If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you probably already know that I love hunting for pretty flower spots across any city I visit! London might not immediately bring to mind lush gardens and tranquil green spaces. However, hidden amongst the city’s urban sprawl are enchanting secret gardens waiting to be discovered. These hidden gems offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle, providing a serene escape for both locals and visitors alike. Here’s my guide to the best secret gardens in London!
Best Secret Gardens in London
Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Tucked away within Holland Park, the Kyoto Garden is a serene oasis inspired by traditional Japanese gardens. As you wander through the winding paths, you’ll encounter a tranquil pond filled with koi carp, cascading waterfalls, and a picturesque wooden bridge. The garden is beautifully landscaped with Japanese maple trees, azaleas, and bamboo, creating a peaceful atmosphere that transports you far from the city’s chaos.
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Location: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA
Chelsea Physic Garden
Founded in 1673, Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanic garden and a true hidden gem. Nestled beside the Thames, this walled garden is a living museum, showcasing an extraordinary collection of plants with medicinal, historical, and botanical importance. Wander through the themed gardens, from the Garden of Medicinal Plants to the Pond Rockery, and discover the fascinating stories behind each plant. Perfect stop when strolling through Chelsea!
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Location: 66 Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HS
The Garden at St. Dunstan in the East
Once a church, St. Dunstan in the East was destroyed during the Blitz in World War II and transformed into a public garden in the 1970s. Today, the ruins of the church are entwined with climbing plants, creating a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for this secluded green space. Surrounded by towering walls, the garden offers a peaceful retreat from the surrounding City, making it a popular spot for quiet reflection and relaxation.
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Location: St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Located in Forest Hill, the Horniman Museum and Gardens offer a delightful blend of natural history, anthropology, and musical instruments, housed within a stunning Art Deco building. Outside, the gardens are a joy to explore, with themed areas including a sunken garden, a rose garden, and an interactive sound garden. With panoramic views of the city skyline, it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.
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Location: 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ
The Hill Garden and Pergola
When people mention Hampstead‘s charming pergola gardens, it’s often with a hushed tone, as if sharing a cherished secret. Despite being a popular destination for scenic walks and romantic photoshoots, these hilltop gardens retain an enchanting quality that feels intimate and secluded. Originally designed by the wealthy local philanthropist Lord Leverhulme for his lavish Edwardian summer garden parties in 1906, the pergola’s stone columns and walkways have aged gracefully over the years. While not as pristine as they once were, the overgrown vines and elegant decay only add to the garden’s atmospheric charm. The sloping lawns offer sweeping views of the city skyline, making them a perfect spot for a grand picnic.
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Location: The Hill Gardens and Pergola, Inverforth Close, North End Way, London NW3 7EX
World Peace Garden
Located on the edge of the expansive Hampstead Heath and just a stone’s throw away from the Royal Free Hospital, the World Peace Garden is a tranquil woodland glade. Transformed from a neglected wasteland into a communal sanctuary by local residents and businesses, this peaceful oasis offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Winding pathways and timber steps lead you past tranquil ponds, inviting picnic spots, and wind chimes that dance in the breeze. The garden is a hub of activity, hosting everything from guided meditations and chess tournaments to children’s parties and puppetry shows.
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Location: World Peace Garden, 6 South Hill Park, London NW3 2SB
Barbican Conservatory
Tucked away amidst the imposing concrete and glass structures of the Barbican estate, the Barbican Conservatory is a hidden oasis that transports you to the lush landscapes of the Amazon and Sumatran rainforests. Built in 1984 to camouflage the Barbican’s fly tower at the request of the then-resident Royal Shakespeare Company, this conservatory is London’s largest after Kew Gardens. Located on Level 3, the conservatory spans two levels filled with bridges, walkways, and streams that meander through a diverse collection of plants. Here, you’ll find towering Kentia palms, delicate tree ferns, and elegant weeping figs, along with a dedicated room for aloof cacti. Terrapins bask on rocks, koi carp shimmer in the water, and an aviary houses a lively community of finches, Japanese quail, and Java sparrows. Don’t miss the Beech Gardens outside, accessed via White Lyon Court, featuring a rooftop garden with raised beds and meticulously planted flowers, including vibrant red tulips, euphorbia, scabiosa, and striking black and purple sambucus nigra.
