10 Best Gardens in London

Queen Mary’s Rose Garden is a picturesque garden created in the 1930s, with 12,000 rose bushes across landscaped grounds. Set within Regent’s Park, it suits visitors looking for a floral walk, photography or a peaceful place to sit. The garden is especially vivid during late spring and summer, and a garden café offers breakfast and express drinks.

Avenue Gardens is a garden setting in Regent’s Park offering a peaceful place for strolling, sitting and taking a break from central London. Its well-maintained decorative planting includes flower beds, trees, colourful plants, fountains and pergolas, with benches available for relaxing or picnicking. The setting suits visitors seeking quiet outdoor space rather than a busy city attraction.

Mount Street Gardens is a small, picturesque garden in the heart of Mayfair. Tucked behind surrounding buildings, it offers a peaceful break from the busy city, with flowers, trees and space for children to play. It suits walkers and visitors looking for a quiet rest during time spent around Mayfair and nearby tourist areas.

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.

Kensington Gardens is an expansive central London park containing Kensington Palace and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. Its paths, benches, lake, statues and open areas suit walking, running, family time and relaxed sightseeing. Visitors can also find the Italian Gardens, Henry Moore exhibits and cafés, including the Orangery.

Kyoto Garden is a Japanese-designed garden within Holland Park, with colourful planting, shrubs and water features. Its tiered waterfall, koi pond, carefully maintained greenery and quiet layout create a compact setting for reflection, a gentle walk or a short break from the city. The garden is not large, making it particularly suited to a focused 20–30-minute visit.

Italian Gardens is a picturesque park with carved historic pools, fountains, sculptures and walking paths. The symmetrical layout and water features create a photogenic setting for a stroll, a peaceful break or a romantic walk, with seating around the fountains and deck chairs available to hire.

Victoria Embankment Gardens: Whitehall Gardens is a historic garden beside the Thames, set in the shadow of Horse Guard buildings. Flowers, statues, lawns and paths create a compact green space for a quiet walk or pause among central London’s landmarks. Benches and shaded spots add practical places to rest while exploring the surrounding area.

Horniman Gardens is a family-friendly park with gardens, views, picnic facilities and a playground. Its listed amenities include swings, slides, a changing table, a nursing room and gender-neutral toilets, while dogs are allowed. The wider visit can include the Horniman museum, farm and aquarium, although some attractions require payment.

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.