58 Of London’s Secret Gardens You Won't Want To Miss
London’s secret gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city. Discover 58 secret gardens in London-rooftops, ruins & riversides. Explore now!
Author:James RowleyNov 13, 202568 Shares68.2K Views
The Ultimate London’s Secret Gardens List: Quiet Spots Locals Love
Welcome to the most exhaustive guide to London's hidden green spaces. From high-rise rooftops offering panoramic views to ancient church ruins and tranquil community plots, London's secret gardensoffer a necessary escape from the relentless city pace.
This article is structured as your complete, self-guided secret gardens of London tour, covering all 58 unique locations that consistently rank as the best, most beautiful, and most exclusive finds.
City Of London’s Historical Ruins & Legal-Quarter Gardens
This category includes gardens found within London's ancient and legal districts, offering the best access to private gardens in Londonand profound historical sites.
1) St Dunstan In The East, Monument
Between the Tower of London and London Bridge stands one of the city’s most hauntingly beautiful ruins. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire, St Dunstan’s church was bombed in 1941; its roof and windows are gone, but the Gothic arches and stone tracery now cradle climbing ivy and fig.
The sound of fountains mingles with cooing pigeons and distant bells-a cathedral of open air. The garden is perfect for reflective London secret garden photos.
Currently the garden is closed for restoration until 30 November 2025, but you can glimpse its greenery through the railings or explore nearby Postman’s Park as a substitute.
- Address:St Dunstan in the East, St Dunstan’s Hill EC3R 5DD
- Nearest Tube:Monument or Tower Hill
- Access:Closed for maintenance (check City Gardens updates).
2. Postman’s Park, St Paul’s Cathedral Area
Tucked behind the Museum of London site and old City offices, Postman’s Park offers deep shade, benches, and the poignant Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, installed by artist G. F. Watts in 1900.
Each ceramic tablet records an ordinary Londoner who died saving others-factory girls, policemen, children. The garden’s name recalls postal workers from the nearby General Post Office who once lunched here.
The garden is free, tranquil before noon, and ideal for reflection or sketching.
- Address:King Edward Street, EC1A 7BT
- Opening Times:Daily 8 am – 4:30 pm (dusk in winter)
- Nearest Tube:St Paul’s or Barbican
3. Gray’s Inn Gardens (“The Walks”), Holborn
Five acres of manicured lawns, ancient plane trees, and gravel walkways lie hidden behind high brick walls of the Inns of Court. Laid out by the famous landscape designer Francis Bacon in the 16th century, the space remains one of the best private gardens in Londonin daily use.
It opens to the public weekdays 12:00 – 2:30 pm, when barristers and clerks share benches with curious visitors. Expect formality, quiet, and impeccable upkeep.
- Address: 8 South Square, Gray’s Inn, WC1R 5ET
- Access:Public Mon–Fri 12 – 2:30 pm only
- Nearest Tube:Chancery Lane
4. Inner Temple Garden (Elm Court & Riverside)
Founded by the medieval Knights Templar, the Inner Temple’s 3-acre garden slopes towards the Thames. Today its herbaceous borders, cherry trees, and river views offer one of the best examples of private-law gardensaccessible to the public.
The lawns open weekday lunchtimes (12:30 – 3 pm)and selected Sunday Open Days; look for the wisteria pergola in May and dazzling tulip displays in April.
- Address:Crown Office Row, EC4Y 7HB
- Access:Check the Inn’s website for seasonal open hours
- Nearest Tube:Temple
5. Christchurch Greyfriars Garden, St Paul’s
This rose-filled garden occupies the shell of a 13th-century Franciscan church destroyed in the Blitz. Wren rebuilt it in 1687; only its tower and foundations remain. Flower beds mark the layout of the nave and aisles, creating a floral “floor plan.”
A lunchtime favourite for City workers yet rarely overcrowded, it glows in June when the climbing roses peak.
- Address:King Edward St, London EC1A 7BA
- Opening Times:Open 24 hours a day
- Nearest Tube:St Paul’s
6. St Alphage Gardens, Barbican/City Wall Walk
A pocket park embracing fragments of the ancient Roman Wall, with a few medieval tombstones still embedded in the masonry. Recent renovations added planting beds of ferns, hardy geraniums, and spring bulbs.
It’s a lovely reading spot or a history stop on the London Wall Walk.
- Address:St Alphage Highwalk, London Wall EC2Y 5DE
- Access:Daily 8 am - 4:30 pm
- Nearest Tube:Moorgate or Barbican
7. St Botolph Without Bishopsgate Garden, Liverpool Street
A classic City "pocket park," this garden is the former churchyard of St Botolph's. Dating to the 12th century, this peaceful churchyard garden shelters plane trees and memorials amid the City’s glass towers. It’s one of London’s earliest burial grounds turned public green.
