London may be a bustling metropolis, but amidst the skyscrapers and busy streets, you’ll find a wealth of hidden gardens offering serene escapes from the urban hustle. These green oases are perfect for unwinding, reflecting, and appreciating the natural world in the heart of the city. Below, we uncover some of London’s lesser-known garden gems that you simply must discover.
St Mary’s Secret Garden
Location: 50 Pearson St, London E2 8EL
St Mary’s Secret Garden is truly a hidden treasure nestled in the vibrant borough of Hackney. This community garden is an oasis of tranquillity, offering a rich variety of plants that provide a peaceful retreat from the chaotic energy of the surrounding urban environment.
The garden is more than just a beautiful green space; it serves as a therapeutic garden for individuals with disabilities, promoting mental well-being and offering visitors a sense of calm. With herb beds, a sensory garden, a vegetable plot, and a wildflower area, St Mary’s Secret Garden has something for everyone. The gentle hum of bees and the bright colours of flowers create a soothing atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to relax, reflect, or simply enjoy a break from city life.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM; closed on weekends.
St Dunstan-in-the-East Church Garden
Location: St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD
Tucked away amidst the financial district’s towering buildings, St Dunstan-in-the-East Church Garden offers an extraordinary blend of history and nature. Set among the ruins of a Grade I listed church designed by Christopher Wren, this garden is unlike any other in London. The church, bombed during the Blitz in World War II, has not been fully restored, allowing nature to reclaim the site in a wonderfully atmospheric way.
Ivy-clad walls, climbing plants, and lush greenery intertwine with the ruined arches, creating a space that feels both ancient and alive. The contrast between the historic architecture and the overgrown vegetation makes St Dunstan-in-the-East an unforgettable experience, perfect for those seeking peace and a reminder of London’s resilient past.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM–6:30 PM.
Kyoto Garden
Location: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA
Step into a slice of Japan without leaving London at the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. This Japanese garden was gifted to London by the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and is designed to embody traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Waterfalls, koi ponds, and stone lanterns are set amidst a variety of vibrant flora, creating a tranquil retreat from the bustling streets of West London. The garden’s koi fish glide gracefully through the water, while vibrant maple trees provide a burst of colour in autumn. The space is designed to foster contemplation and calm, offering a welcome respite from the city’s fast pace. It’s an ideal location for quiet reflection or a peaceful stroll.
Opening Hours: Daily from 7:30 AM–8 PM.
The Phoenix Garden
Location: 21 Stacey St, London WC2H 8DG
Nestled in the heart of London’s West End, The Phoenix Garden is a true urban sanctuary. This community-run garden promotes urban wildlife, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and biodiversity in the centre of one of the busiest parts of the city.
The garden is a haven for wildlife, boasting a variety of ponds, shrubs, and flowering plants that attract birds, butterflies, and bees. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy a lunch break or an afternoon stroll, with seating areas designed for peaceful contemplation. The volunteers who run the garden are passionate about maintaining its beauty, making it one of the most cherished hidden gardens in the city.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 8 AM–6 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM–6 PM.
Gibbons Rents Secret Garden
Location: London SE1 2EL
One of the city’s best-kept secrets, Gibbons Rents Secret Garden is a quiet, verdant retreat that offers an escape from the crowded streets of London Bridge. The garden is beautifully designed with lush greenery, trellises, and seating areas that make it ideal for visitors looking for some peace and quiet.
What makes Gibbons Rents particularly special is its 24-hour accessibility—making it one of the few hidden gardens in London open all day, every day. The garden’s tucked-away location means it remains a hidden gem, perfect for an impromptu escape into nature.
Opening Hours: Open all day, every day.
Chelsea Physic Garden
Location: 66 Royal Hospital Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4HS
Founded in 1673, the Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanic garden, home to over 5,000 different species of medicinal plants and herbs. This historic garden offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of natural medicine and botany, having been used for centuries as a place of study for apothecaries and botanists alike.
The garden’s layout is designed to both educate and inspire, with specific areas dedicated to herbs, edible plants, and species from around the world. Seasonal highlights like the Tropical Corridor and the Glasshouses are a must-see, while the café offers a delightful stop for refreshment during your visit.
Opening Hours: Varies seasonally; check the website for details.
Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola
Location: Hampstead Heath, London NW3
For those in search of breathtaking views and a sense of timeless beauty, Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola is an unmissable destination. This hidden garden is a marvel of Edwardian architecture, featuring a magnificent pergola that stretches across the landscape, overgrown with climbing plants and offering stunning panoramic views of Hampstead Heath.
The overgrown beauty of the garden gives it a romantic, somewhat mysterious air, and it’s easy to forget you’re still in the middle of London. Wander beneath the wisteria-clad pergola, and take in the beauty of the surrounding woodland and flowers. It’s a photographer’s dream and a wonderful spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Conclusion: Discover London’s Secret Gardens
From the ancient ruins of St Dunstan-in-the-East to the meticulously designed Kyoto Garden, London’s hidden gardens offer serene escapes that are rich in history and beauty. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to reflect or a picturesque backdrop for a peaceful stroll, these lesser-known gems provide a breath of fresh air amidst the city’s hectic pace. Each of these gardens is a reminder that even in the heart of London, nature and tranquillity are never too far away.
