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Today, I want to share with you all the best, free secret gardens in London from which you can have super aesthetic views of the city!
From the Reflection Garden at St Paul’s to the Japanese Garden at Kew Gardens, you have here a complete London travel guide.
Hopefully, during spring and summer, or if you want to see the leaves falling around September and October, you’ll find these places come in handy!
37 Free Secret Gardens in London With Aesthetic Views
I’ve had the idea of writing about the most beautiful parks in London and secret gardens for a while, and I’m really happy I’m getting round to it.
I’ve already told you about some of the best free rooftops in London some time ago, and that should already impress you.
Especially when you live in London on a budget, trying to make ends meet but still want to have fun!
In any case, if you’re looking for the most secret gardens in London – here they are all!
Most Secret Gardens in London: Horniman Museum Gardens
Located in South East London, the Horniman Museum Gardens are some of the lesser-known out of this entire guide.
I’ll talk about a lot of secret parks and green spaces in London here, but for a romantic date, this is probably one of the most beautiful.
Entry to the Horniman Gardens is completely free, so if you’re ever looking for free museums in London to spend some time, that’s the one.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Chiswick House Gardens
Chiswick is located in West London, and it’s one of the prettiest villages in London.
There are quite a few of these really pretty areas in London that encompass Chiswick, Chelsea, and Hampstead Heath, for instance.
Well, for those looking for secret gardens in London, the Chiswick House Gardens are a picturesque view.
Lots of greenery, water and beautiful architecture make for a really aesthetic view.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Chelsea Physic Garden
Lots of charity shops in Chelsea to visit for secondhand designer clothes.
But if you’re just looking for quiet secret gardens in London to read a good book, the Chelsea Physic Garden is another one of the most beautiful.
You will find lots of beautiful exotic plant species there, and it’s just one of the best places to write in London if you want peace and calm.
Really structured, neat and floral, it’s one of the best places to see London in bloom during spring.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Japanese Garden at Kew Gardens
Probably one of the best Japanese gardens in London, you have the Japanese Landscape at Kew Gardens.
Also called Chokushi-Mon, this is one of the most colorful green spaces in London.
You do have to pay to enter Kew Gardens, and they are located in Richmond, West London so pretty far from Central London.
Yet, whether you’re looking for aesthetic views of things to do in London at Christmas, you’ll see: Kew Gardens is always a good idea.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Kyoto Garden
Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is another one of the best Japanese gardens in London.
Not so secret anymore, if I may, and quite crowded when people start looking for places to see cherry blossom in London.
However, this is a really meditative space for me, with stone sculptures, fish in the pond and one of the only waterfalls in London.
Good to visit if you tend to wake up early, as Kyoto Garden opens at 7.30 in the morning – and is usually less crowded then.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Dutch Garden
The Dutch Garden is located about 5 minutes walk from Kyoto Garden, in Holland Park as well.
This is a very structured garden, and when the flowers are blooming, it’s incredible to spend some time there reading, writing and people watching.
You also often have sculptures at Holland Park which are quite fun to see, especially when you don’t expect to see them.
Another one of the most secret gardens in London, and if I may – much more secret than Kyoto Garden at this point.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Japanese Garden at Peckham Rye Park
Again – another one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in London; the one in Peckham Rye Park.
A lot of the elements in the Japanese garden at Peckham Rye Park were gifted from Tokyo to London, and it’s quite hard to realize that the garden has been open since 1908!
At Peckham Rye Park, you also have another secret garden close to the Japanese garden.
It’s called the Sexby Garden, and you also have really cute architecture there with beautiful greenery.
Perfect if you’re looking for free romantic date ideas in London!
Most Secret Gardens in London: Ada Salter Garden
The Ada Salter Garden is located in Southwark Park, in South East London.
The small, quaint garden was established as an homage to British environmentalist Ada Salter, and it’s another really cute place to visit in London.
Perfect also if you’re ever looking for photography spots in London!
Most Secret Gardens in London: Crystal Palace Park
Crystal Palace Park is one of my favorite secret gardens in London – with a huge maze and dinosaur sculptures, how could it not be?
It’s pretty far from Central London, in South East London, but it’s definitely worth a visit.
Whether you’re looking for places to picnic in London or just want to do things in London with your kids, that’s a fun place to hang out.
The dinosaurs are in the same area but quite scattered, and it’s impressive to discover them all – even as an adult.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Postman’s Park
Postman’s Park is located near St Paul’s Cathedral, and it offers jewels of greenery during the spring and the fall.
It’s decently-sized, really, and perfect if you’re looking for places to read in London.
There are also some really cool study cafes near St Paul’s if you want to ever bring your laptop to study and work.
And one of the best shopping centers in London, at One New Change, is a great way to find high street clothes and home decor.
Plus, at the top of One New Change, you have one of the best free views in London from the rooftop!