Benches circle a central fountain; weekday lunch hours are busiest, but mornings remain calm.
- Address:Bishopsgate EC2M 3TL
- Opening Times:Open 24 hours a day
- Nearest Tube:Liverpool Street
8. St John’s Priory Church Cloister Garden, Clerkenwell
Within the Museum of the Order of St John stands a tiny cloister framed by limestone arches and medicinal herbs, recalling the Knights Hospitaller who cared for pilgrims here since 1140.
At its center is a 200-year-old olive tree from Jerusalem, and it is planted with herbs like sage and lavender that the Hospitallers would have used for healing.
Access is free during museum opening hours; guided tours reveal the crypt, church, and medieval relics. A calm, instructive pause between Farringdon and Clerkenwell Green.
- Address:St John’s Gate, St John’s Square, EC1M 4DA
- Opening Times:Open Monday-Saturday
- Nearest Tube:Farringdon
9. Cleary Gardens, Queen Victoria Street
Tucked away off Queen Victoria Street, Cleary Gardens is a terraced garden on a hillside with a rich past. It was once the site of a Roman bathhousebefore being built over for centuries. It commemorates Father Michael Cleary, a City gardener who restored bombsites after WWII.
It even features grapevines, a gift from the winemakers of the Loire Valley, linking it to a European horticultural tradition.
Compact yet layered, it’s best for a ten-minute pause between errands or after touring St Paul’s.
- Address:Queen Victoria Street EC4V 2AR
- Access:Free, daily 8 am – 4:30 pm
- Nearest Tube:Mansion House or Blackfriars
10. Reflection Garden (Cannon Street)
A modern elliptical water feature surrounded by planters that mirror St Paul’s Cathedralacross the street. Designed as part of the 25 Cannon Street redevelopment, it’s small but photogenic, ideal for a midday espresso stop.
It’s a place designed for a moment of pause, to appreciate the majesty of Wren's masterpiece from a new and peaceful perspective.
- Address:25 Cannon Street EC4M 9AF
- Opening Times:8 am – 7 pm (approx.)
- Nearest Tube:Mansion House or St Paul’s
11. Duck Island Cottage, St James’s Park
This 1841 Swiss-style cottage anchors a tiny island near the Blue Bridge in St James’s Park. Originally a bird-keeper’s lodge, it now hosts the London Parks & Gardens Trust. Around it, pelicans bask and wildflowers fringe the lake.
Visitors can admire the cottage and views from the footbridge; the interior opens occasionally for heritage events. Bring a camera-the reflections at sunset are sublime.
- Address:St James’s Park, SW1A 2BJ
- Opening Times:Park 5 am – 10 pm
- Nearest Tube:St James’s Park or Westminster
Explore More: London Green Spaces | 37 Spots You’ll Love To Explore
The Secret Garden London Rooftop Scene
TheLondon secret garden rooftop scenecaptures these elevated hideaways: raised terraces, conservatories, and sky-high plots perched on buildings or hillsides, where city hum fades into birdsong and panoramic views.
12. The Garden At 120 (Fenchurch Street)
The Garden at 120- tucked atop a gleaming office block near the Walkie Talkie, this 2020s newcomer feels like a corporate secret spilled to the public.
Spanning a full rooftop level, it's a manicured maze of pleached hornbeams, lavender borders, and wildflower meadows that sway against the Shard and Tower Bridge backdrop. On a clear day, the Thames glints like a silver thread below-ideal for that elusive London secret garden rooftop photo.
- Address:120 Fenchurch St, EC3M 5BA
- Opening Times:Mon–Fri 10 am-6:30 pm; Sat–Sun 10 am-5:00 pm
- Nearest Tube:Monument/Fenchurch St.
13. Post Building Roof Garden (Bloomsbury/Holborn)
A genuinely under-the-radar terrace with big views over Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia. Public access is part of the planning agreement, generally daily 10:00–19:00 (or dusk if earlier); bring photo ID for airport-style security before taking the lift to the 9th floor.
Accessed via a discreet lift, it unfolds into gravel paths lined with olive trees, espaliered fruit bushes, and cascading planters bursting with salvias and cosmos. Benches and loos on the roof make it an easy sunset stop.
The views? St Paul's steeple piercing the horizon, with Bloomsbury's rooftops rolling out like a green quilt.
- Address:29-31 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1BA, United Kingdom
- Entrance:New Oxford St lobby signed “Public Roof Garden.”
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 am-7:00 pm
14. Crossrail Place Roof Garden (Canary Wharf)
Docklands' slickest secret, this Elizabeth Line perch (opened 2017) hides a subtropical jungle under a vast, perforated ETFE roof that filters rain like a greenhouse dream. Meander boardwalks past 100+ plant species-ferns, palms, and exotic orchids-while the Docklands Light Railway zips below. Canary Wharf's steel sentinels frame the scene, but up here, it's all rustling leaves and hidden nooks for quiet reflection.