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Location: Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS
Culpeper Community Garden
Hidden just a few streets away from Angel’s bustling shopping hub and Chapel Market, Culpeper Community Garden offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Step through the gate at the back of the unassuming stretch of grass on the main road, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a tranquil oasis of twisty paths, ponds, and covered walkways. This beloved community space provides plots for locals without gardens and hosts a variety of inclusive events throughout the summer, from alfresco qi gong classes to healing herb workshops. With its own choir adding a musical touch to the peaceful surroundings, Culpeper Community Garden is the perfect spot for a moment of calm in the heart of Angel.
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Location: 1 Cloudesley Rd, London N1 0EJ
Camley Street Natural Park
Despite its proximity to the bustling King’s Cross station and surrounding urban development, Camley Street Natural Park offers a surprising haven of greenery and wildlife. Located just a short walk from Coal Drops Yard, this two-acre nature reserve features thriving grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. Follow the meandering path around ponds, reedbeds, and marshes, where you’ll encounter an impressive array of wildlife, from birds and butterflies to foxes and hedgehogs. For a unique experience, head to the far corner of the park, where a floating viewing platform gently bounces on the canal, offering the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
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Location: 12 Camley St, London N1C 4PW
Phoenix Garden
Nestled just off Shaftesbury Avenue in Soho, Phoenix Garden has weathered the challenges of the CrossRail development and emerged stronger with a renovation in 2017. Named after the nearby Phoenix Theatre, the garden truly embodies its name, rising from the ashes of World War II. Created by local residents in the early 1980s using bomb rubble from Luftwaffe raids, the garden boasts charming dry-stone walls and a rich history. Today, it’s a vibrant oasis filled with log stacks for insects and an array of bee-friendly flowers that attract five different species. Towering echiums, vibrant red salvias, golden nettles, and clematis create a colorful tapestry against the urban backdrop. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful break between city adventures. Keep an eye out for a variety of birds, from woodpeckers to sparrowhawks, and perhaps even the West End’s only frogs. Unlike many community gardens in London, Phoenix Garden welcomes new friends with a small yearly fee.
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Location: 21 Stacey St, London WC2H 8DG
Gray’s Inn
While the thought of being surrounded by lawyers might not sound like the most relaxing experience, the serene oak-tree-lined grounds of Gray’s Inn Gardens could change your mind. Dating back to 1608, these gardens, known as ‘The Walks’, were designed by Sir Francis Bacon, who was then the Treasurer of Gray’s Inn. Located in the heart of London’s legal district, the gardens offer a peaceful escape from the bustling traffic of Theobalds Road. Dense hornbeam hedges, vibrant wildflowers, and a wrought-iron fence enclose the gardens, creating a secluded haven that feels worlds away from the city’s hustle and bustle. During the summer months, when the hedges and flowers are in full bloom, the gardens become even more hidden from view. With well-maintained green slopes and an avenue lined with American red oaks, The Walks have a relaxed, collegiate atmosphere that makes them an ideal spot for a quiet lunch away from the office.
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Location: 8 South Square, London WC1R 5ET
Isabella Plantation
Tucked away in Richmond Park, Isabella Plantation is one of the most captivating secret gardens in London and one of the best places to explore in Richmond throughout spring and summer months. This hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat with its stunning collection of azaleas, rhododendrons, and exotic plants, creating a riot of color throughout the year. Meandering paths lead you through lush woodland, serene ponds, and tranquil streams, making it a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a quiet oasis, Isabella Plantation promises a delightful experience amidst the beauty of nature.
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Location: Richmond Park, Richmond TW10 5HS
These secret gardens in London offer a delightful contrast to the city’s urban landscape, providing peaceful havens where you can relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Whether you’re seeking tranquility, inspiration, or simply a quiet spot to read a book, these hidden gems offer something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in London, be sure to seek out these enchanting secret gardens and discover the city’s green side.
