London is a bustling city that can sometimes feel like a concrete jungle. But if you know where to look, there are plenty of places to escape into nature. From historic botanical gardens to wildlife parks and natural reserves, these green spaces offer beautiful settings for working out or just relaxing on a bench.
So whether you’re looking for somewhere quiet to read or just want a break from city life, here are some of my favorite places to go green in London:
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is the world’s largest collection of living plants, home to over 30,000 different species. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of London’s most popular attractions.
The gardens were established in 1759 by King George III as an arboretum for botanical study, but they have since expanded into a sprawling landscape that covers more than 300 acres (121 hectares). The gardens feature formal lawns, ponds, lakes, and beautiful rose gardens where you can admire more than 5,000 roses at any time during the year. Some are even more than 100 years old!
Kew Gardens is ideal for taking your children on a family day out. Plenty of activities are available, including an adventure playground complete with swingsets and slides for kids four or older who want something fun.
At the same time, their parents enjoy some tranquility nearby, reading under the shade of large trees beside one of many pretty ponds throughout this magical place called “The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew”.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s most popular paid tourist attraction. The gardens have been open to the public since 1840, and they are home to more than 30,000 different species of plants from all over the world.
The history of Kew Gardens can be traced back to its founding father, George III, who ordered its creation in 1759 as part of his desire for an arboretum at Hampton Court Palace (which was later moved).
The land became available when William Hewett took possession of what was then known as ‘Richmond Park’. Hewett had plans for developing his estate into a large-scale garden but died before he could do so, leaving behind only one written reference regarding his plans: “to make an exact survey of all trees…and plant such others as may be necessary”.
Wisley Garden
Wisley Garden is one of the most famous gardens in the world, dedicated to education and research. It has an extensive collection of plants that are open to visitors throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a place to learn more about gardening or botany, this is it! The garden has over 10,000 species on display at any given time, so there’s something new every time you return. And it’s all free!
You can also visit the Herbaceous Borders (they’ll help if you don’t know what that means), which feature over 10 different beds filled with herbaceous perennials such as roses or lilies-of-the-valley. Our friends from London Transport Hub recommend a stroll through their formal gardens for some inspiration when designing your own backyard paradise.
Chelsea Physic Garden
Chelsea Physic Garden is a historical botanical garden in Chelsea, London. The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries founded the garden in 1673 and opened it to the public in 1838 as one of Britain’s first public parks. It contains over 8,000 different types of plants from around the world, including many rare species such as Ginkgo biloba trees and tulips from Turkey.
The most significant feature of Chelsea Physic Garden is its extensive collection of medicinal plants. These include species used for making tinctures (which are plant extracts), infusions (herbal teas), and decoctions (tea made from boiled herbs).
Lambeth Palace Garden
Built on the site of a former monastery and palace, this garden was originally designed by Humphry Repton in 1810. It has been open to the public since 1831 and is now managed by
The Church of England. Its most notable feature is an 11-acre (4 ha) lake with a central island bordered by lily beds.
The garden also contains an orangery with exotic plants and trees from around the world, a herbaceous border filled with seasonal flowers, rose beds that bloom throughout spring and summer, a sculpture collection including works by Henry Moore, formal lawns where you can walk among statues such as Michelangelo’s David (which was previously displayed at nearby Millbank Prison), and walled gardens containing fruit trees.
Bushy Park and Richmond Park
Bushy Park and Richmond Park are two parks located in London, England, that are great places to visit on a sunny day. Bushy Park was founded by Henry VIII in 1534 as a deer park and has been used as a royal residence ever since. It’s home to over 2,000 red and fallow deer who roam freely throughout the grounds of this park.
Richmond Park is also home to many different animals, including red and fallow deer, rabbits, foxes, badgers, and squirrels (to name just a few). This huge urban park covers an area of 1,375 hectares (3 square miles), making it one of Europe’s largest urban parks!
Nature is the perfect escape.
Nature is the perfect escape, and there are plenty of botanical gardens in London to explore. In fact, you can even find some hidden gems outside of the city. These gardens offer both quiet spaces for reflection and activity-focused activities like hiking or gardening classes.
They’re also full of plants and trees from around the world. This is a great way to learn about different species!
If you’ve ever wanted to get away from it all but still enjoy being surrounded by nature (and maybe even learn something), check out these must-see botanical gardens in London:
Conclusion
When it comes to exploring nature in London, there are plenty of options. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful stroll through one of the city’s many parks or get up close and personal with some exotic plants at one of its botanical gardens, there is something for everyone.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