- Address:Crossrail Pl, E14 5AB
- Nearest:Canary Wharf Elizabeth line/DLR.
15. Barbican Conservatory (Barbican)
London's second-largest indoor jungle (after Kew) crowns the Barbican's fly tower like a verdant crown jewel. Since 1984, its three glass-domed levels have sheltered 2,000 tropical species-think towering Kentia palms, dangling ferns, and a koi-filled pond where terrapins bask.
Free but ticketedon selected dates; check the Barbican siteand book ahead (slots go fast). Pair with Beech Gardens outside for resilient planting ideas.
- Address:Silk St, EC2Y 8DS
- Nearest Tube:Barbican/Moorgate.
16. Brown Hart Gardens (Mayfair)
An elevated Edwardian terrace built above a 1906 electricity substation, now a calm plaza with planters, seating and a domed pavilion-steps above Duke Street. Handy as a quiet pause just south of Oxford Street; evenings are prettiest when the terrace lighting is on.
Grosvenor Square's mansions loom below, but up top, it's intimate: just you, a few Bond Street shoppers, and whispers of jasmine.
- Address:Brown Hart Gdns, W1K 6WP
- Opening Times: Daily 8:00 am-8:00 pm
- Nearest Tube:Bond Street.
17. Islamic Gardens At The Aga Khan Centre (King’s Cross)
North London's cultural heartbeat hides this serene rooftop patio atop an Ismaili community hub, inspired by Persian and Mughal designs. Water channels ripple past pomegranate trees, jasmine arbors, and geometric tilework, creating a meditative mosaic with views over the gasholders and Regent's Canal. Islamic Gardens at the Aga Khan Centreis a nod to Islamic paradise gardens-cool fountains, shaded pergolas-right in the tech district's hum.
Access is by free guided tour(book in advance). Fold this into a King’s Cross canalside walk for a serene architectural interlude.
- Address:10 Handyside St, N1C 4DN
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 am-6:00 pm
- Nearest:King’s Cross St Pancras.
18. Hampstead Hill Garden & Pergola (Hampstead)
Technically a hillside "rooftop" over London's northern sprawl, this Edwardian folly (built 1906) crowns Hampstead Heath like a romantic ruin. Meander 260m of vine-draped colonnades and balustrades, past lily ponds and wildflower terraces, with the city skyline unfurling below-prime for that elevated, windswept vibe.
It’s free, open-air, and at its moodiest in golden hour; the adjacent Hill Garden is a peaceful landscaped pocket.
- Address:Inverforth Cl, London NW3 7EX
- Opening Times: Daily 8:30 am-3:30 pm
- Nearest:Hampstead/Golders Green (walk or bus).
Cultural, Themed & Specialist Botanical Gardens
19. Chelsea Physic Garden (Chelsea)
London’s oldest botanical gem (founded 1673) hides behind brick walls like a Chelsea secret society. Originally for apothecaries’ apprentices, it now cradles 5,000+ edible and medicinal species-think feverfew, mandrake, and the world’s northernmost grapefruit tree in a steamy glasshouse.
Expect well-labelled beds, a calm café, and frequent learning events.
- Address:66 Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HS
- Opening Times: Sun-Fri 11:00 am-4:00 pm
20. Kyoto Garden (Holland Park)
A 1991 gift from Kyoto, this pocket of Zen in West London feels like teleporting to Kansai. Tiered waterfalls tumble into koi-stocked pools, framed by acers, stone lanterns, and pastel cherry blossoms that explode in April. Resident peacocks strut like feathered samurai; the hush is broken only by trickling water.
Pro tip: Arrive at 7:30am opening to beat influencers-mist over the pond creates ethereal London secret garden photos.
- Address:Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA
- Opening Times: Daily 7:30 am-8 pm
21. Japanese Garden At Kew Gardens (Chokushi-Mon / Japanese Landscape)
Kew’s UNESCO-listed Chokushi-Mon (Gate of the Imperial Messenger) anchors this 1900s recreation of a Kyoto stroll garden. Bamboo groves, raked gravel, and a red-lacquer bridge reflect in mirror-like ponds; autumn maples blaze crimson against the Pagoda’s gold tip.
It’s £20 entry to the wider gardens, but this corner alone justifies the trek. Pro tip:Download the Kew app for plant IDs; visit in late October for momiji reflections that rival Japan.
