London is full of beautiful gardens, from magnificent Royal Parks to smaller green spaces tended to by volunteers. Take a day trip to London to see the thousands of plants and flowers at Kew Gardens or enjoy quiet walks in some of London's most peaceful places.
Don't forget to also look out for on-site shops where you can often buy seeds and gardening equipment to recreate a London garden at home.
Royal gardens
Many of the best gardens in London are hosted in magnificent royal palaces with centuries of history. Stroll where the royals used to at these famous London gardens.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
Explore 130 hectares (320 acres) housing more than 30,000 types of plant at Kew Gardens. This verdant garden in south west London has a 250-year history and is a World Heritage site.
Buckingham Palace Gardens
Take the separate Garden Tour in summer when Buckingham Palace is open to the public to explore the 15 hectares (39 acres) of Buckingham Palace Gardens. During your visit, make sure to stop by the famous herbaceous border, wisteria-clad Summer House and the beautiful Rose Garden.
Kensington Palace Gardens
Discover a variety of lovely landscapes at Kensington Palace Gardens, including the 19th-century Italian Gardens.
Hampton Court Palace Gardens
Home to an annual flower show, Hampton Court Palace Gardens were devised by Henry VIII as a magnificent display of opulence and cover more than 24 hectares (60 acres).
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.
London's palace gardens
Travel back in time at these fascinating gardens in former private estates and beautiful London palaces.
Eltham Palace and Gardens
The grounds of the Art Deco-inspired Eltham Palace include seven hectares (19 acres) of original medieval gardens, which also feature some unusual Art Deco elements and one of London's oldest working bridges over the moat.
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.
Fulham Palace Gardens
Fulham Palace's spectacular gardens include an 18th-century walled garden and a variety of rare shrubs. Look out for The Bishop's Tree – a spectacular carved cedarwood sculpture.
Chiswick House and Grounds
These London gardens were designed in the 18th century by William Kent, whose idealised vision of the Italian countryside transformed British landscape gardening. Chiswick House and Grounds were lovingly restored in 2010, and are well worth a visit.
Roof gardens in London
Soak up amazing views from these sky-high London roof gardens.
Sky Garden
Discover a lush tropical garden 35 floors up at 20 Fenchurch Street. The Sky Garden, spread across the top three storeys of “The Walkie-Talkie” skyscraper, boasts breathtaking views of the London skyline, plus two restaurants and two bars.
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
Climb the quirky yellow staircase at Queen Elizabeth Hall to find a hidden garden, featuring a wildflower meadow, mini allotments and a woodland garden with spectacular views of the river.
The Culpeper
Hidden on the top floor of The Culpeper pub you’ll find a secret rooftop garden, complete with a greenhouse and a cocktail bar open in the summer. Many of the herbs and plants growing here are used in the pub’s kitchen.
Secret gardens in London
London is also home to many hidden gardens, offering a brief respite from the buzz of London life. Some of the most picturesque include:
Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Created as a strolling garden in 1991, the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is a typical Japanese garden, featuring plants which have been carefully selected and maintained with special pruning techniques to reflect its oriental style.
The Flanders Fields Memorial Garden
The Flanders Fields Memorial Garden at Wellington Barracks commemorates troops who died in the First World War. Soil used in the garden was taken from battlefields and war cemeteries in Flanders, Belgium.
Chelsea Physic Garden
Founded in 1673 for the cultivation of medicinal plants, the peaceful Chelsea Physic Garden contains a Garden of World Medicine and an area dedicated to edible plants.
The Garden Museum
Complete your exploration of London gardens by visiting The Garden Museum, which is devoted to British gardening history and has an extraordinary garden of its own.