This year from the 24th to the 28th of May, the RHS Chelsea flower show is back for its first in-person event since 2019. This iconic event has showcased the greatest examples of garden design since 1912 and is regularly a favourite destination for members of the Royal Family.
Anyone planning UK family trips this summer should consider stopping off here if you’re travelling with any budding nature lovers. Along with this event, there are plenty of free things to do in London and some of the capital’s green spaces are great for day trips! So if you’re visiting London in 2022, make time to stop off at some of the best gardens in London.
Kew Gardens Botanical Gardens
Located in the southwest of the capital, Kew’s botanical gardens in London are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its famous Palm House lets you step into an exotic rainforest and its humid Waterlily House has been home to Amazonian treasures since its construction in 1852.
The stunning royal botanical gardens are open from 10 am every day and for any nature lovers, it’s a must-visit. You can get to these gardens in London via the District line in around 40 minutes from King’s Cross and other central London locations. If you’re driving, there is parking available on a first-come first-served basis on Ferry Lane near Brentford Gate for £7 per day.
Barbican Conservatory
Our next pick of London’s green spaces is known for its huge concrete towers but it also houses the tranquil Barbican botanical gardens. Featuring an arts centre, around 2000 flats and some of the best gardens in London, this destination has plenty to explore for any visitors.
Opened in 1984, the Barbican Conservatory is home to over 2000 species of plants and trees. It is also the second-largest conservatory in London and a limited amount of day tickets are available for booking every day. Check which days of the week they are open before visiting as this varies and you wouldn’t want to miss out on seeing this hidden gem.
The estate also features private residents’ Barbican gardens and a network of walkways which you can explore during your visit.
Queen Mary’s Garden
For any lovers of Chelsea Flower Show, the next great green space we’d recommend has more than twelve thousand rose bushes to take in. The gardens were named after King George V’s wife and opened to the public in 1934.
If you’re looking for a London rose garden, this destination features a huge assortment of varieties and even a Royal Parks rose created here. Queen Mary’s rose garden also makes a perfect spot to take your partner for a romantic get-away activity.
In terms of when to visit one of the UK’s best gardens, from May to June the park is in full bloom. Its Delphinium Border is also a notable sight with National Collection status so worth a visit for any budding gardeners.
Queen Mary’s rose garden is situated in Regent’s Park, close to London’s bustling West End. It is within walking distance of many of London’s major central stations and you can get there in just over half an hour from King’s Cross St Pancras.
Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola
As one of the highest points in London, Hampstead Heath pergola offers breathtaking views over the capital. If you aren’t familiar, a pergola is a structure used in gardens to support vines and flowers as they grow upwards. The natural growth that wraps around this is an innovative way of gardening that creates an eye-catching aesthetic.
Built in 1904 by Lord Leverhulme as a destination for Edwardian garden parties, this landscape architecture stands as an example of grand British construction. It’s also combined with some of the greatest examples of UK gardens.
Getting to northwest London’s Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola is a picturesque 26-minute walk from Hampstead Heath Overground station. This stop can be reached in just under half an hour from King’s Cross in Central London.
Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
For a trip to the Far East that’s just a bus ride away, we’d suggest taking a journey to these Japanese gardens in London. The Kyoto Gardens in London opened in 1991 as a gift from the Japanese city they are named after to celebrate the tie between Japan and the UK.
With a pond of koi carp, stone lanterns and wandering peacocks to take in, this attraction will transport you from London to another world. For lovers of gardening, its Japanese maple trees are an exotic sight you won’t forget any time soon. The best time of year to visit is spring as in May its cherry trees will be in full bloom.
To reach this stop on our tour of the best gardens in London, the nearest tube station is Holland Park which you can get to via the Central Line from St Paul’s, Liverpool St or Oxford Circus.
Chelsea Physic Garden
One of the oldest among our picks for outdoor family trips in the UK, this stop was built in 1673. Chelsea Physic Garden was originally used for growing plants used for medicinal purposes and it still serves as a great natural boost to anyone’s day.
London’s oldest botanic garden has a micro-climate that is great for encouraging a host of rare plants to grow. Many of these are endangered or very rarely found in Britain. To see some of these natural wonders firsthand, you can find this garden just a short walk from Sloane Square station on the Circle and District lines.
Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park
Richmond Park in the South-West of London is home to roaming deer which enjoy the 2500 acres of green space in this Royal Park.
At the heart of the park is Isabella Plantation which is a 40-acre area that has many rare plants including the Japanese Wilson 50 Kurume Azaelas along with unusual Rhododendrons and Camellias.
The nearest train station is Richmond which you can get to from Waterloo in a 16 minute journey for a quick journey to this amazing park!
Hampton Court Palace Gardens
Originally part of the residence of Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace Gardens are home to the world’s oldest puzzle maze and grapevine. Its sixty acres of great green spaces keep its gardening staff busy year-round and make it one of the best gardens to visit in the UK.
Some of the trees you can see on this site are up to 300 years old! In terms of the best time of year to see its flowers, the daffodils are the star attraction and reach their bloom during springtime in March.
Getting to this nature-rich destination is just a short walk from Hampton Court Railway station – getting there from central stations like Waterloo takes just over half an hour, perfect for day trips!
Fulham Palace Gardens
Any lovers of history and nature will get plenty of both at the second oldest botanical gardens in London. This walled garden was developed over hundreds of years by the Bishops of London who lived here and is now Grade II listed for its heritage.
Fulham Palace Gardens have a 500 year old holm oak and delightful daffodils in springtime! The nearest tube stop is Putney Bridge station and the gardens are just a 4 minute walk away.
Sky Garden
The Sky Garden in London is the capital’s highest public garden with incredible views across the city and a sunset bar to enjoy drinks while you take in the landscaped environment.
This is one of our top picks for free things to do in London, so be sure to book a ticket online. They are available up to three weeks in advance and guarantee entry.
Getting to the Sky Garden is a three minute walk away from Monument station which is accessible via the Circle and District lines.
The Garden at 120 Fenchurch Street
Finally we definitely recommend a trip to the City of London’s largest public rooftop space – The Garden at 120. This space is a tribute to Europe’s natural wonders with 85 Italian wisteria trees, 30 fruit trees and a 200 foot water feature.
The Fenchurch Street Roof Garden is another great pick for free stuff to do in London and a two minute walk from Fenchurch Street overground station so be sure to stop off if you’re looking for gardens in London!