- Address:Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 3AE
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 am-6 pm
22. Japanese Garden At Peckham Rye Park (Peckham)
South London’s underrated Edo tribute, gifted by Tokyo in 1908, hides behind a model village. Stone lanterns, a moon bridge, and irises frame a serene pond-hard to believe it’s survived two world wars. Locals picnic under weeping willows; the adjacent Sexby Garden adds wisteria pergolas for extra romance. Pro tip:May’s azaleas pop against the park’s Victorian bandstand-perfect for London secret garden photoswith zero tourists. Free; dawn-dusk.
- Address:London SE22 0SH
- Opening Times: Daily 7:30 am-6:30 pm
23. Dutch Garden (Holland Park)
Five minutes from Kyoto Garden, this formal parterre explodes in tulip grids come spring-a nod to Dutch Golden Age horticulture. Clipped yew hedges, geometric beds, and a central fountain create postcard symmetry; summer dahlias add fiery contrast. Pro tip: Pair with Holland Park’s summer opera for a cultured evening; the garden’s sculptures rotate seasonally.
- Address:London W8 7QU, United Kingdom
- Opening Times: 7:30am–dusk
24. Italian Gardens (Kensington Gardens)
Queen Victoria’s 1860 gift to Prince Albert, these four ornate quadrants channel Renaissance villas. White marble fountains, urns, and Pompeii-inspired Pompeian columns flank long pools; topiary pom-poms and seasonal bedding keep it crisp. Hyde Park’s skyline peeks over plane trees.
- Address:Kensington Gardens, A402, London W2 2UD
- Opening Times: Daily 6:00am–9:15 pm
25. Lavender Garden In Vauxhall Park (Vauxhall)
Provence in Zone 1: square beds of 20+ lavender varieties buzz with bees from June to August. Benches line the purple grid; the scent is heady enough to drown out Vauxhall’s traffic. A miniature model village nearby adds whimsy. Pro tip: Mid-July peak bloom-bring a book and let the fragrance knock you out.
- Address:12 Lawn Lane, SW8 1QY
- Opening Times: Daily7:30am–6pm
26. Wildlife/Nature Garden At The Natural History Museum (South Kensington)
Now re-imagined as part of the Urban Nature Project: a living lab with grassland, wetland and woodland habitats, accessibility upgrades, and an evolution-walk narrative used for tours.
A 2,000-species microcosm next to dinosaur skeletons: wildflower meadows, ponds, and coppiced woodland mimic Britain’s habitats. Spot stag beetles, newts, and rare orchids; it’s a living lab for urban ecology. Tip:Look for new interpretation and research equipment in situ. Summer butterfly counts; the chalk grassland blooms July–August.
- Address:Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD
- Opening Times: Open daily 10:00-17:50
27. The Sexby Garden (Peckham Rye Park)
Named after a Victorian parks superintendent, this Edwardian jewel radiates from a central fountain via rose-lined paths and a wisteria-draped pergola. Spring bulbs give way to summer perennials; it’s a masterclass in seasonal succession. Pro tip: May’s wisteria tunnel is a floral cathedral-book a picnic table early.
- Address:Peckham Rye Park, SE15 3UA
- Opening Times: Free; dawn–dusk
28. English Garden At Regent’s Park (Inner Circle)
Quintessential English romanticism: rose-covered arches, herbaceous borders, and a secret Japanese pond hide within the Inner Circle. Summer delphiniums tower like cathedral spires; autumn asters soften the palette. Pro tip: June rose peak-Queen Mary’s Gardens nearby add 12,000 blooms for overload.
- Address:The Broad Walk, London NW1 4LL
- Opening Times: Open daily 5:00 am-9:30 pm
Community, Urban Wilds & Neighborhood Oases
29. Phoenix Garden (Covent Garden/St Giles)
An ornamental wildlife haven built by volunteers in 1984-famous for being the West End’s only frog habitat. Tucked off Stacey Street, it’s a quiet reset between theatre matinees and Soho errands.
Five bee species patrol the blooms; woodpeckers tap the lone plane tree. Locals fund it £12/year; the “friends” bench is prime for people-watching Shaftesbury Avenue spill-over.
- Address:21 Stacey St, WC2H 8DG
- Hours:Sat-Mon 10 am-9 pm; Tue-Fri 8 am-9 pm
- Good for:close-up pollinator shots, shady benches.
30. Red Cross Garden (Bankside)
London’s oldest purpose-built pocket park (1887) was Octavia Hill’s “open-air sitting room” for Southwark’s factory workers. Restored Victorian layout: rose pergolas, model cottages, and a central bandstand. The adjoining café serves tea in enamel mugs-pure Dickensian nostalgia. Often calm at weekends despite Borough Market crowds.
- Address:Redcross Way, SE1 1HA
- Hours:Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm; Sat-Sun Closed
31. Bonnington Square Pleasure Garden (Vauxhall)
A jungly community square born from 1980s activism; mosaics, palms and winding paths sit beside co-op housing. Grab provisions or a spritz at Italoon the corner, then find a hidden bench.
