The 14 most beautiful gardens to visit in London
One of London’s advantages as a major city is that it is so spread out that green spaces are integral to each of its neighbourhoods. As a garden enthusiast and flower lover, I am always visiting London gardens in every season. I’m so obsessed that I even feel a bit anxious in the springtime, nervous I will miss out on one of London’s beautiful floral displays!
I’ve put a guide to London’s most beautiful gardens together, along with information about the best time of year to visit, in order to help you plan your green time in London. This post covers staples, like Kew Gardens, as well as special gardens within London’s Royal Parks and smaller private gardens and stately homes accessible to the public. Read on to find out more about London’s most beautiful gardens and when to visit them.
Overview: Best Gardens in London
Fulham Palace
Hampton Court
Holland Park
Kew Gardens
Hyde Park
Regent’s Park
Hill Garden and Pergola
Chelsea Physic Garden
Battersea Park
Chiswick House
St James’s Park
Isabella Plantation
Ham House
Victoria Embankment
Fulham Palace Garden
Fulham, SW6 6EA
Free admission
Visit in spring or early autumn
Best time to visit Fulham Palace Garden
The historic walled garden comes to live with blossom trees and an enormous wisteria plant in the spring.
Early autumn is colourful, don’t miss the Apple Festival.
About Fulham Palace
Fulham Palace, with its historic architecture and gardens, is a former residence of the Bishops of London. The walled garden is steeped in history and filled with colourful planting, both ornamental and edible. The site is completely free to visit, and has loads of personality. The palace cats wander the garden and are local legends, and the staff are cheerful and friendly. There’s regularly a stall selling hand-tied bouquets of garden flowers and all sorts of goods from the vegetable garden.
Fulham Palace Garden is one of my favourite gardens in London because of how colourful and vibrant it is through the changing seasons. The garden is split into 4 quadrants, and the middle is lined by blossom trees which are so charming in the spring. Springtime is also when the enormous and likely ancient wisteria plant blooms, reaching from one entrance to the other.
I also really like to visit in September, when late summer flowers are still in bloom and the apples are growing heavy on the trees. They have an Apple Festival every year, full of fun events and super family-friendly.
2. Hampton Court Palace Gardens
East Molesey, KT8 9AU
£26-30
Free Open Gardens on select dates throughout the year
Visit in the spring for tulips
Best time to visit Hampton Court Gardens
The springtime tulip festival (April) is a wonderful time to explore Hampton Court Gardens. The walled gardens and sunken gardens are special at this time.
I also love seeing the dahlia border and autumn colour in late September/up until the first frost.
Tips for visiting Hampton Court’s gardens:
Check ahead to see what the Open Garden dates are for the year. It’s free to wander the gardens on certain weekends and this can save lots of cash.
Buy a ticket in advance to save any time queueing.
Travelling in via boat can be a way more fun way to get all the way out to Hampton Court.
Boat cruise from Hampton Court to Westminster
Boat cruise from Richmond to Hampton Court
About the gardens at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court is, of course, the Tudor palace of Henry VIII and the later Baroque-style palace. It’s a must-see destination for history lovers, but the gardens are just as stunning and (for me) the main attraction.
The expansive parkland and meadows are beautiful for walking, and many are filled with drifts of daffodils in the spring. The formal gardens are heavily inspired by Versailles, and are filled with tulips alongside the topiary and sculptures each spring. Tucked away around the side of the palace is the sunken garden, which is probably the most beautiful spot in my opinion. You might recognise it from period TV shows like Bridgerton.
Also tucked away in this section of the garden is a dahlia border, which is my favourite flower. I love coming to see it in September because the flowers are arranged in a gradient of colour.
Autumn colour is beautiful in Hampton Court gardens, and you can even hop in a horse and carriage to see more of the grounds.
In recent summers, Hampton Court has planted a wildflower meadow in front of the palace, encouraging bees and native plants to grow. This is always free to visit.
3. Holland Park - Kyoto Garden
Kensington, W8 6LU
Free Admission
Visit in the autumn for colour in the Japanese garden
Best time to visit Holland Park
April is the best time to visit Holland Park in general, in order to see the tulips.
