Your guide to the city's secret parks, gardens, pergolas and more
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Think you’ve uncovered the entirety of London’s green spaces? Think again. Steer clear of the crowds and travel to one of the city’s secret gardens. From a rooftop vegetable plot to a former parish church, here’s our pick of the best – just don’t tell anyone.
The Secret Gardens in London to Visit Now
Saint Dunstan in the East, City of London
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A former parish church torn down by the Second World War, Saint Dunstan in the East has been transformed into a flourishing garden, in which plants and vines sweep the church ruins. Hidden within the City of London, you’ll find this pocket of greenery located between London Bridge and the Tower of London. St Dunstan’s Hill, London. cityoflondon.gov.uk
Chelsea Physic Garden, Chelsea
Dating back to 1673, Chelsea Physic is London’s oldest botanic garden. Nestled alongside the River Thames, the garden is home to an impressive 5,000 functional plants. Explore The Garden of Medicinal Plants, discover an array of rare species in the Atlantic Islands Border or take to the Pond Rockery (supposedly the oldest in Europe) and be sure to indulge a spot of ‘garden antipasti’ at the Physic Garden Café. 66 Royal Hospital Rd, Chelsea. chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
St Mary’s Secret Garden, Hackney
A community garden in Hackney, St Mary’s Secret Garden has been blooming for more than 25 years, inviting locals to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening. Amongst an array of plant life, you’ll find a tranquil pond, wildflower meadow and beehives in the garden woodland. 50 Pearson St, Hackney. stmaryssecretgarden.org.uk
The Hill Garden and Pergola, Hampstead
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What was once the private garden of an impressive Hampstead manor house is now a paradisiacal plot available for all to enjoy, overrun with greenery and wisteria which weaves amongst the property ruins and pergola. Influencers take note: this one is popular on Instagram. The Pergola, Inverforth Close, London. cityoflondon.gov.uk
13 Beautiful Ideas For Small Gardens And Terraces
The Culpeper’s Rooftop Garden, Spitalfields
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One certainly doesn’t expect to find a garden occupying the roof of a London pub, but The Culpeper begs to differ. The Spitalfields pub’s 1,400 sq. ft. rooftop garden is filled with growing vegetables, herbs and greenery which provide the resident restaurant with a variety of homegrown produce, plus the perfect spot to enjoy a pint or two. 40 Commercial St, Spitalfields. theculpeper.com
Culpeper Community Garden
An award-winning community garden, Culpeper offers a slice of botanical respite amidst the bustle of Islington. Looked after by locals, the garden – which features rose pergolas, vegetable plots, wildlife, ponds and more – is an example of how even the smallest of green spaces can bring people together. 1 Cloudesley Road, Islington. culpeper.org.uk
Kyoto Garden, Kensington
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You’ll find this Japanese-inspired oasis located within Kensington’s Holland Park. Surrounding Holland House, the tranquil garden transports visitors to East Asia with its pretty waterfall, stone lanterns and Japanese plants. You’ll even find peacocks wandering through the greenery. Holland park, Holland Park Ave, Kensington. rbkc.gov.uk
St Paul’s Church Gardens, Covent Garden
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While St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden is instantly recognisable, most don’t know about its adjoining ‘secret’ garden, a peaceful hideaway nestled in the heart of West End. Bedford St, Covent Garden. actorschurch.org
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