5 Secret Gardens to Explore in London
London might be known as the big smoke, but what you might not know unless you live here is that there are plenty of parks and secret gardens where you can relax on a sunny day. Sure, it doesn’t happen very often, which is why it’s so important to take advantage of London’s best secret gardens when you have the chance. And trust me, when it’s sunny, you do have to take advantage of it because you never know when the sun will come out again.
So here are the 5 secret gardens in London you can explore during the sunny weather!
1. Chelsea Physic Garden
Let’s start with some of the more central ones that are probably more known. Walking around Chelsea Physic Garden is a magical experience. As the name suggests, it’s located in one of London’s most exclusive areas, also known as Chelsea. This secret garden is known as the oldest botanic garden in London, located just a short walk from the River Thames, making it a pretty convenient tourist spot. But even then, most tourist tend to ignore it.
Although the garden’s not free, it offers a relaxing and sometimes much needed walk and an escape from this crazy city, right in the city centre.
Address: Curators House, 66 Royal Hospital Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4HS
2. Phoenix Garden
Here’s another local favorite, a community garden located in the heart of the city. But once you step in, you forget you’re actually in London! This magical garden might be small, but it’s a perfect getaway on a sunny and sometimes even not sunny day. The garden is well-maintained, but holds a strict policy of no bicycles, no dogs, and no alcohol - which is probably why it’s London’s best kept secret. Phoenix Garden is run by volunteers and funded by donations, so let’s make sure we keep it alive!
Address: 21 Stacey St, London WC2H 8DG
3. Culpeper Community Garden
This secret garden is located in Islington, so it comes with a natural advantage of being tourist-free. This garden was designed specifically for people who don’t have the luxury of having their own garden at home, but it also doubles as a place to come enjoy some nature and step away from the city life. Although small, it features ponds and even wildlife, making it an exciting visit for just about anyone. Just like many community gardens, it runs based on donations and it wouldn’t exist without dedicated Londoners.
Address: 1 Cloudesley Rd, London N1 0EJ
4. World Peace Garden
It’s all we really want isn’t it? The World Peace Garden is located in a quiet spot close to Hampstead Heath, away from the eyes of the curious tourists. Its mission is to provide peace amidst the busy life of a Londoner and to allow people to step away from their daily life problems for just a couple of minutes and reflect while being surrounded by nature. It’s a charitable project that runs solely on donations, so make sure you don’t overlook this small piece of paradise.
It's so secret we can't find any Instagram pictures, so if you have a picture of the World Peace Garden you want to share, give us a shout and we'll give you credit!
Address: 6 S Hill Park, Hampstead, London NW3 2SB
5. St. Mary's Secret Garden
Is it still a secret when it actually has the words ‘secret garden’ in its name? St Mary’s might be a secret garden, but it’s actually so much more than that. It provides an oasis for Londoners who can’t affod to have their own garden, but it also gives you a chance to work on your gardening skills with various courses. The garden’s aim also focuses on accepting those that feel socially isolated through various activities that are not only relaxing for the mind, but also incredibly educational.
We'd love to feature your photo of St. Mary's Secret Garden in action!
Address: 50 Pearson St, London E2 8EL
What are your favorite secret gardens in London? Let us know in the comments!
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