Summer jazz drifts from the Italo deli opposite; tables spill onto the pavement. Pro tip: BYO wine; the garden holds the keys if locked.
- Address:Bonnington Sq, SW8 1TE
- Hours:daily 9:30 am-7 pm
- Café:Italo Delicatessen, 13 Bonnington Sq
- Vibe:creative, very local.
32. The Onion Garden (Westminster)
A 2021 florist rebellion on a concrete slab: 200+ species, transparent beehive, and a tiny conservatory café brewing onion-layer lattes (yes, really). The strange name comes from the onion, whose layers stand for rebirth and the never-ending cycle of life. The strange name comes from the onion, whose layers stand for rebirth and the never-ending cycle of life. Pro tip: Weekend honey tastings; the beehive glows at dusk.
- Address:5 Seaforth Pl, London SW1E 6AB
- Hours:Mon-Thur 7:30 am-5 pm; Sat-Sun 9 am-4:30 pm
- Notes:Supported by Westminster’s Greening programme.
33. St Paul’s Church Garden (Covent Garden)
The Actors’ Churchyard-leafy borders and memorials off the piazza; perfect between-shows. The church has been upgrading insulation/heating (2025), so check on-site signs for any temporary constraints.
Pigeons coo; buskers tune up nearby. Pro tip: Lunchtime recitals spill into the garden; snag a performer-dedicated seat.
- Address:Bedford St, WC2E 9ED
- Hours:Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5:30 pm; Sat-Sun Closed
- Nearest:Covent Garden
- Tip:often hosts concerts/events.
34. Camley Street Natural Park (King’s Cross)
Camley Street Natural Park is an urban nature reserve located in the London Borough of Camden and in St Pancras, central London. It is a wildlife reserve in the area. The park reopened in September 2021 after being closed to the public for redevelopment in December 2017.
Two acres of wetland, woodland and meadow beside the Regent’s Canal=kingfishers, dragonflies, and a floating platform outlook, steps from Eurostar tracks. Family pond-dipping days and a small café keep it easy.
- Address:12 Camley St, N1C 4PW
- Hours:Open daily 10 am–4 pm (seasonal times)
- Nearest:King’s Cross St Pancras.
35. Culpeper Community Garden (Islington/Angel)
King’s Cross’ wild child: two acres of wetland carved from a coal yard in 1984. Reedbeds host kingfishers; a floating platform bobs on the canal as Eurostars whoosh past.
This is a peaceful, well-kept public park with a pond, a leafy arbor walk, and garden spots for everyone. The café’s canal-side spritz beats any rooftop bar.
- Address:1 Cloudesley Rd, N1 0EJ
- Hours:Mon-Sat 10 am-6 pm; Sun 10 am-2 pm
36. St Mary’s Secret Garden (Hackney)
Hackney’s award-winning inclusive oasis: wheelchair-wide paths, sensory beds, and volunteer gardeners with disabilities. Wildflower meadows hum with birdsong; beekeeping classes run April–September. After a 2024–25 funding scare, it reopenedon limited mid-week hours-verify before visiting.
- Address:50 Pearson St, E2 8EL
- Hours:Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm; Sat-Sun Closed
- Note:quiet, program-led space-be considerate.
37. Dalston Eastern Curve Garden (Dalston)
A leafy, lantern-lit community garden on a former rail line; greenhouse lounge and a friendly café/bar (hours change seasonally; winter is shorter). Lively but still mellow on weekday afternoons. Latto’s Pizza fires sourdough margheritas under fairy lights; film screenings and pumpkin-carving keep it lively.
- Address:13 Dalston Ln, E8 3DF
- Café:on site
- Hours:seasonal; see site or signs.
38. Mapesbury Dell (Cricklewood)
Mapesbury Dellpark has won many awards and is the jewel in the middle of Mapesbury. It's a truly magical garden that's hidden behind a row of homes.
Pocket dell with pond, play area and a devoted Friends group; gates open from dawn to dusk (closed Mon AM for gardening club). Feels villagey, with birdsong surprising this close to the North Circular.
- Address:Hoveden Rd, NW2 3XD
- Hours:Daily, ~08:30 to dusk.
39. Ada Salter Garden (Southwark Park)
A semicircular herbaceous garden (1936) personally designed by social reformer Ada Salter, on Southwark Park’s lake edge. A gentle history lesson and a fragrant summer stop.
The park’s lake mirrors the Shard at golden hour. Pro tip: Spring bulb explosion; pair with a Rotherhithe riverside walk.
- Address:Southwark Park, SE16 2TX
- Notes:part of a large, fully-fledged park with café and boating lake in season.
