Make your way around the best London gardens, from historic Royal Parks to peaceful green oases. Whether you seek history, stunning flower displays or rooftop escapes, there is something for every nature lover at these best gardens to visit in London.
Royal gardens in London
Magnificent royal palaces with centuries of history host many of the best gardens in London. Walk in the footsteps of royalty as you stroll through these famous London gardens.
1. Buckingham Palace gardens
Enjoy a walk around London's largest private garden during the Buckingham Palace Summer Opening, boasting 325 different plant species. The palace houses a hidden oasis covering 16 hectares (40 acres), including the famous herbaceous border, wisteria-clad Summer House and the beautiful Rose Garden. Keep in mind that the gardens are closed for the rest of the year.
Ticket information: Entry to Buckingham Palace gardens is only permitted with a timed-entry ticket to the State Rooms during the palace's summer opening. Book in advance and arrive with time for security checks to make the most of your visit.
2. Kew Gardens
Explore the 130 hectares (321 acres) that make up Kew Gardens, one of the most famous gardens in London. Home to more than 50,000 types of living plants and millions of preserved ones, this verdant garden in south-west London has a 250-year history and is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Keep an eye out for seasonal exhibitions and events including the well-known Christmas at Kew.
Ticket information: Paid tickets are needed for entry to the gardens year-round, with tickets available to prebook or secure on the day. Book online in advance for slightly cheaper prices and to avoid disappointment.
3. Syon House and Gardens
Landscaped by renowned garden innovator Capability Brown, the 16 hectares (40 acres) of stunning outside space at Syon House feature the spectacular Great Conservatory and a host of rare trees and plants. Schedule a visit in the warmer months as the house and gardens close annually for the winter season. Guided tours take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and free-roam garden entry tickets are available on Sundays.
Ticket information: You need to secure tickets to enter the gardens between Monday and Saturday. You can choose between a combined ticket which includes entry to the house or simply gain access to the garden and conservatory.
4. Kensington Palace Gardens
Discover a variety of lovely landscapes at Kensington Palace Gardens, including the 19th-century Italian Gardens and the iconic Sunken Garden. Walk among ponds, beautiful flowers and impressive terraces of the palace that housed royals for more than 300 years. It's worth checking seasonal events in the palace and gardens which usually include a series of costumed live performances in the summer months.
Ticket information: Entry to the gardens is free to the public via the Sunken Garden Gate only. You do need a ticket for admission to the palace and its events, and it is recommended to book these in advance.
5. Hampton Court Palace Gardens
Created by Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace Gardens bloom in a magnificent display of opulence and cover more than 24 hectares (59 acres). Wind your way around the UK's oldest surviving hedge maze or spot mythical beasts, climb the towers and find a secret grotto in the Magic Garden – ideal for little ones! Annual seasonal events include an Easter trail, Halloween spookfest, summer festival and a festive winter fayre.
Ticket information: Tickets to the palace are usually required for access to the gardens and it's recommended to allow a full day to explore both. Keep eyes peeled for garden open days that allow free entry to the gardens during quieter months.
Flower gardens in London
From former private estates to beautiful London palaces, travel back in time at these fascinating gardens London is known for.
6. Eltham Palace and Gardens
The grounds of Eltham Palace and Gardens feature eight hectares (19 acres) of original medieval gardens, as well as some unusual art deco elements and one of London's oldest working bridges over the moat. Water trickles down stones and cascades into the beautiful Rock Garden. Stop for refreshments in the glasshouse cafe which features a play area for children, and discover outdoor events such as live music, fairs and jousting in the warmer months.
Ticket information: Tickets are required for entry to the palace and gardens, with cheaper garden-only tickets available. Book early for cheaper rates.
7. Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola
Wander through Hampstead Heath and you might come across a hidden gem in the form of the Hill Garden and Pergola. Once part of the private plot of a now demolished manor house, the pergola boasts views over West Heath and the Edwardian garden is home to a variety of trees and shrubs. Visit in springtime and you'll likely catch the wisteria in bloom as it wraps around the columns and arches, making for a breathtaking photograph.
