From ancient forests to manicured formal gardens on grand royal estates full of flowers, topiary, and fountains, London’s 3,000 gardens and parks are some of the England capital’s most unique features.

Within these parks, you’ll find history, culture, art, and architecture, as well as a diverse range of native and non-native flora and fauna. This guide to the best gardens in London showcases the best this city has to offer.

The best gardens to visit in London

London’s gardens and parks are a key part of what makes this city so captivating, and both City Cruises and Walks offer immersive and educational tours—as well as beautiful views—of these lovely green spaces.

Along with museums, historic sites, and classic experiences like English tea or a sightseeing cruise along the Thames, strolling through the grand gardens of London is one of the best ways to discover the city.

1 Green Park

Encompassing 40 acres, Green Park is one of the eight royal parks and gardens located around London. Along with several monuments, it’s part of the trio of parks that surround Buckingham Palace, with the Canada Gate allowing entry to the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace.

2 St James’s Park

No visit to London is complete without a visit to St James’s Park. Its peaceful lake, lush walkways, and pelican flocks (yes, pelicans!) are just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, and the park runs parallel to The Mall.

Peeking out above the trees, you can spy icons of the London skyline, such as the London Eye. On the Walks tour of London in a Day, the stop at Buckingham Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard gives you the opportunity to see St James’s Park.

3 Buckingham Palace Gardens

Hidden away from prying eyes at the rear of Buckingham Palace, the 39-acre Buckingham Palace Gardens are the biggest private gardens in the capital.

Home to more than 1,000 trees, hundreds of plant species, and local wildlife like birds, this stately idyll is the Queen’s private garden. But between July and October, visitors can explore this secret garden, as well as select rooms in the Palace itself.

4 Hyde Park

The largest of the royal parks, Hyde Park is one of the most famous gardens in London, thanks to its beautiful appearance and wealth of activities.

Kensington Palace Gardens is one of its top attractions, with its formal gardens of manicured hedges and water fountains. Hyde Park also has a lovely rose garden, lakes for boating and swimming, bandstands to watch performances, and tranquil cafes where you can sit back and unwind from the rush of London life.

5 Kew Gardens

You can go on a globe-trotting horticultural trip without leaving London at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.

Housed in sunny outdoor gardens and an ornate Victorian-style glass pavilion, this 300-acre park features more than 50,000 living plants, thousands of unique species, and millions of preserved specimens. You can view unique plants from around the world, such as the corpse flower, as well as a picturesque manmade rock garden.

6 Chelsea Physic Garden

Want to see where the ancient apothecaries of 1600s London grew plants to use as medicine? You can do so at the Chelsea Physic Garden. Created in 1673, it’s England’s second-oldest botanical garden with some 5,000 species of plants.

7 Richmond Park

Founded in the 17th century by Charles I as a deer park, today Richmond Park is one of London’s most important gardens and parks for conservation. Along with its roaming deer herds, it safeguards 1,200 ancient trees and rare species of wildflowers, grasses, birds, bats, and more.

Within the park, you’ll find other hidden gardens, such as the Isabella Plantation. First planted in 1830, this idyllic Victorian woodland garden is full of colorful azaleas and both native and non-native plant species.

8 Hampton Court Palace Gardens

With more than 60 acres of immaculate formal gardens, parklands, statutes, fountains, and trimmed trees and bushes, the elegant Hampton Court Palace Gardens are some of the most beautiful gardens in London.

Many visitors love taking the time to solve the hedge maze, which is the oldest in the world. In the summer, the gardens also host the annual Hampton Court Garden Festival flower show.

Is there a best time of year to visit London gardens?

The good news is that there’s no bad time of year to visit the gardens of London. Each season has something special to offer, from fall foliage to spectacular flower blooms in the spring. Even in winter, glasshouse pavilions offer cozy nature escapes.

If there’s a particular private garden you hope to visit, however, like the Buckingham Palace Gardens (aka the Queen’s secret garden), you’ll want to plan your trip around the few months a year it’s open.

Discover London through its beautiful gardens

It would be impossible to see all of London’s best gardens in a day, but this curated list features the most beautiful gardens and parks—all of which should be essential stops on your London itinerary.

FAQs about Exploring London’s Gardens

What are some of the must-visit gardens in London?

London boasts a variety of beautiful gardens that are worth visiting. Some must-visit gardens include Kew Gardens, known for its extensive plant collections and iconic glasshouses; Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, which offer expansive green spaces and the Serpentine Lake; and the Chelsea Physic Garden, one of the oldest botanical gardens in London, showcasing a diverse range of medicinal plants. Are there any guided tours available for exploring London’s gardens?

Are there any guided tours available for exploring London’s gardens?

Yes, many of London’s gardens offer guided tours that provide in-depth information about the plants, history, and design of the gardens. Kew Gardens, for example, offers daily walking tours led by knowledgeable guides. Additionally, there are specialized garden tours available through various tour companies that focus on multiple gardens and provide expert commentary and insights.

What is the best time of year to visit London’s gardens?

The best time to visit London’s gardens is during the spring and summer months, from late March to early September, when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. During this period, visitors can enjoy vibrant displays of flowers and lush greenery. However, each season offers unique experiences, such as the stunning autumn foliage and winter horticultural displays, making London’s gardens worth visiting year-round.

Original Post Date: September 6, 2022