Enjoy The Autumn And Discover Some Of London’s Secret Gardens

There’s no denying that we love parks and gardens around London– whether for a calm stroll, a brisk run or a mini picnic during our breaks. We also have a reputation for hosting most of our summer get-togethers at ‘hidden’ gems we come across – be it The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn (this year’s venue) or Fitzrovia Gardens (in previous years). Given this, we thought we’d share some of our other favourite ‘hidden’ gardens so that you too can enjoy the Autumn months with a relaxed day out, a picnic, or even a romantic stroll…

1. Kyoto Garden

Since its opening in 1991, Holland Park’s famous Kyoto Garden has brought the beauty of Japanese garden design to the capital. The garden boasts authentic water-features and plants, developed by a specialist team, and is at its best in spring and autumn.

2. The Isabella Plantation

The Isabella Plantation, located in Richmond Park, is my personal favourite garden. The exotic plants around the garden provide an interesting contrast to the vegetation in the rest of the park, and make the Plantation truly feel like a secret oasis. The Plantation also prides itself on being organic and environmentally friendly.

3. Bonnington Square Gardens

The Bonnington Square Gardens were designed by a team of local residents and architects, and built on ground damaged during the Second World War. The design of the gardens nods to the nearby Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, and represents a community effort to bring a tranquil, natural ‘sanctuary’ to the city.

4. Culpeper Community Garden

The Culpeper Community Garden began as a project to develop a once derelict site into a space where city children could enjoy the outdoors, and learn to grow plants. The garden is now described as ‘Islington’s green oasis’, an organic space which boasts a variety of water-features, wildlife, and flowers.

5. York House Gardens

The historic gardens at York House are famous for their varied and interesting features, such as a sunken lawn, a collection of statues, a ‘Chinese bridge’, and an open tree walk. In 2011, York House Gardens was awarded Silver Gilt (the second highest prize) in the Park of the Year category at the London in Bloom Awards.

So, as Autumn arrives in London, we hope there will still be a few opportunities to explore the great outdoors this year!