London has an impressive amount of green space, with eight Royal Parks covering over 250 acres. But for a peaceful place for a picnic, to read a book or hide away from the crowds, we’ve gathered the lesser-known gardens, tucked away and missed by most. This is your guide to London’s best secret gardens and hidden parks. And we think you’ll love them.
Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola
In a quiet pocket of Hampstead Heath is a crumbling, overgrown former private garden with a rich history. Echoes of wealthy Lord Leverhulme’s summer parties in the 1900s still linger around Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola. His house has gone, but the crumbling remains of the once perfectly manicured garden remain, with exotic overgrown planting and vines wrapped around Edwardian stonework.
Today, this once neglected space is now one of the most stunning hidden gardens in London, with wild displays of colour in spring and summer. Catch gorgeous views overlooking the heath as you walk along the raised walkways. It has such a magical, romantic feel that it lends itself beautifully to weddings and photoshoots.
Phoenix Garden
Right in the centre of London, just a short walk from Covent Garden, sits Phoenix Garden. This cute, small Soho community garden had a big feature role in the romantic festive film Last Christmas, but it remains off the beaten path and is happily missed by many passersby. It’s an ideal lunchtime escape in the warmer months. Pick up a delicious pastry in the market or a coffee-to-go from Foyles Bookshop opposite and find your picnic bench in this secret garden in Central London, this heavenly wildlife oasis. It’s a well-loved local space for those in the know, and there are often volunteer gardening sessions here on Saturdays.
Vauxhall Park Lavender Garden
Discover Central London’s only lavender field. Tucked away in Vauxhall Park between the 1940s model village and a rose pergola is a one-time bowling green. In 2004, architect Guillaume Baltz came up with the lavender field design, and local school children helped with the planting. Now, every late June to late July, this lavender field is in full bloom, attracting pollinators and birds galore. Of course, it also looks and smells amazing. You can sit and enjoy the lavender scent from one of the many garden benches, or you could get involved with the volunteers, who, every year, harvest the lavender, turn it into oil and sell it at South Lambert Market.
St Mary’s Secret Garden, Hackney
Forget you’re in the middle of a capital city and take a deep breath by the pond or in the wild meadow at St Mary’s Secret Garden. This is a well-loved community garden in Hoxton dedicated to promoting the therapeutic benefits of gardening and food growing. The green space is under an acre, but it has a small pond, a wildflower meadow, a herb and sensory garden and a special community area called the Wish You Well Garden, which has regular events. It’s also fully accessible to those with mobility issues. With a classroom polytunnel and lots of educational volunteering, this is a hidden garden in London with a big heart and an abundance of community spirit.
Kyoto Garden at Holland Park
Gifted to London’s Holland Park in 1991, this small but perfectly formed Japanese garden is one of the most tranquil secret gardens in Central London. In 54 acres of Holland Park, Kyoto Garden is a true gem, where you can wander over a cobblestone bridge, past handsome Japanese maple trees, and enjoy the pretty fountain splashing into a pond of stone lanterns and koi carp. You might even spot the odd peacock putting on a show as you stroll. The Kyoto Garden looks gorgeous all year round, but it’s particularly pretty in spring when pink flower clouds cover the cherry blossom trees, casting petal drops over the ground.
After your adventures uncovering pretty secret gardens in London and lush hidden spaces, get under the covers at The Clermont, Victoria and The Clermont, Charing Cross. Our handsome heritage hotels offer a luxury escape to relax in the heart of London.