40. World Peace Garden (Hampstead)
A tiny, heartfelt glade by Hampstead Heath Overground with ponds, mosaics and “peace tiles”-award-winning in its local community. Pop in en route to the Heath.
This public area has winding paths, casual sitting around a stage, three small ponds with different kinds of plants, and a place to think about peace.
- Address:6 South Hill Park, NW3 2SB
- Phone:+44 20 7794 7794
- Hours:broadly daytime; community-managed.
41. Tabard Gardens (London Bridge/Borough)
Borough’s unpolished diamond: wild grasses, a straight-shot Shard view, and a ping-pong table that doubles as a picnic spot. Less curated, more lived-in-kids kick balls while office workers devour meal deals. Pro tip:Lunchtime table-tennis tournaments; the Shard glows pink at sunset.
- Address:Tabard St, SE1
- Nearest:Borough
- Facilities:play area, sports pitches.
Grand Estates & Architectural Gardens
42. Fulham Palace Gardens (Fulham)
Former residence of the Bishops of London, Fulham Palace blends Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian architecture across 13 acres of walled gardens and lawns. Its botanic roots date to the 1600s-rare trees still thrive thanks to the Palace’s sheltered microclimate. The Walled Gardenis a highlight, with orderly beds, heritage fruit trees, and community-run plots.
- Address:Bishop’s Avenue, SW6 6EA
- Hours:Daily 9:30 am – 4 pm (gardens), café to 5 pm
- Nearest Tube:Putney Bridge
- Visitor Tip:Visit the small museum and café housed in the restored palace rooms; summer sees open-air theatre and garden picnics.
43. Eltham Palace Gardens (Eltham)
A rare blend of medieval moat and 1930s Art Deco elegance, Eltham Palace’s gardens offer 19 acres of formal lawns, rockeries, and herbaceous borders surrounding the Courtaulds’ restored mansion. Don’t miss the moat bridgefor perfect reflections of the Great Hall or the sunken rose garden at peak bloom.
- Address:Court Yard, SE9 5NP
- Hours:Open Sat - Sun, 10am - 4pm (last entry at 3.30pm)
- Nearest Station:Mottingham or Eltham
- Visitor Tip:English Heritage runs the site; entry covers both palace and grounds. Combine with nearby Severndroog Castlefor a hilltop view.
44. Chiswick House & Gardens (Chiswick)
This early 18th-century Palladian villa and its 65-acre landscaped gardensshaped Britain’s garden design movement. Broad avenues, neo-classical temples, and the Italian Gardenof clipped topiary and statues make it perfect for photography. Free entry to the grounds; café and plant shop on site.
- Address:Burlington Lane, W4 2RP
- Hours:Grounds daily 7 am – dusk; house seasonal
- Nearest Tube:Turnham Green
- Visitor Tip:Spring’s camellia displays in the conservatory are legendary; arrive early weekends to enjoy near solitude.
45. Cannizaro Park (Wimbledon)
A Grade II* listed garden with the intimacy of an estate park. Once part of the Duke of Cannizzaro’s mansion, it now hosts an arboretum, Italian terraces, azalea dell, and a sculpture trail. Expect changing seasonal scenes-camellias and rhododendrons in spring, maples in autumn.
- Address:West Side Common, SW19 4UE
- Hours:Daily dawn – dusk
- Nearest Station:Wimbledon
- Visitor Tip:The adjacent Hotel du Vin Cannizaro Houseoffers elegant afternoon teas overlooking the park-a refined “secret garden café” experience.
46. Horniman Museum & Gardens (Forest Hill)
Sweeping South London views, glasshouses, and themed borders frame this anthropological museum’s eclectic charm. Highlights include the Sunken Garden, Prehistoric Garden, Sound Garden, and a bee hotel meadow. Families love the animal walk; horticulturalists note its climate-adaptive trials.
- Address:100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ
- Hours:Grounds daily 7:15 am – sunset; museum 10 am – 5:30 pm
- Nearest Station:Forest Hill
- Visitor Tip:Grab lunch or coffee at the Horniman Café terrace for some of London’s best skyline views.
47. The Rookery Gardens (Streatham Common)
Originally the grounds of a Georgian estate built on a spa, The Rookery blends Edwardian formality with woodland edges. Terraces, pergolas, and a “White Garden” of pale blooms make it a local photographers’ favourite.
- Address:Streatham Common South, SW16 3HR
- Hours:Daily dawn – dusk
- Nearest Station:Streatham Common
- Visitor Tip:Visit in May–June for rhododendrons and early summer roses; free Sunday volunteer gardening sessions welcome drop-ins.
