English Gardens didn’t always appeal to me. Oh of course I love gorgeous flowers, pops of colour and ornamental trees and growing things in my yard feels therapeutic. But I really didn’t see the appeal of touring gardens when we travelled. In Copenhagen, I started to enjoy Kongen’s Have and definitely toured my share of castles and gardens, which are synonymous with both Europe and the United Kingdom.
But if my daughter presented me with an itinerary or a request to visit a spot that was heavy on gardens and museums I’d certainly meet that prospect with minimal enthusiasm. I mean can’t you see flowers almost anywhere? What is the point really?
Take it or leave it.
That was my attitude right up until we visited London, England.
Now I get it. The English rose is beyond next level. It is a blooming miracle. Maybe it is my age, ( I mean birds and flowers now are appealing to me and that’s new), maybe it’s the Bridgerton effect, or simply the destination itself.
Table of Contents
Accessible Tourism
Gardens are historical and maybe Biblical and timeless. Reminders of growth and care and proof that nurturing things matters and takes time. Mostly, I adore the fact that gardens are accessible to all and a joy to discover. Each of these English Garden experiences were free at outdoor parks and that translates into more money in my pocket which pays for things like groceries at Tesco, dinner out while travelling or more trips. I certainly don’t hate that.
Whatever the root of this newfound travel interest, I am now newly hooked on garden gazing. The activity delivers that little hit of dopamine we all need sometimes.
Some Gardens We Enjoyed in London, England
That brings me to a rundown of some of the best gardens we visited this year in England. Remember this was our first ever trip through England.
This is by no means a comprehensive list but it is our list of beautiful, peaceful and serene spaces we sometimes stumbled upon and with which we quickly became enamoured. These are the gardens that knocked my socks off while there and I suspect some of you might feel the same way if you visit.
The Garden List
Let’s start at the beginning.
On night one immediately after our arrival, fresh from a long night of flying and then a chaotic experience trying to locate our Airbnb while dead exhausted, we headed out to a restaurant. You know how following directions is virtually impossible when you have the most intense brain fog? Well, that times three.
After Peri Peri chicken and a local beer, we decided our post dinner digestion walks that we take at home, would be needed here too, so we meandered back towards the Kilburn Grange Area of London. So many of the adventures that Payton and I take benefit from embracing curiosity and remaining in the moment. We might never have found some of these stunning gardens if we hadn’t just taken a left turn or a sudden side quest.
While walking back together on a very warm night – we arrived during a heat wave – we saw what looked like a park off the Main Street so we turned left and followed the sounds of a spring turning to summer evening. I love to leave space for the random discoveries like this.
A Joyful Buzz
The parks themselves in England are so lovely and in summer months abuzz with people. Families, friends and couples spread out on picnic blankets under the blue sky talking, enjoying wine and sharing snacks or takeaway. This is a lifestyle we decided we could both get used to.
The parks and gardens were well maintained and they felt incredibly safe. Plus what a joy to simply walk around the city and find yourself in a green space that felt so relaxing. Clearly people in the UK embrace the outdoors and make it an extension of their lives. I love that so much.
Kilburn Grange Park
Random find number one while walking back to our Airbnb was Kilburn Grange Park, where we spied the prettiest roses I’ve ever seen. Many were families having picnics on the lawn. And the roses were turbocharged in size and scent, with as many as three massive blooms on each branch of the plant itself. I’ve only ever seen that previously in Copenhagen.
We stayed in Kilburn Grange Park for at least half an hour just wandering about taking it all in. The scent of these roses was wildly enhanced by the warm temperatures in the city in late May.
St James’ Garden Lake Near Buckingham Palace
Payton had already scoped this one out prior to us even getting on a plane. So the day that we walked to Buckingham Palace to go royal spotting, we also headed to St. James Garden Lake. Check out the blue bridge. The day we visited it was overflowing as you can see here. It is quite clearly Instagram worthy.
The were fewer flowers near Buckingham Palace at the time that we visited but lots of wildlife and trees and green spaces to enjoy. Plus it is an easy exit and kind of great way to end any morning spent watching the Royal Guard wowing the crowds. The day we were there we lucked out in that while it was extremely busy the palace guards took a turn playing a few popular songs like Golden from K-Pop Demon Hunters. I did not have that on my BINGO card.
London Albertopolis
On our second day in London, we hopped on an overground bus and headed towards London Albertopolis. Note – these next few stops can all be done in one afternoon.