The Kyoto Garden, a Japanese garden in the middle of Holland Park, is the most beautiful in early autumn when the trees are blazing orange and red.
About Holland Park
Holland Park is a public park in the Kensington and Chelsea area known for its varied features. The centre of Holland Park has a formal garden including a bronze Rodin sculpture and tulip beds. There is an orangerie which is often used for art shows and events, as well as several playgrounds.
Most notably, Holland Park is home to the enchanting Kyoto Garden, a serene Japanese-style garden that was a gift from the city of Kyoto. This oasis within the park features a waterfall, stone lanterns, and vibrant koi carp swimming in the pond, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting. The Kyoto Garden can sometimes get busy, so I suggest going early or on a quieter weekday if you want to enjoy its peacefulness to the full.
Holland Park is known for its resident peacocks that freely roam the grounds. These majestic birds add a touch of elegance to the park's ambiance.
The park is home to the annual Opera Holland Park festival, a world-renowned event that takes place in a temporary open-air theater within the park. This cultural highlight attracts opera lovers from around the world, offering a unique experience of enjoying performances amidst the greenery and beauty of Holland Park.
Holland Park is very close to my favourite restaurant in London, Six Portland Road. You can read more about it and other aesthetic restaurants in London here.
4. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Richmond, TW9 3AE £20-24
Incredible at any time of year
Best time to visit Kew Gardens
Kew is wonderful all year round. It bursts into colour in the spring, is vibrant with foliage in the autumn, and its glasshouses are an oasis from the cold during the winter.
About Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, commonly known as Kew Gardens, is a world-renowned botanical paradise. Established in 1840, its vast collection of plants, iconic glasshouses, and meticulously designed landscapes make it one of the most impressive gardens in the world.
There is so much to be seen at Kew Gardens, from the amazing borders to the rose garden; the Japanese garden and pagoda to the yellow laburnum arch behind Kew Palace. I have visited Kew many times, so read my Kew Gardens guide for all my tips and suggested route.
Tips for visiting Kew Gardens:
Enter through Elizabeth Gate off Kew Green to pass by some of the loveliest houses in London on your way into Kew Gardens. They are so charming and are covered in wisteria in the spring.
Arrive to Kew by boat from Westminster or Richmond, and walk from Kew Pier to Elizabeth Gate.
Buy your ticket ahead to save time queueing up at the entrance on a busy day.
5. Hyde Park
Westminster, W2 2UH
Free Admission
Visit throughout the spring for various blooming gardens
Best time to visit Hyde Park
Snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils make it a cheery spot in early spring.
Tulips abound at the Italian Garden and Princess Diana Memorial Garden in April.
Best areas of Hyde Park to visit
One of London's largest and most iconic parks, Hyde Park has many distinct gardens worth visiting. The Italian Gardens have a picturesque water feature, and I love visiting them in April to see the pretty tulip flower beds.
The Princess Diana Memorial Gardens are on the grounds of Kensington Palace. You can visit the garden for free, which is a gorgeous sunken garden, pretty with tulips and later summer blooms.
The Flower Walk is a hidden gem of Hyde Park. It’s a long avenue secluded by trees and plants which blooms differently throughout the year.
On the lawns surrounding the Albert Memorial, there are swathes of early spring blooms which make it an idyllic spot on those first sunny days of the year. There’s lots of cherry blossom trees here, too.
The Rose Garden is a perfect spot during the summer months, and wandering around the Serpentine is also picturesque at that time of year. Don’t miss the Serpentine Gallery while you’re at it — a set of two gallery spaces with world-class free exhibitions.
6. Regents Park
Camden, NW1 4NR
Free Admission
Visit in the spring for flowery walks, in the summer for roses and in the autumn for sculptures in the garden
Best time to visit Regents Park
The English Gardens are a great place to see blossom trees in the springtime.
In June, Queen Mary’s Rose Garden is flush with roses — it’s one of the best rose gardens in the world.
