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Inside London’s secret urban gardens
Delve deeper to find greenhouses, fountains, lush planting and iconic vistas of London’s landmarks, hidden within the cityscape
Behind the closed gates and painted railings of iconic squares, in urban community allotments, and up high on the rooftops of London are some magical, hidden gardens waiting to be discovered. These green lungs improve the air we breathe and add value to our lives, culture and nature.
Horticultural havens
While almost half of London’s footprint is green, only 18% is designated as public open space. Here’s your chance to uncover some of the city’s lesser-known horticultural highlights, among hidden squares, rooftop spaces, community gardens and re-wilded areas that aren’t usually open to the public.
Battersea Roof Gardens
Perennial planting changes seasonally, creating a vibrant backdrop to the neighbouring station
One of London’s largest residential rooftop gardens, spanning 29,000ft2 and planted with 23,000 plants and 55 trees, Battersea Roof Gardens offers inspiring views of the adjacent Grade II-listed Power Station and London skyline.
- Location: Beechmore House Concierge, Battersea Power Station, SW11 8BT
Marlborough House
A sheltered area is planted with shrubs from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia
Formerly a grand town mansion built to a design by Sir Christopher Wren in 1711, Marlborough House became the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat in 1959. The garden located off The Mall is largely maintained in its 18th century format. Marlborough House returns to London Open Gardens for the first time since 2017.
- Location: Marlborough Road, SW1Y 5HX
30 Cannon Street
This is an example of the high-level urban greening projects in the Square Mile
Short-listed for a RIBA London award, this impressive triangle-shaped roof garden has captivating views of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Square Mile, London and beyond. The garden at 30 Cannon Street comprises a mix of shrubs, perennials, grasses and
- Location: Bread Street, EC4M 6XH
Moat Community Garden
The garden is often used for art exhibitions, installations, planting sessions and cooking classes
Part of the Grade II-listed Millbank Estate near Tate Britain, visitors will discover how local people have used the remains of the former prison moat to create a community garden. The space – used by residents to relax, read and play games – has around 30 wooden planters and a number of benches, tables and chairs used by residents and for events. It also includes washing lines, used for laundry as well as by artists for projects.
- Location: John Islip Street or Cureton Street, SW1P 4EH
The Sanctuary Garden at Freedom from Torture
A communal bread oven brings survivors together, and sculptural streams of willow provide an organic place of refuge
Plants that may evoke happier homeland memories are featured, such as fig, pomegranate and the strawberry tree
A Silver medal winner at the Chelsea Flower Show 2024, the The Sanctuary Garden at Freedom from Torture was then relocated to Finsbury Park where it is being used for horticultural and other therapies for survivors of torture.
- Location: 111 Isledon Road, N7 7JW
Barbican Wildlife Garden
Rich planting in the garden helps encourage wildlife and biodiversity
Devoted to enhancing
- Location: Fann Street, EC2Y 8BR
Cloth Fair Hidden Garden
Behind St Bartholomew’s provides the perfect hiding spot for some downtime
A volunteer finds solace listening to the melodic tunes of a local musician
Hidden behind the 900-year-old St Bartholomew the Great, London’s oldest church, this garden has been farmland, a priory garden, a school building and a manicured garden. Following a period of neglect, in 2017 it was lovingly brought back to life by local volunteers, and is planted to attract pollinators to stimulate all five senses.
- Location: beside No 43 Bartholomew Close, EC1A 7JN
Doddington and Rollo Community Roof Gardens
Locals use this community space to come together for social gatherings
On the roof of a former car park in the midst of a high-rise estate, you will find a hidden oasis of five ‘garden rooms,’ featuring decorative plants, edible crops, trees, a
- Location: Up the stairs at the end of Charlotte Despard Avenue, across the square behind Tesco on Battersea Park Road, SW11 5HD
Earls Court Square
A flourishing floral arch leads visitors through to an open central lawn
An award-winning Victorian garden laid out as part of the Edwardes Estate in the 1870s, Earls Court Square fell into disrepair after the Second World War but was rejuvenated by local residents in the mid 20th century, becoming a conservation area in the 1970s, and now encompasses a children’s play area in the main square.
- Location: North side of square, SW5 9DG
The Ismaili Centre Roof Garden
An intricate central fountain provides a focal point for this rooftop hideaway
Sunset views from the rooftop provide a hint of the city skyline
This beautiful roof garden is a sanctuary of calm, set against the backdrop of a bustling city. It reflects motifs from Islamic architectural heritage and draws on the traditions of Muslim civilisations that have inspired outstanding buildings around the globe for centuries. The chaharbagh (four-part garden), delineated by a central fountain, draws inspiration from the Qur’anic imagery of the Garden of Paradise. It combines granite and greenery with geometry, symbolism and the sound and flow of water in a serene, sheltered yet welcoming open garden.
- Location: Thurloe Place, SW7 2SL
Please note: Check opening times with gardens before visiting.
The RHS is committed to ‘being more urban’ and helping those living and working in cities to enjoy gardening, whether by visiting an open space, cultivating a window box or greening up their back garden or balcony. London Parks and Gardens support and protect city green spaces throughout the year.
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