautiful walled setting.

Many of London's private gardens also open to the public for a special "London Open Gardens" weekend each summer, offering a rare glimpse into hidden horticultural treasures.

We've put together some of the best summer gardens to visit in London so you can plan your trip to London this summer and enjoy these wonderful spaces which are often free to enter. So, love gardens? Start planning your trip to visit the best gardens in London today.

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Queen Mary Rose Garden Regents Park London

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Royal Gardens
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Kyoto Garden
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120 Fenchurch Street
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Crossrail Place

Best gardens to visit in London

Royal Gardens

For a quintessential experience, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a must-visit. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers over 300 acres of diverse landscapes, from the iconic Victorian Palm House brimming with tropical plants to the tranquil Japanese Garden and the stunning Azalea Garden, which is particularly vibrant from late April to June.

Another horticultural jewel is Queen Mary's Rose Garden within Regent's Park. Home to London's largest collection of roses, with approximately 12,000 bushes and 85 varieties, it bursts into a riot of colour and scent, making it an idyllic spot for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful afternoon picnic.

Kyoto Garden

Beyond the well-known botanical havens, London offers a wealth of charming, often "secret" gardens perfect for a summer escape.

The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park provides a unique Japanese-inspired retreat with its serene waterfall, koi carp, and meticulously pruned trees – a truly tranquil oasis amidst the city buzz. Whilst small it is certainly impressive, and definitely worth a visit. Open daily from 7.30am until dusk, it's the perfect place to take a moment to pause and admire. It is also free to enter, and there are plenty of facilities around in Holland Park itself, from public toilets, to children's play areas, a café and sports facilities. So even if you don't spend long in the Kyoto Garden, there are plenty of things to do close by in Holland Park.

The Garden at 120 Fenchurch Street

Perched atop the Fen Court building at 120 Fenchurch Street, "The Garden at 120" offers a delightful, free-to-enter public rooftop space in the heart of the City of London. Designed by German landscape architects Latz + Partner, this elevated oasis boasts a striking array of features, including 85 Italian wisteria trees, over 30 fruit trees, and a 200-foot-long flowing water feature.

Beyond its surprising greenery, the garden provides unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of London's iconic skyline, encompassing landmarks such as The Gherkin, The Shard, and Tower Bridge, making it a serene escape and a fantastic viewpoint for both locals and visitors.

Crossrail Place

And for a truly unexpected green space, the Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf offers a tropical haven atop a railway station, featuring plants from both Eastern and Western hemispheres, along with impressive city views which you can enjoy from one of the many benches nestled along the pathways.

The Crossrail Place Roof Garden is one of London's largest rooftop gardens, and is open daily to the public all year round until sunset. It is also free of charge making it another great garden to visit in London without the added fees. So, whether you're visiting for a day trip or staying for a little longer, be sure to add this one to your list!

Book your trip today and start exploring some of the best gardens in London this summer!

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Crossrail Rooftop Garden, city of London

Best gardens to visit in London

Best gardens to visit in London

Kyoto Garden

The Garden at 120 Fenchurch Street

Crossrail Place

Amidst the urban pulse, London's gardens offer breath-taking beauty and a moment to pause