9 best botanical gardens in London that will take your breath away
London is one of those cities that never sleeps—there’s always something exciting going on. But as fun as it may sound, there are times when you just need to take a breath and step away from the busy streets and crowds.
If you feel that, we have the perfect way to reconnect with nature without leaving the city. London is packed with botanical gardens that offer a peaceful retreat from the chaos. Trust us, you won’t regret a visit.
These gardens are full of beautiful plants and flowers that you don’t see on your usual city walks. They give you the chance to not only unwind but also learn a bit about the natural world.
So, if you’re looking for a serene escape that still feels like a part of London, stick around and keep reading. We’ll tell you exactly where to find your own peaceful hideaway!
1. Chelsea Physic Garden
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Address: 66 Royal Hospital Rd
Contact details: +44 20 7352 5646
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
Price: ££
Chelsea Physic Garden has been around since 1673. It’s the oldest botanical garden in London and the second oldest in England after Oxford’s.
Back in the day, it was known as the Apothecaries’ Garden and played a huge role in early medicine. Sir Hans Sloane helped secure its future by setting up a lease that still keeps costs low today. It’s an arrangement that’s been going strong since the 1700s.
Today, this four-acre garden is packed with over 5,000 plant species, from medicinal and edible plants to rare herbs.
It has different sections, each with its own theme. The Garden of World Medicine showcases plants used in traditional healing practices from around the world.
The Pharmaceutical Garden focuses on plants with medical benefits, including those used in cancer treatments. Then there’s the Garden of Edible and Useful Plants, where you’ll find species that are great for cooking and handy for everyday life.
Pro tip:
Take a relaxing break at the on-site café to enjoy homemade food and a classic afternoon tea.
2. Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens
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Address: Regent’s Park, Chester Rd
Contact details: +44 300 061 2000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 5 AM – 9 PM
Price: Free
Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens is known for its beautiful roses and colourful flower displays.
With around 12,000 roses in 85 different varieties, it’s the biggest rose garden in London. You’ll see everything from classic hybrid tea roses to modern English ones. It even has the unique ‘Royal Parks’ rose, which was created just for this garden.
The layout features a circular rose garden filled with pink and white blooms, a bright and tropical-looking Triton Borders, and a Mediterranean section that brings a different vibe. There’s also a Begonia Garden, which is replanted twice a year to keep it looking fresh and vibrant.
The garden isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s even made its way into pop culture. It was featured in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians as the romantic setting for Pongo and Perdita.
Pro tip:
If you want to see the flowers in Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens at their absolute best, visit in early June when they’re in full bloom.
3. Crossrail Place Roof Garden
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Address: Crossrail Pl
Contact details: +44 20 7418 2000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Price: Free
Crossrail Place Roof Garden is a quiet little escape right on top of Canary Wharf station. It offers a break from the buzz of London’s financial district. It’s a cool mix of nature and modern design, created by Foster + Partners and Arup.
The structure itself looks like a ship, a nod to Canary Wharf’s maritime history. Inside, plants from both the Eastern and Western hemispheres are arranged along the Prime Meridian line that runs right through the middle.
One side is filled with Asian plants like bamboo, Japanese maples, and magnolias. The other side is home to Australasian ferns and trees from the Americas.
As you wander through, you’ll even spot geometric walkways, leafy ferns, and colourful flowers that change with the seasons.
Pro tip:
Before you go, check the event schedule! The Crossrail Place Roof Garden’s amphitheatre hosts live music, theatre, and other performances. Planning your visit around a show can make your trip even more enjoyable.
4. Sky Garden
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Address: 1, Sky Garden Walk, City of London
Contact details: 44 333 772 0020
Operating hours:
- Monday: 10 AM – 11 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 8 AM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 8 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 8 AM – 11 PM
Price: Free
Sky Garden is a beautiful indoor garden sitting 155 meters above London. It offers a peaceful break from the city’s hustle. It’s completely free to visit, which makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
The garden is packed with exotic plants like Bird of Paradise, African Lily, and fragrant herbs like rosemary and lavender. It’s divided into three zones—one with shade-loving plants, another filled with colourful flowers, and a transition area that blends them together.
The whole space was designed with sustainability in mind. It uses drought-resistant plants from the Mediterranean and South African regions to keep it lush with minimal water.
The architecture adds to the experience, with massive glass windows that let in plenty of natural light and offer incredible views of the London skyline.
Pro tip:
Since Sky Garden is free to enter, tickets go fast. Make sure to book in advance. New slots open weekly, so it’s best to plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss out.
