10 Best Botanical Gardens in London

Isabella Plantation is a 40-acre woodland garden within Richmond Park, known for evergreen azaleas and seasonal displays of rhododendrons and bluebells. Its paths, ponds, streams and shaded areas suit relaxed walks, photography and picnics, with the strongest colour typically appearing from mid-April into May depending on the weather. The surrounding park also offers opportunities to see deer.

London Butterfly Gardens is a botanical garden centred on a tropical butterfly experience, with colourful plants, trees and a one-way route designed for exploring at your own pace. The calm setting includes places to sit and observe, while staff can explain aspects of the butterflies’ life cycle. With tickets recommended in advance and a child-friendly atmosphere, it suits family days out and nature enthusiasts.

The Palm House is a historic glasshouse within the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, displaying a diverse collection of tropical plants from around the world, including endangered species. It suits plant enthusiasts, families and visitors interested in botanical history and architecture. Elevated walkways offer treetop views, while ground-level displays provide an alternative for visitors who prefer not to use the spiral staircases.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a botanical garden in Richmond with vast grounds, plants and flowers from around the world, large greenhouses and a treetop walkway. It suits plant enthusiasts, families and visitors wanting a substantial day out, with varied environments including tropical and desert collections. The gardens also offer cafés and places to pause among the landscapes.

Walled Garden is a tranquil botanical garden within Eastcote House Gardens, featuring a walled garden, Tudor dovecote, stables, orchards, prairie planting and a link to Long Meadow. It suits visitors seeking peaceful walks, family picnics, flowers and heritage features in a volunteer-maintained green space.

Myddelton House Gardens is a restored botanist’s garden in Enfield, combining a carp lake, Victorian glasshouse, visitor centre and museum with a café. Its planting has a specialist, educational character rather than a formal traditional-garden style, while walks, benches, seasonal bulbs and glasshouses make it suited to a relaxed visit lasting a couple of hours.

Cheslyn House & Gardens is a 3.5-acre garden and woodland in Watford, designed by architect Henry Colbeck and Daisy Colbeck. Visitors can explore landscaped paths and internationally sourced exotic plants, with an aviary, pond, sculptures, benches and toilets on site. The gardens also host art exhibitions and allow dogs on leads.

Canary Wharf Roof Garden is a botanical garden creating a peaceful green space above the financial district. It suits visitors wanting a quiet break, a gentle walk, seating, wildlife and photos among plants from different parts of the world. The garden is free to enter and includes access to toilets, with a café at the end that takes brunch reservations.

Crossrail Place Roof Garden is an enclosed botanical garden above a Canary Wharf retail complex, with plants from around the world, walkways, seating and a performance space beneath a lattice roof. It suits visitors wanting a quiet pause, a short walk or a distinctive urban setting for plants and skyline views.

Chelsea Physic Garden is a botanical garden founded in 1673 for medicinal plant study and described as England’s second-oldest surviving botanical garden. It combines mature trees and specialist planting with glasshouses featuring carnivorous plants and cacti, plus guided visits focused on history and medicinal plants. A café serves coffee and light lunches, adding to its appeal as a quiet city escape.