Albertopolis is the historic cultural and educational district in South Kensington, London, centred around Exhibition Road and named in honour of Prince Albert. Prince Albert was the consort to Queen Victoria. After the success of the 1851 Great Exhibition, the area was designed using the event’s proceeds to realize Prince Albert’s vision of a dedicated hub fostering the integration of art, science, and industry. Queen Victoria adored her husband Prince Albert and literally everywhere you look around this space you will see the evidence of her passion.
Today, this architectural quarter hosts a world-renowned concentration of major national institutions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Royal Albert Hall, and Imperial College London.
London Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge is an affluent central London district situated immediately south of Hyde Park, renowned globally as one of the city’s most exclusive residential and high-end retail hubs. It originated as a medieval hamlet named after a local river crossing and the neighbourhood evolved into a distinguished enclave characterized by grand Victorian townhouses, leafy garden squares, and mews. Today, it is anchored by iconic shopping institutions like the world-famous Harrods and designer boutiques along Sloane Street, while also offering direct access to premier cultural landmarks, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Albert Hall nearby.
The Diana Princess of Wales Walk
We were here on the walk before we knew it. The flowers along the trail were very spring, massive lupins and more. Walk through a small heavy wrought iron gate and follow the trail. Before you leave, look down and you will see The Diana Princess of Wales Walk. Love that we got to do this.
Covent Garden Market
Another day, after we toured The British Museum and took a walk around the area, we ended up at Covent Garden Market.
Since we also have a Covent Garden Market at home in London, Ontario I needed to see the inspiration for our local market and we also wanted to do some shopping. Not exactly what you’d call a traditional garden space, but has some lovely arrangements throughout the streets and also a gorgeous market. I picked up some incredible tea here at Whittards and would go back just for the tea alone actually. The stores are wildly luxurious in several of the areas of the market, it’s fun to browse and window shop of course. Check out the Charlotte Tilbury store. It is stunning and multi-level.
Inigo Jones Garden
This was an unexpected tranquil inner city hideaway. The Inigo Jones Garden is a gorgeous little location for photos of course. After the British Museum and shopping at Covent Garden Market we were hungry and thirsty. So we set off looking for a spot to get a quick cappuccino or a tea.
Through a gate down a side street, we found The Inigo Jones Garden, more formally known as the churchyard of St Paul’s Church. This tiny, peaceful, and award-winning walled green space tucked right into the heart of London’s West End, is just steps from Covent Garden market. It is completely hidden and whimsical. Designed originally by the 17th-century architect Inigo Jones alongside the historic church itself, it is widely celebrated as the “Actors’ Church” due to its deep connections with the theatrical community.
Such a tranquil and secluded garden offering a quiet sanctuary amid the surrounding streets.
Here we found a spot to sit, grab a quick iced coffee and cappuccino and take some photos too. There was a used clothing sale going on nearby and we took a look for a beat. But frankly the thrift stores in Europe and the UK are too rich for my idea of thrifting.
Kensington Palace Gardens and Swans
We almost didn’t make it to Kensington Palace which was under construction in 2026. But boy am I glad we just kept walking on one of our final days in the UK.
Kensington Palace is a historic royal residence on the western edge of Kensington Gardens in London. It has served as a residence for the British Royal Family since the 17th century. Famously known as the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria, this was also a former home to Diana, Princess of Wales.
Because it was under construction and it felt like a bit of a hike, I almost said let’s skip it. But we would have missed the beautiful park and the swans.
Designed as a quiet place of reflection, the Sunken Garden was completely re-planted in 2017 in tribute to Princess Diana. The white and pastel palette mirrors the elegance of her dresses and the style that captured her spirit. Today, this beautiful, tranquil spot is open to all from around the world to enjoy.
Post may contain affiliate links as a service to readers. Purchases made via qualifying links may equal a small commission for me at no added cost to you.
Touch Grass and Maybe Flowers
You certainly don’t need to go far in England to touch grass so to speak. The lovely part of London, England and surrounding area is that nature is pretty easy to find around any corner. Don’t sleep on the gardens. Find your own favourites and explore.
Last Minute Tips
PS – Take a great pair of walking shoes on any trip to the UK or Europe. These were my favourites for this adventure. You will do a lot of walking. Don’t forget a lightweight water bottle. Collapsible works when short on space but I also like these Contigo water bottles because they stand the test of time. I adore Owala for camping and beach trips but they are just too heavy for walking tours and garden adventures.