Autumn colour looks great on Regents Park, and the English Gardens become the site of Frieze Sculpture in October.
About Regents Park and its gardens
Regents Park, with its stunning formal gardens, is one of the most beautiful parks in London. Queen Mary's Rose Garden is a particular highlight. The garden is filled with dozens of rose varieties in June and is one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever seen. Make sure to visit in the evening as golden hour sets in — pure magic.
A hidden spot just across from the Rose Garden is St. John’s Lodge Gardens, basically a secret garden and one of London’s best hidden gems. I love visiting this place, it’s so quiet in comparison to other parts of Regents Park.
The English Gardens are home to the long avenue of trees which turns a brilliant yellow in October, and the formal fountains and borders which are perfect to visit in the spring. One of my favourite things about the English Gardens is that it becomes home to Frieze Sculpture in October, alongside Frieze Art Fair which is held in the park. The garden starts to change colour in the autumn months which is set so beautifully against the changing collection of contemporary sculpture each year. Autumn in Regents Park is one of the best times to enjoy this area.
7. The Hill Garden and Pergola at Hampstead Heath
Hampstead, NW3 7JR
Free Admission
Best in May during wisteria season
Best time to visit the Hill Garden and Pergola
The pergola is covered in wisteria, so visiting in May is the best time to see it in its full glory.
About the Hampstead Pergola
Hampstead Pergola and Hill Gardens in London boasts a unique blend of historic charm and natural splendor. The pergola, an Edwardian structure adorned with climbing plants and flowers, offers visitors a captivating architectural feature to explore and admire.
Hampstead Pergola and Hill Gardens were commissioned by Lord Leverhulme in the early 20th century and designed by Thomas Mawson. Originally part of Leverhulme's estate, the pergola served as a tranquil retreat adorned with climbing plants. Following Leverhulme's death, the gardens were happily preserved and made public for all to enjoy.
8. Chelsea Physic Garden
Chelsea, SW3 4HS
£10
Visit for the snowdrop festival or in the spring and summer
Best time to visit Chelsea Physic Garden
Snowdrops are celebrated in late January with the ‘Heralding of Spring’ festival.
A variety of flowers will be in bloom throughout the spring and summer months.
About Chelsea Physic Garden
Founded in 1673, Chelsea Physic Garden is a living apothecary, focusing on medicinal and edible plants. It’s a relatively small garden tucked away behind Chelsea’s houses, so is certainly off the beaten path in London. The garden is super charming and integrated into the community, always offering talks and botanical workshops to engage the visitors.
The Heralding of Spring festival in late January and February is a wonderful event which celebrates the snowdrop. Any glimpse of spring is needed at this time of year, and Chelsea Physic garden has a wide variety of snowdrops growing on the grounds but also in pots. It is a sweet display, and one of the best places to see snowdrops in London.
9. Battersea Park
Battersea, SW11 4NJ Free Admission
Springtime for blossom trees or autumn for the striking landscapes
Best time to visit Battersea Park
Any time of year. Blossoms bloom in the spring, autumn colour creates picturesque scenes against the Peace Pagoda, and the subtropical garden provides an escape in the summer.
About the gardens in Battersea Park
Battersea Park was built in the Victorian era as a place for recreation and exercise for the working classes. The Victorian features, such as the bandstand, remain as charming as ever.
Battersea Park is home to Britain’s first subtropical garden, created in the 1860s. The park’s superintendent, Gibson, created a microclimate in the garden filled with exotic plants. The plants are sheltered by fleece and straw to protect them from the winter elements.
The Peace Pagoda is one of the most recognisable features of Battersea Park. The Peace Pagoda stands as a symbol of peace and unity, built by the Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii. Its traditional Japanese architecture and serene location overlooking the boating lake offer visitors a space for reflection and meditation, promoting interfaith dialogue and a universal desire for peace.
Battersea Park is one of the best things to do in South West London, and don’t miss an exploration of the impressive Battersea Power Station next door.