Most Secret Gardens in London: Post Building Roof Garden
The Post Building Roof Garden is another one of the newly opened secret gardens in London.
Locals are starting to get a hold of the story, so I’d definitely recommend visiting this rooftop garden as soon as you get the chance.
It’s completely free to enter, and you’ve got a beautiful view on the British Museum, St Paul’s, and many more famous landmarks of London.
Most Secret Gardens in London: The Garden at 120
The Garden at 120 is garnering more and more popularity, and it’s located on Fenchurch Street, not too far from Liverpool Street.
Closeby, you have one of the best TK Maxx in London, as well as some shops and beautiful skyscraper views of London.
Again, completely free to enter, and while it’s not as high as the Sky Garden (which I won’t mention here as it’s not secret at all anymore), the views are unobstructed.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Inner Temple Garden
Inner Temple Garden is located close to Temple Church, right off Fleet Street near St Paul’s Cathedral.
It’s in my opinion one of the best hidden gems in London, and spending some time reading and chilling there is invaluable.
If you’re looking for romantic secret gardens in London, make sure you don’t miss this one.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Crossrail Place Roof Garden
The Crossrail Place Roof Garden is located right on top of the Canary Wharf Crossrail station, and it’s another one of the quietest places in London.
There, you can really relax amongst the exotic plants, and the structure of the garden is really unusual for London.
Another one of the most secret gardens in London, but try to come during spring as it’s really freezing there during winter.
After a visit to the Crossrail Place Roof Garden, treat yourself to a halal rooftop restaurant for even more beautiful views of London!
Most Secret Gardens in London: Phoenix Garden at Covent Garden
A cute little green oasis, the Phoenix Garden is tucked away in a corner of Covent Garden, and provides a good rest from the fast-paced area.
You have a few benches, colorful flowers and small ponds to enjoy the view at the Phoenix Garden, which is perfect if you want to escape the crowds.
Not too far, you have some amazing study cafes in Covent Garden as well as delicious halal restaurants if you fancy a bite!
Most Secret Gardens in London: Eltham Palace Gardens
The name Eltham Palace would almost make you think the palace is located far from Central London, but it’s actually not that far.
If you are looking for things to do in Greenwich, that’s a great idea for a romantic date.
Entry fee for an adult is £18, but like visiting Pompei in Italy, Eltham Palace Gardens are definitely worth the price.
From the inside of the historical palace to the bridge and the gardens, it’s a great place to relax at weekends in London.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Hill Garden and Pergola
In Hampstead Heath, you have one of the best spots for photoshoots in London, the Hill Garden and Pergola.
I’ve seen quite a few photoshoots taking place there, and it’s definitely one of the best places to see flowers in London.
Like Kyoto Garden and the Japanese Garden at Kew Gardens, in a way.
But on top of the stunning greenery, you also have wonderful architecture at the Hill Garden and Pergola.
Try to come during spring so you see all the bright leaves and flowers hanging there!
Most Secret Gardens in London: Italian Gardens at Kensington Gardens
I love anything Italian – from Italian cafes in London to Italian makeup brands.
Having lived in Rome for a year, how could it be otherwise?
Sometimes, when I miss having breakfast in Rome and the stunning architecture you can find in that Italian city, I pay a visit to the Italian Gardens.
They’re located at the entrance of Kensington Gardens (Bayswater Road side).
With sculptures and a stunning pond, they’re one of the best places to write in London in my opinion.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Rookery Gardens in Streatham
The Rookery Gardens in Streatham are some other secret gardens in London, in South West London.
And if you’re looking for quiet places to read in London, it offers the most scenic views as well.
It reminds me of the Hill Garden and Pergola in a way, but if you’re ever around Streatham Common, the Rookery Gardens are another amazing place to visit.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Mount Street Gardens Mayfair
There are a couple of secret gardens in London around Mayfair, and the first ones are Mount Street Gardens.
That’s one of the best places to see the cherry blossom in London, and it’s relatively quiet.
Whether you’re looking for parks to picnic in London or picturesque places for photos, that’s the one.
You have a church in Mount Streets Gardens – also really beautiful.
Nearby, you also have some of the prettiest streets in London, as well as high end shops in nearby Bond Street.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Brown Hart Gardens Mayfair
Another one of the secret gardens you can find in Mayfair: Brown Hart Gardens.
This one is a bit different in that it’s actually a hidden roof garden, only known by locals.
A few bits of architecture and some street art and sculptures are usually installed at the Brown Hart Gardens.
If you’re looking for secret places in London to bring your other half on a romantic date, that’s a really cute one.
Most Secret Gardens in London: St Dunstan in the East
I have talked about St Dunstan in the East on The Working Line before, as it’s probably one of my favorite secret gardens in London.
Locals tend to know about this one more and more, but there aren’t many church ruins in London and this one is unbelievable.