48. Crystal Palace Park (Crystal Palace)
A vast Victorian park layered with history-life-sized dinosaur sculptures, terraces from the 1851 Great Exhibition’s glass palace, lakes, and maze trails. The Italian terraces cascade past a crumbling concert bowl; the park’s ridge offers Thames-to-City views. Families picnic here, joggers loop the ponds, and heritage walks trace its monumental past.
- Address:Thicket Rd, SE19 2GA
- Hours:Daily 7:30 am – dusk
- Nearest Station:Crystal Palace or Penge West
- Visitor Tip:For tranquil views, head to the Italian Terracesat golden hour; the Park Caféby the Penge entrance is an underrated coffee stop.
Riverside, Parkland & Long-Distance Routes
49. Victoria Embankment Gardens (Charing Cross)
A ribbon of calm hugging the Thames between Hungerford and Blackfriars Bridges. Grassy slopes tumble to Cleopatra’s Needle; Robert Burns broods in bronze amid flowerbeds. Plane trees shade bandstand concerts; the river laps below like a liquid soundtrack.
Open daily from 8amwith closing times that vary by season; enter near Embankment or Temple stations for the quietest corners.
Pro tip: Midweek lunch-grab a Pret sandwich and watch tour boats glide past. Pair with a pedal along the Embankment cycle superhighway.
- Address:WC2N 6NJ
- Nearest:Embankment/Temple
- Why go:statues, lunchtime shade, river views.
50. Rembrandt Gardens (Little Venice)
Where Regent’s Canal kisses the Grand Union, this poetic pocket blooms with tulip borders rumored to honor the Dutch master (thanks to poet Robert Browning). Houseboats bob in the foreground; willow branches trail the water.
A 2006 upgrade sharpened planting and access, and the small roof terrace adds an extra viewpoint.
- Address:6 Warwick Ave, W2 1XB
- Hours:Daily 8 am – 6 pm
- Nearest:Warwick Ave/Paddington
- Good to know:part of wider Little Venice public-realm improvements.
51. Wandle Meadow Nature Park (Earlsfield)
Wandle Meadow Nature Park is a quiet, ecological pause on the Wandle Trail. This reclaimed floodplain features boardwalks crossing reedbeds, wildflower meadows, and ponds .
Look for herons stalking the banks of the River Wandle (often called the 'Thames' mini-me') along the tranquil Tooting–Earlsfield stretch, offering a pure pastoral escape perfect for walkers, cyclists, and quiet picnics.
- Address:North Rd, London SW19 1TR
- Nearest:Earlsfield/Tooting
- Tip:watch for kingfishers on clear mornings.
52. Parkland Walk (Finsbury Park ⇄ Highgate/Alexandra Palace)
North London’s 4.5-mile green artery along a disused railway (1880s). Overgrown platforms, graffiti tunnels, and bat-filled bridges create an urban Narnia. Sprinters pound the shaded path; dog-walkers dodge muddy puddles post-rain. Pro tip:Autumn foliage tunnel near Crouch End-golden arches for London secret garden photos. Connect to Highgate Wood for a 10-mile loop.
- Address:Florence Road, London N4 3EY, United Kingdom
- Opening Times:Open 24 hours a day
- Phone:+44 20 7527 4374
- Access:Multiple entry points; easy terrain
- Why go:heritage fragments + big city escapes.
53. Victoria Park (Mile End)
East London’s “People’s Park” (1845) with a hidden gem: the Chinese pagoda island linked by red bridges. Lakes reflect Canary Wharf’s towers; wildflower meadows buzz with bees. Roller-skaters own the paths; the Pavilion Café does killer brunch. Pro tip:Sunday markets spill into the park-grab bao and watch paddle-boaters.
- Address:Grov Rd., E3 5TB
- Nearest:Cambridge Heath/Mile End
- Tip:loop the Eastern Lake for quieter paths.
54. Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park (Mile End)
One of the “Magnificent Seven” Victorian graveyards turned wildwood. Ivy-smothered tombs host foxgloves and owls; woodland trails wind to secret clearings. The back meadows feel like countryside-rare orchids bloom in spring. Pro tip:Dawn bat walks (book via friends of tower hamlets cemetery park); the Soanes Centre café serves vegan treats.
- Address:Southern Grove, E3 4PX
- Opening Times:Open 24 hours a day
- Nearest:Mile End
- Etiquette:stick to paths; respect memorial areas.
55. Cremorne Gardens (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s tiny riverside sliver beside the Thames Path. Plane trees shade benches; the river laps against houseboats. Locals read while joggers pound the embankment-views stretch to Battersea Power Station’s chimneys. Pro tip: Sunset golden hour; pair with a pint at The Chelsea Pensioner pub.
- Address:Lots Rd, SW10 0QJ
- Nearest:Imperial Wharf/Fulham Broadway.
