London's secret parks and gardens

North London

1. 

   Mapesbury Dell

   Nestled between the houses of the Mapesbury Estate in Willesden Green, blink and you’ll miss Mapesbury Dell. Following a campaign run by local residents, it was transformed by the community from an underused green space into a park that can be enjoyed by everyone. There’s a children’s play area with a pirate ship, a pond and even a boulodrome, if you fancy a game of boule!

2. 

   Abney Park

   Both an arboretum and a cemetery, Abney Park in Stoke Newington is one of London’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries built by the Victorians in the 19th century. With its overgrown trees and upturned headstones, you’d be forgiven for thinking this place is a bit creepy. But look beyond its ghostly atmosphere and there are beautiful grounds to be explored. On the first Sunday of each month you can take part in a free guided tour that will introduce you to its famous residents.

South London

1. 

   The Rookery

   With far-reaching views from landscaped terraces, it feels like you’re in a small slice of the countryside in Grade II listed The Rookery. The jewel in Streatham’s crown, it was once the grounds of a house by the same name and is a world away from bustling Streatham High Road. As well as home to a community garden, they hold events here throughout the year, such as open-air cinemas, family days and nature walks.

2. 

   York House Gardens

   While nearby Ham House and Garden and Marble Hill Park are perhaps better known, the features of York House Gardens are certainly more enchanting. Once owned by Sir Ratan Tata in the early 20th century – one of the original founding family members of India’s megacorporation Tata Group – much of the gardens’ designs remain the same, with largely Italian styling and a set of marble statues titled ‘The Naked Ladies’ that are an impressive, if not slightly OTT, focal point.

3. 

   Fulham Palace Walled Garden

   Whilst wandering amongst the fruit trees and blooming flowerbeds of Fulham Palace’s delightful walled garden, it’s hard to believe you’re still in our great capital. Rooted in the surprisingly tiny but charming shadow of the palace and right next to the café, the love and care put into the garden’s restoration is clear to see. From wooden-framed glasshouses, to beehives, to vegetable patches, there’s plenty to see for both professional and amateur horticulturists alike.

East London

1. 

   Geffrye Museum Gardens

   Just off Kingsland Road in Hoxton and surrounded by residential blocks, the grounds around the Geffrye Museum are the perfect spot for catching some rays this summer amidst its urban setting. As well as grassy areas at the front, you can visit the walled herb garden with over 170 different species of plants, as well as the period gardens that reflect horticulture through the ages in accordance with garden design fashions.

2. 

   The Cloister Garden

   In the grounds of the Museum of the Order of St John, the Cloister Garden is a world away from the hum drum of the City beyond its walls and is the perfect spot for a bit of escapism. Laid out after the Second World War as a memorial to St John’s Ambulance members, the pretty landscaped garden includes examples of medicinal plants and herbs and a 200-year-old olive tree. Entry is free of charge.

West London

1. 

   Chelsea Physic Garden

   Right by the Thames in a quiet and exclusive corner of Chelsea, Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in the 17th century and is the second oldest surviving botanical garden in the country. With an extensive collection of plants from around the world grown for educational purposes, it’s a fascinating place if you’re the green-fingered type. Included in the collection is the country’s largest outdoor olive tree and the most northerly grapefruit tree growing outside in the world!

2. 

   Isabella Plantation

   Venture closer into the Kingston side of Richmond Park and you will find enchanting Isabella Plantation. Hidden in the heart of woodland first established by the Victorians in the 1830s, it is spread over 40 acres. The brightly coloured blooming rhododendrons, azaelas and camellias that make the plantation so impressive are best seen from mid-April and throughout May.

3. 

   Ravenscourt Park Walled Garden

   In a corner of this picturesque West London park, the scented walled garden in Ravenscourt Park was once the kitchen garden for the mansion house that existed on the site from the 13th century. Maintained by volunteers and at the heart of the community, it is a charming place to unwind amongst pretty wildflower beds.

4. 

   The Roof Gardens

   Far above the commotion of Kensington High Street below, it’s hard to believe that on the roof of the former Derry & Toms department store is a landscaped garden that was laid out as far back as the 1930s. Featuring Spanish, Tudor and English-style gardens, including flamingos – yes, real life flamingos! – you can visit The Roof Gardens during the day for free, while on Friday and Saturday night the verdant space is transformed into an exclusive nightclub.