We live in one of the world’s busiest cities but are blessed that London also has some of the world’s most beautiful gardens — and now is the perfect time to return to your favourite, or explore a new one.
As we look forward to transitioning to a more relaxed situation, with fewer Covid-19 restrictions, it is important to continue to practice good health habits and safe socialising.
Throughout the pandemic we’ve learned it is much safer to be out in the fresh air and, with spring in progress, this is the ideal time to continue and expand our enjoyment of nature.
Meeting with friends or taking your family to a park or garden remains one of the best options for good health and peace of mind, so plan a visit to one of these six stunning London gardens.
If you can’t make it to Italy this summer you can still enjoy a gorgeous, Italian-style garden right here in London. The Italian Gardens at Kensington feature striking fountains and sculpture. According to the website: “The layout… can be traced to Osborne House on The Isle of Wight, where the [Victorian] royal family spent its holidays. Prince Albert was a keen gardener and took charge of the gardens at Osborne House, where he introduced an Italian garden with large raised terraces, fountains, urns and geometric flower beds. In 1860 he brought the idea to Kensington Gardens. The design by James Pennethorne includes many features of the Osborne garden.”
Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature at this historic garden, which originated in the 17th century as a place to grow medicinal plants. Its website remarks: “The Garden’s location feels special and secret. It is nestled behind walls and positioned close to the River Thames…. back in 1673 the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries chose their Chelsea village site for its proximity to the river to make the most of its warm air currents.”
A gem tucked into the diadem of great that is Hampstead Heath, the Hill Garden still feels like a hideaway, despite being part of the always buzzing space. According to its website, “The Pergola is one of the hidden delights of Hampstead Heath. It overlooks West Heath, and was the dream of William H Lever, later Lord Leverhulme, a wealthy idealist, patron of the arts, architecture and landscape gardening; and Thomas Mawson, the celebrated landscape architect. The Hill Garden is a beautiful, landscaped garden which was the private garden of a now demolished manor house.”
For a garden with a view, head to Canary Wharf where — among towers of glass and steel — you’ll find this amazing botanical space. According to the website: “These versatile spaces are open to everyone and are used every day – for classes, performances, informal gatherings, or pure relaxation. Bend and stretch outside with yoga in the park. Immerse yourself in some outdoor theatre. Or simply while away the hours as the trees sway and the bees hum.”
Would you believe that smack in the middle of the city lies one of the world’s finest collections of roses? This private-feeling garden is an enchanted escape where the stress and bustle of the London disappears. Its website notes: “The rose garden is London’s largest collection of roses with approximately 12,000 roses planted within the gardens. There are 85 single variety beds on display, including one which is home to our very own ‘Royal Parks’ rose. Examples of most rose varieties, from the classics to the most modern English roses, are present in the gardens…. To see the best blooms visit us in the first two weeks of June.”
For a relaxed day by the river, head to Island Gardens, where you amble along and let the current wash away the strains of the day-to-day. You can also snap some picture-postcard images; as the website explains: “This charming riverside park holds the modern day view of Greenwich featured in Canaletto’s famous 18th century painting, ‘A View of Greenwich from the River’. There are three acres of waterfront parkland and easy access to Greenwich via the foot tunnel under the River Thames.”
What’s your favourite London Garden? Share in the comments or Tweet @YogaWithPaul.