5. Kyoto Garden
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Address: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave
Contact details: +44 20 7602 2226
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 7:30 AM – 8 PM
Price: Free
Kyoto Garden is a peaceful spot that captures the beauty of traditional Japanese landscape design. It opened in 1991 as a gift from the city of Kyoto to celebrate the friendship between Japan and the UK.
The garden features a tranquil pond home to koi fish that symbolise good fortune. You’ll also spot stunning Japanese plants like cherry blossoms in the spring and Japanese maples in the fall. Peacocks roam freely here, adding to the serene atmosphere.
The garden changes with the seasons. In spring, delicate cherry blossoms bloom, while summer offers lush greenery. Autumn paints the landscape in vibrant reds and oranges, and winter showcases the beauty of bare branches.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the chance to experience a real Japanese tea ceremony at the traditional tea house within Kyoto Garden. It’s a unique cultural experience that adds an authentic touch to your visit.
6. Horniman Gardens
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Address: 100 London Rd, Forest Hill
Contact details: +44 20 8699 1872
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 7:15 AM – 4:20 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM – 4:20 PM
Price: £
Horniman Gardens is a beautiful 8-hectare garden that’s part of the Horniman Museum. It opened to the public in 1895.
The garden is known for its impressive variety of plants, especially from North America and South Africa. It’s designed to bloom year-round, with early spring flowers kicking off the season and colourful grasses, daisies, and succulents taking over in late summer.
There’s a Grasslands Garden filled with over 5,000 perennials and a Butterfly House that’s home to hundreds of tropical plants and butterflies. The Prehistoric Garden showcases unique “living fossils” like ginkgo trees and Wollemi pines.
You can also check out themed areas like the Sound Garden, where you can play large musical instruments. There’s also the Bee Garden, with plants to attract bees, and the Wildlife Garden that’s all about local ecosystems.
Pro tip:
Visit on a Saturday to check out the local farmers’ market, where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere and tasty food options.
7. Barbican Conservatory
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Address: Silk St, City of London
Contact details: +44 20 7870 2500
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM – 11 PM
Price: Free
The Barbican Conservatory is a hidden gem located on the third floor of the Barbican Centre. It has a stunning collection of tropical and sub-tropical plants under a huge glass roof.
This place is one of the largest conservatories in London, housing around 1,500 plant species, including rare ones like the Swiss cheese plant and the Araucaria. You’ll also find ponds with koi fish and terrapins, adding to the serene vibe.
The space is designed to fit in with the Barbican’s brutalist style, and the natural light coming through the roof makes it feel super inviting. Besides being a botanical haven, the conservatory is also used for events like weddings and exhibitions, making it a versatile spot.
Pro tip:
The Barbican Conservatory is free to visit, but make sure to book your tickets in advance as they’re released weekly. If you’re planning a last-minute visit, there are a few same-day tickets available too.
8. The Rookery Gardens
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Address: Streatham Common S
Contact details: +44 20 3582 7323
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Price:
The Rookery is full of unique garden areas. There’s the Old English Garden with classic elements like geometric paths, a central pool, and even remnants of the original kitchen garden.
The White Garden is a peaceful spot with only white, silver, or cream plants. It was originally designed for a Victorian wedding. The Rock Garden sits on higher ground and features ponds, waterfalls, and a mix of local and exotic plants.
Plus, there’s the Community Garden and Orchard. These not only enhance the garden’s beauty but also help boost local wildlife.
The Rookery is an important spot for nature. In 2013, part of it was designated as a Local Nature Reserve because of its role in supporting birds, insects, and other species.
Pro tip:
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and stunning lighting. This time is perfect for enjoying the peaceful surroundings and getting great photos, especially at sunset.
9. Fulham Palace House & Garden
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Address: Bishop’s Ave
Contact details: +44 20 7736 3233
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4 PM
Price: Free
Fulham Palace House & Garden is home to a botanical garden that’s been around since the 16th century. With 13 acres to explore, it’s the second oldest botanic garden in London.
The garden’s history is tied to the bishops who lived there, like Bishop Henry Compton, who introduced exotic plants and even cultivated Europe’s first magnolia.
The garden has a mix of rare trees, exotic plants, and seasonal displays. You’ll find things like a colourful knot garden, a kitchen garden, and an apple orchard.
One of the highlights is the 500-year-old holm oak tree, considered one of London’s Great Trees. The garden also features a natural play area for kids, letting them interact with nature in fun ways.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the guided tours, which are a great way to dive into the rich history of the bishops who once lived at Fulham Palace. You’ll get to hear fascinating stories about their lives, how they shaped the estate, and the key role they played in British history.