Ticket information: The Hill Garden and Pergola are free to enter but usually closes at dusk. Check official opening times in advance.
8. Charlton House Peace Garden
Among Charlton House's expansive grounds, the original walled garden is dedicated as a Peace Garden in support of Amnesty International's Stop Violence Against Women campaign. Learn all about the Jacobean history that makes up the corridors, staircases and grounds of this manor house during its one hour-long Historic Fridays tours priced at £5 per person.
Ticket information: Entry to the house and gardens is free, but priced tours require a ticket and it's best to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
9. Chiswick House and Grounds
The 300-year-old Chiswick House and Grounds in west London is a vision of Italian-inspired 18th-century architecture. As the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement, Chiswick House has had a lasting influence on a number of famous outdoor spaces, including Central Park in New York City and Blenheim Palace. Browse workshops at the Kitchen Garden, where you can talk to the gardeners and purchase fresh, seasonal produce.
Ticket information: Entry to the gardens is free year-round, but a ticket is needed for access to the house which is closed between November and March.
10. Fulham Palace Gardens
The spectacular green space at Fulham Palace includes an 18th-century walled garden with wisteria, fruit trees and rare shrubs. Go for a woodland walk and step along the path lined with cow parsley and bluebells. Open year-round, see how the botanic garden changes through the seasons – just be sure to check opening times that tend to align with dusk and dawn. Exhibitions, events and private tours are available to book at a cost.
Ticket information: Admission to the palace and gardens is free year-round but donations are welcomed and seasonal events require paid tickets that should be booked in advance.
Roof gardens in London
Soak up amazing views of the capital from these sky-high London roof gardens.
11. Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
Climb the quirky yellow staircase at Queen Elizabeth Hall to find a hidden summertime roof garden, featuring more than 200 wild plants, a lawn and a cafe for stopping to enjoy spectacular views of the river Thames. Sip on drinks from the bar in the summer months as you flick through the menu of barbecue dishes fresh from the onsite grill. After, check out the top things to do in Southbank or continue wandering along the Thames.
Ticket information: Access to the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden is completely free and open to the public, year-round.
12. Sky Garden
Discover a lush tropical garden at the highest point of 20 Fenchurch Street. The Sky Garden, spread across the top three storeys of the "Walkie-Talkie" skyscraper, boasts breathtaking 360-degree views of the London skyline, plus two restaurants and two bars. Go here for golden hour so that you can catch the colour in the sky, watch the sunset over London and then take in the twinkling lights of London by night.
Ticket information: Tickets to the Sky Garden are free but must be booked three weeks in advance on the official website – be aware, they get snapped up fast!
13. The Culpeper
Discover a tucked-away rooftop garden on the top floor of The Culpeper pub in east London. This secret space comes complete with a greenhouse and a cocktail bar that can be enjoyed year-round. The pub's kitchen uses many of the herbs and plants that grow here. Book a rooftop table at this well-loved pub for delightful plates cooked fresh on the rooftop grill as you sit among trees and grasses.
Ticket information: Entry to the rooftop garden is (technically) free. It's advised that you book a rooftop table to visit the garden.
Botanical gardens in London
London is home to many hidden gardens which offer a quiet spot away from the buzz of urban life in the capital.
14. Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Walk the tranquil paths of Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. This picturesque Japanese garden features carefully selected plants which are maintained using special pruning techniques to reflect the garden's East Asian style. Be on the lookout for Insta-ready shots including the pond's sweeping waterfalls, colourful koi fish and the roaming peacocks. Catch the cherry blossoms in bloom during spring.
Ticket information: The park and gardens are free to enter, year-round. Be sure to check opening times which differ for each of the park's gardens.