56. Chelsea Embankment Gardens (Chelsea)
A formal promenade parallel to Cremorne: rose pergolas, statues, and river breezes. A string of small river-edge gardens beneath Albert and Chelsea Bridges-spring bedding, statuary and sit-down pockets for a slow stroll beside the Thames. Maintained by RBKC as part of its local parks network.
- Address:SW3 5TR
- Opening Times:Open 24 hours a day
- Nearest:Sloane Square/South Kensington.
57. Tibetan Peace Garden (Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park)
A contemplative circle beside the Imperial War Museum, opened by the Dalai Lama in 1999and designed by Hamish Horsley; also known as Samten Kyil(“Garden of Contemplation”). The wider park is open at all times. Pro tip: Full-moon meditations; the garden’s bronze kalachakra glows under streetlights.
- Address:St George’s Rd, SE1 6HZ
- Opening Times:Open 24 hours a day
- Nearest:Lambeth North/Elephant & Castle
- Getting there:~10 minutes’ walk from Waterloo.
58. Mount Street Gardens (Mayfair)
Sheltered microclimate in the heart of Mayfair-palms, camellias and handsome benches set among mansion blocks. A classic sit-and-read spot, typically open daytime hours. Pro tip: April sakura peak-pair with Scott’s oyster bar for a luxe lunch.
- Address:W1K 2TH
- Hours:Daily 7 am–9 pm
- Nearest:Bond Street/Green Park
- Why go:lush planting and dependable shade.
FAQs
Are London’s Secret Gardens Open To The Public?
Yes, most of London’s secret gardens are open to the public, though some may have restricted hours or require booking. It’s always a good idea to check ahead before visiting.
Can You Bring Pets Into These Secret Gardens?
Pet policies vary depending on the garden. While some gardens, like Hampstead Heath, are pet-friendly, others may have restrictions. Always check the rules before bringing your pet.
Which Gardens Are Best For Stunning London Secret Garden Photos?
The top spots for photography are the Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola (for its dramatic, vine-covered architecture) and St Dunstan in the East (for the haunting church ruin setting). For serene, aesthetic water features, visit the tranquil Kyoto Garden in Holland Park or the mirror-like Reflection Garden at St Paul’s.
Where Can I Find A Secret Garden London Rooftop That Is Free?
Three fantastic, free options are: The Garden at 120 (offering 360-degree City views), the Post Building Roof Garden (providing unique Central London perspectives), and the Crossrail Place Roof Garden (a lush, sheltered haven in Canary Wharf). These are among the best elevated, yet quiet, spots in the city and directly target your "Secret garden London rooftop" keyword.
Are These Gardens Suitable For Picnics?
Some secret gardens, like Postman’s Park, are perfect for a quiet picnic, while others may have restrictions on food and drink. It’s best to check the guidelines for each garden before planning a picnic.
How Do You Get To These Secret Gardens?
Most of London’s secret gardens are accessible by public transport, with nearby bus and tube stations. Walking is often the best way to explore these hidden spots, as many are located in quieter parts of the city.
Conclusion
You have now been guided through the definitive list of 58 secret gardens, transforming the map of one of the world's busiest cities into a detailed itinerary for peace. From the dizzying heights of a Secret garden London rooftop to the intimate, historic tranquility of the 400-year-old Inner Temple Garden, you are now equipped with the knowledge of a local expert.
The magic of these hidden spaces lies not just in their beauty, but in their promise: that even in the heart of metropolitan noise, a profound quiet is always waiting. Whether you seek the perfect London Secret Garden photo or simply a bench to read and recharge, this guide offers an escape for every mood.
Now, choose your first escape. Will you start with the ancient beauty of the City, or chase the panoramic views from the rooftops?
You Might Also Like: Where To Go For A Quiet Day In London | 51 Places To Find Peace
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The Ultimate London’s Secret Gardens List: Quiet Spots Locals Love
City Of London’s Historical Ruins & Legal-Quarter Gardens
The Secret Garden London Rooftop Scene
Cultural, Themed & Specialist Botanical Gardens
Community, Urban Wilds & Neighborhood Oases
Grand Estates & Architectural Gardens
Riverside, Parkland & Long-Distance Routes
FAQs
Conclusion
James Rowley
Author
James Rowley is a London-based writer and urban explorer specialising in the city’s cultural geography. For over 15 years, he has documented the living history of London's neighbourhoods through immersive, first-hand reporting and original photography. His work foregrounds verified sources and street-level detail, helping readers look past tourist clichés to truly understand the character of a place.
His features and analysis have appeared in established travel and heritage publications. A passionate advocate for responsible, research-led tourism, James is an active member of several professional travel-writing associations.
His guiding principle is simple: offer clear, current, verifiable advice that helps readers see the capital with informed eyes.
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