10. Chiswick House and Garden
Chiswick, W4 2RP
Free entry to garden, ticket required for house
Visit in summer for a taste of Italy, or spring for camellias and wisteria
Best time to visit Chiswick House
Spring for the camellias and rhododendrons.
About the gardens at Chiswick House
Chiswick House is renowned for its neo-Palladian architecture and stunning gardens. Wandering the grounds is sort of like being in Tuscany, minus the English weather. The grounds are free to explore, except for the walled garden which is part of the entry ticket to the house.
The Camellia Collection is one of the stars of Chiswick House gardens. Stowed safely away in a glasshouse, many varieties of camellia bloom in March and make for a beautiful and warm setting in early spring. There are lots of camellias planted around the garden grounds as well. The garden surrounding the glasshouse bursts into life in May, with an impressive wisteria plant followed by swathes of pink roses.
11. St. James’s Park
Westminster, SW1A 2BJ
Free Admission
A daffodil wonderland and beautiful royal park
Best time to visit St. James’s Park
Daffodil season in February and March.
About St. James’s Park
St. James's Park, with its iconic views of Buckingham Palace, provides a scenic backdrop to a leisurely stroll. Home to a variety of waterfowl, its pond provides a peaceful haven in central London. But St. James’s Park is truly spectacular when the daffodils are in bloom.
Tens of thousands of daffodils are planted in picturesque swathes throughout the park and are a variety of colours and types. I can’t imagine a more cheerful sight at this time of year, and having a picnic among the golden daffodils is one of my personal highlights each spring.
Alongside the daffodils, there are many crocuses blooming throughout the park’s lawns, brightening up the spring days even more. The crocuses and daffodils will gave way to tulips, which are planted in rainbow-coloured beds. The park is always nice to visit at other times of year, especially with autumn colour, but early spring is definitely the best.
12. Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park
Richmond, TW10 5HS Free Admission
Magical rhododendron and azalea garden
Best time to visit Isabella Plantation
The azaleas and rhododendrons bloom in May.
About Isabella Plantation
As London's largest Royal Park, Richmond Park is famed for its deer herds and diverse landscapes. Isabella Plantation, located within the park, offers a burst of color with its stunning displays of azaleas and rhododendrons.
Isabella Plantation becomes almost entirely pink in May when the flowers bloom, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. Isabella Plantation can be a little difficult to get to, but it is so worth it. Visiting each year is one of my favourite traditions. The atmosphere in the evening is magical, as light filters into the quiet and colourful garden. It’s a must-visit garden during spring in London.
13. Ham House
Richmond, TW10 7RS
£14
Historic gardens to visit through springtime
Best time to visit Ham House
The crocus lawn blooms purple in March.
April and May are a wonderful time to see tulips and wisteria.
Lavender blooms in the formal garden in the summer months.
About the gardens at Ham House
Ham House is a London stately home which dates to the 17th century, and its historic nature makes for exciting gardens. The Kitchen Garden grows all sorts of cut flowers, from tulips in the spring to dahlias in the late summer. The cafe is adorned with wisteria here and is a beautiful place to sit a while.
The lawn behind the house is covered with a carpet of crocuses in the spring, followed by wild tulips.
The formal garden features lavender plants abuzz with pollinators in the summer months.
Ham House is one of my favourite gardens to visit, and most certainly worth the trek to Richmond for.
14. Victoria Embankment Gardens
Victoria Embankment, Central London
Free admission
Best for tulip beds in April
Best time to visit Victoria Embankment Gardens
April is unquestionably the best time to visit Embankment Gardens, when the tulips are in full bloom.
About the gardens at Victoria Embankment
Embankment Gardens is one of my favourite London hidden gems, with the incredible tulip beds creating great swathes of pure colour in the springtime. Not many people know that it is such a spectacular place to see spring blooms.
The gardens were created as part of the ambitious project to construct the Victoria Embankment, which aimed to reclaim land along the river and alleviate flooding while providing a grand thoroughfare for the city.
Designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette, the renowned civil engineer responsible for much of London's Victorian infrastructure, the Victoria Embankment Gardens were laid out in the 1860s. The gardens were envisioned as a picturesque promenade, adorned with ornamental flower beds, sculptures, and walkways, providing a green oasis amidst the bustling urban landscape. It has certainly succeeded, and it’s a great place to stop on a bench with a drink and have a few minutes of peace.
Other places to visit in London for garden enthusiasts
The Garden Museum
Situated in Lambeth, London, the Garden Museum is a must-visit destination for garden enthusiasts. Housed within a former church, the museum showcases the rich history of gardening in the UK through its diverse collection of artefacts and exhibitions.
Garden lovers will appreciate the museum's unique insights into British gardening traditions, spanning from historic formal gardens to modern landscape designs. They also hold temporary exhibitions, generally dedicated to artists who capture the natural world in their work. The museum’s cafe is one of the most aesthetic restaurants in London, with its focus on seasonal British ingredients.
One of the highlights of a visit to the Garden Museum is the opportunity to ascend the church tower for stunning views of London's skyline. It’s one of the best places to see the Houses of Parliament in London.
Columbia Road Flower Market
This Sunday flower market is one of the most popular activities in London, so you can count on it being busy — which is sometimes a bit much for me. However, it does have an amazing array of flowers and plants on sale for great prices, and is one of the best things to do in East London. Almost all of my houseplants are from Columbia Road.
Not only that, but Columbia Road itself is one of the most charming streets in London, with a collection of beautiful independent shops. It’s home to some of my favourite shops in London and is worth visiting on a quieter day as well.
I suggest getting to the flower market a bit later in the day, perhaps 1 or 2pm, when some of the stalls start packing up and the crowds thin. You’re more likely to score a deal at this time as well.
Chelsea Flower Show
The iconic Chelsea Flower Show is a centrepiece of London life in the spring. It’s pricey to enter and difficult to get a ticket, and full of posh Londoners in carefully chosen spring dresses. I managed to get an evening ticket last year and entered after work at about 6pm, when the immense crowds had started to leave the site. This made it manageable, but I’m not sure I would find the experience worth it otherwise.
The most incredible thing about the Chelsea Flower Show is that real, fully formed gardens are put on display in the outdoor spaces by renowned garden designers. It blows my mind that they seem so integrated with the landscape by the time they are on display. I loved reading about the intentions behind the gardens, and found it similar to visiting an art exhibition in that respect.
The big marquee is filled with displays of flower varieties and floral sculptures — a real treat to enjoy.
A couple hours at the show cost me nearly £50, and that was a cheap ticket. So although it was lovely, I’m not sure I would go again — keep that in mind.
Chelsea and Belgravia in Bloom
Coinciding with the Chelsea Flower Show are two wonderful flower festivals on the high streets in Chelsea and Belgravia. Shops participate in the annual themed festival by commissioning floral designs for their shopfronts, and there are some real showstoppers.
Completely free to wander around, the floral installations are sometimes breathtaking and it’s a brilliant way to spend a light summer evening during this season. Be warned that it can be very, very busy — I’ve found that going in the evening is a bit quieter.
Barbican Conservatory
Situated within the Barbican Centre's Brutalist architecture in London, the Barbican Conservatory offers a striking contrast of lush greenery against its concrete surroundings. This spacious garden space features a variety of tropical plants and water features, providing a tranquil escape from the urban environment.
The conservatory is free to enter, but a bit tricky to score a free ticket to — I’ve been on the waitlist for a while to see the current art exhibition in the space. If you can get a spot, take it!
Gardens in London
London is full of incredible gardens, from its free parks to ticketed botanic gardens. From historic gardens to colourful flower beds, there’s something to enjoy at every time of year. This isn’t even to mention all the wonderful gardens just outside of London—be sure to read up on the best gardens in South East England as well.
I never expected England to be such an ideal place for tulip gardens, but once I discovered the amazing displays (many of them even in free London parks) I realised that there is no need to go to the Netherlands for tulip season if you live in the UK. Whether you’re a local or visiting in April, this guide covers the best tulip gardens in London and nearby in South East England.