15. Flanders Fields Memorial Garden
Flanders Fields Memorial Garden at Wellington Barracks commemorates troops who died in the First World War. It features a round grass bed memorial made with soil collected from cemeteries and battlefields in Flanders, Belgium. The memorial in inscribed with words from the poem 'In Flanders Fields' by John McCrae. Pay your respects with a visit to the garden, which also features a stone bench made from Flemish bluestone.
Ticket information: Admission to the memorial garden is free.
16. Natural History Museum Gardens
Make a stop at the Natural History Museum Gardens on the grounds of the Natural History Museum, a slice of serene in the bustling South Kensington. Uncover a bronze diplodocus installation and Jurassic fossils set among more than 3,300 species of British flora and fauna. Pack a picnic to enjoy as you spot dragonflies, frogs, newts and more in the Nature Discover Garden, with a pond and wetland habitats built to promote natural life.
Ticket information: Natural History Museum Gardens are free to enter and usually follow daylight opening hours.
17. Chelsea Physic Garden
Founded in 1673 for the cultivation of medicinal plants, the peaceful Chelsea Physic Garden is London's oldest botanical garden and still grows botanical species used in medicine today. Find many rare species including edible plants and woodland flora from around the world and the largest outdoor fruiting olive tree in Britain. Look out for a calendar of events including arts and crafts, sensory tours, educational workshops and live music on the lawns.
Ticket information: Tickets are required for entry into the gardens. You can book online or at the gate and choose to add a voluntary donation to support the garden.
18. Garden Museum
Complete your exploration of London gardens by visiting the Garden Museum, devoted to British gardening history. The fascinating museum showcases innovations in modern-day gardening and has an extraordinary garden of its own. Check out exhibitions and events such as cookery classes, drawing clubs and summer family workshops. Or, simply enjoy the grounds and cafe – which serves up seasonal modern European fare.
Ticket information: Entry to the garden is free of charge but access to collections and events is paid and requires a ticket, which is recommended to secure in advance.
Plan your visit to these beautiful gardens in London today. Check opening times and book tickets online to secure your spot!
Explore more London garden information
What are the best gardens to visit in London?
Every garden in London offers something unique, whether you're looking for wildlife, history or walking trails. Some of the best gardens London has to offer are Kew Gardens for its variety of plants and showstopping seasonal events. Hampton Court Palace Gardens and Buckingham Palace gardens are a must-visit for those looking for a dose of history, and Holland Park's Kyoto Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in London.
Do I need tickets to visit London gardens?
Yes, some gardens in London require tickets, especially famous gardens in London and those connected to historic houses and palaces. Check the official websites for the latest ticket information and booking.
When is the best time to visit London gardens?
London's gardens are worth a visit at any time of year and there is beauty to be found in each season. Spring is a great time to catch flowers in bloom, while summer is most likely to offer warmer weather. London in autumn becomes rich with hues of red and yellow, with cooler temperatures ideal for longer walks. Winter is a magical time of year as London gardens come alive with Christmas light festivals. Be sure to check the official opening times as some gardens in London close for the winter season.
Are London gardens wheelchair accessible?
Most gardens in London are wheelchair accessible. Find more detailed accessibility information for each garden at AccessAble.
Can I bring pets to London gardens?
Most public gardens in London allow pets, but some more formal gardens do not. For example. Holland Park allows pets but they are restricted from accessing the Kyoto Garden and cafe, and must be kept on leads in the woodlands. Make sure to check for signage when entering a garden, or on official websites before visiting.
What are some family-friendly gardens in London?
Almost all gardens in London are welcoming to families, with Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace Gardens being particularly good options for their amenities, including children's play areas and family-friendly seasonal events. Some venues such as the Sky Garden can have restrictions during certain hours, so it's worth checking for more detailed information on their official websites before visiting.
Explore even more London gardens and beautiful places around the capital, from places straight out of a fairytale to the allure of old London.
Head outside and check out the top 101 things to do outdoors in London.
