Chelsea Physic Garden

The Chelsea Physic Garden is a wonderful place to spend a quiet, restful couple of hours while visiting London. Located alongside the edge of the Thames in lovely Chelsea, this historic garden provides a glimpse at medicinal plants as well as unique botanicals. The walled garden is quiet, private, and small enough so as not to overwhelm. Even those less interested in plants will find the garden a pleasant place to explore or relax. In addition, the Tangerine Dream cafe provides delicious, homemade-like food and beverages, which makes for a delightful lunch or afternoon snack. I've visited the Chelsea Physic Garden on each visit to London over the past four summers, and have yet to visit on a day when it's crowded! Do treat yourself to this little gem in the midst of the big city!

We took a trip to this garden on a recent vacation in England and had a wonderful time. It has a fascinating history (over 300 years old) and the staff were wonderful.

We had lunch at their cafe, gourmet quality sandwiches and desserts and of course a pot of teal; the food was excellent.

The garden has over 400 varieties of plants and trees, and most were planted there for their medicinal qualities.

The park has an interesting micro climate thanks to the tall buildings nearby, and palm trees grow there as do grapefruit.

As to the history, Some plants were gathered on voyages with Captain Cook, and Sir Thomas More used to dock his boat at the north wall of the park back before the Thames was modified by the Embankment (the Thames used to extend to the garden, now it is about 75 feet away).

All in all, a lovely time in a beautiful, historical park.