The bustle of Britain's sprawling capital is part of its appeal. But where do you go if you're in need of an oasis in the urban landscape? We've unearthed six of London's best secret gardens.
Photo courtesy of The Barbican Centre
Few people know about the tropical conservatory garden with coffee bean and citrus trees, palms and ferns, and finches and quails in the Barbican, a huge performing arts center in the City of London. Hidden within the blockish Brutalist architecture, the garden is a great place to chill and chat between bouts of culture. Alternatively, take the Architectural or Hidden Barbican Tour. Both give fascinating insights behind the scenes of Europe's second largest arts center. Open Sundays and public holidays 11 am to 5:30 pm; £8 (£6 concessions).
Photo courtesy of The Barbican Centre
Forward thinking and utterly beguiling, the Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 as the Apothecaries' Garden, with the purpose of training apprentices in identifying plants. Highlights include a Garden of World Medicine and a new Pharmaceutical Garden. A major outdoor sculpture exhibition called "Pertaining to Things Natural" presents monumental sculptural works (through October 31 ,2012). Open Tuesdays through Fridays noon to 5 pm, Sundays noon to 6 pm; £9 (£6 concessions).
Photo courtesy of Chelsea Physic Garden
The Geffrye Museum has long been a beacon of culture and horticulture in the city's East End. The museum shows the changing style of English domestic interiors from 1600 to the present day. Outside, there is a sequence of period town gardens highlighting the key styles over the past four centuries. It includes a 17th-century garden with medicinal and culinary plants in medieval patterns. A "Ceramics in the City" exhibition takes place on September 21–23 with an open evening event on September 20. Admission and events are free.
Photo courtesy of The Geffrye Museum
One hundred feet above the bustle of High Street Kensington, on top of a 1930s former department store, you'll find three lush gardens with mature oaks, fruit trees, and a flowing stream. Visitors are free to roam the Moorish Spanish Garden based on the Alhambra in Granada; the Tudor Garden with its lilies, roses, and wisteria; and the English Woodland Garden, best in the spring when thousands of narcissus and crocus are in bloom. There's also a restaurant serving lunch, Wednesdays through Fridays, and dinner, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Gardens open daily; call ahead to confirm times (+44 (0)20 7937 7994).
Photo courtesy The Roof Gardens
Bloomsbury, known for its literary associations and garden squares, has a new green space at The Montague Hotel. The work of floral designer and fragrance creator, Kenneth Turner, this enchanting English garden is landscaped with birch, Leanna vine, summer roses, and hanging wisteria. It's the perfect place for a glass of Pimms, afternoon tea, or an evening barbecue. Visitors needn't be staying at the hotel but booking in advance is recommended.
Photo courtesy of Red Carnation Hotels
Tucked away beside Lambeth Palace Gardens, across the River Thames from Tate Britain, The Garden Museum celebrates the design, history, and art of cultivated places. At its heart lies a knot garden in honor of the great plant hunters, John Tradescant the Elder and Younger, where you can discover red maple and tulip trees scarlet runner beans. "The Plant Seekers," an exhibition about history's most fanatical plant hunters runs through October 21, 2012. Sundays through Fridays 10:30 am to 5 pm, Saturdays 10:30 am to 4 pm; £7.50 (concessions £6.50/£3/children under 16 free).
Photo courtesy of Jim Linwood via Flickr
We've unearthed six lesser-known leafy spots.