Really beautiful, it allows for plenty of pictures and the garden is really well-maintained.
Come during spring, fall or winter – that’s when St Dunstan in the East is most beautiful.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Victoria Park
I have chosen to include Victoria Park in this guide to the most secret gardens in London because it seems only known by locals.
And well, one part of Victoria Park, in Mile End, is absolutely beautiful – the Chinese pagoda.
Really a sight and, dare I say, one of the best hidden gems in East London, too?
Lots of charity shops in Bethnal Green, if you decide to walk around East London a little bit.
And if you’re ever looking for places to roller skate in London, the Bethnal Green Gardens are an amazing spot!
Most Secret Gardens in London: Greyfriars Christ Church
Greyfriars Christ Church is located in Central London, not too far from St Paul’s Cathedral.
Its vibe reminds me a little bit of that we can find when visiting St Dunstan in the East.
It’s however, this time, one of the most secret gardens in London – I’ve only ever seen a couple of people hanging out on the benches there.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Duck Island Cottage at St James’ Park
St James’ Park is one of the most famous parks in London, but Duck Island Cottage is one of the cutest hidden gems you’ll find in Central London.
You do have a duck island with real ducks, and this beautiful cottage which looks stunning during spring.
The public cannot access the cottage, but it’s still one of the most aesthetic places in London for pictures and a date!
Most Secret Gardens in London: English Garden at Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is one of the most famous landmarks in London, but there are a few hidden gardens inside the park.
You have a cute Japanese garden inside, but you also have the English Garden.
It’s located on the Broad Walk, and one of the best places to see the cherry blossom in London.
Beautifully structured, on par with the tradition of English gardens, it’s a really relaxing place to hang out.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Reflection Garden
Like Inner Temple Gardens, the Reflection Garden is not far from St Paul’s – you actually have a straight view on the monument from the garden.
The water there is always clear, and it’s one of the most instagrammable places in London in my opinion.
Perfect to chill before going clothes shopping, or checking out the free rooftop at One New Change.
Most Secret Gardens in London: St Alphage Gardens
St Alphage Gardens is a cute, very small secret garden in Barbican, not too far from the London Museum.
And it’s probably one of the most interesting green spaces in London, since it also offers a piece of the London Wall.
Well, what remains of it.
You have a few benches there, and there isn’t much to do in Barbican aside from visiting the Barbican Conservatory, but it’s a very chill and romantic place.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Tabard Gardens
Now, I’m going to be straight with you – Tabard Gardens are one of the most secret gardens in London, but not the most beautiful.
Not as structured as the Inner Temple Garden or the Reflection Garden.
No, what’s interesting with Tabard Gardens is that you have a straight view of the Shard when you’re there.
It also means you have some of the best cafes in London Bridge nearby, if you were to read, chill, or work on your laptop.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Cremorne Gardens Chelsea
Located in Chelsea, Cremorne Gardens are the type of hidden gardens only known to locals.
Pretty small and quaint, they’re another great place to read in London.
And if you want to see the view of the Thames, you have the Chelsea Embankment Gardens.
Stunning to see a view of the skyscrapers, and a really peaceful place.
Most Secret Gardens in London: St Botolph Without Bishopsgate Garden
Who knew one of the most secret gardens in London would be located near Liverpool Street?
Called St Botolph Without Bishopsgate Gardens, the gardens are attached to the church.
Very peaceful, with only a bunch of locals reading or eating a meal deal at lunch during weekdays.
Closeby, you have lots of halal cafes, and you can also check out all the best street art in Brick Lane!
Most Secret Gardens in London: Tibetan Peace Garden
Located in the Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, you have the Tibetan Peace Garden.
It’s not as famous as Regent’s Park, but the Tibetan Peace Garden is indeed one of the most peaceful places you can find in London.
It’s completely free to enter, not too far from London Bridge, and absolutely stunning on a sunny day.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Islamic Gardens at Aga Khan Centre
The Aga Khan Centre is an educational centre that shares knowledge about Islamic arts and culture.
It’s located in North London, and the fact you have one of the most secret gardens in London right on top is unbelievable.
Really neat, with a beautiful view of London, it’s one of the secret places in London you really can’t overlook.
Perfect if you’re looking for aesthetic places to read in London or journal for a while!
Most Secret Gardens in London: Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
I used to live in Mile End in East London, about 10 minutes from the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park.
There are some incredibly beautiful cemeteries in London, and the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is part of the ‘Magnificent Seven’.
I used to pay it a visit pretty often – lots of people don’t even know it exists.
Well, when taking a stroll there, you feel strangely peaceful, and at the back, you have some of the most secret gardens in London.
Most Secret Gardens in London: Lavender Fields at Vauxhall Park
Vauxhall Park is located, well, in Vauxhall, not too far from Battersea and Nine Elms.
Vauxhall is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London, and it’s incredible to see just how many tourists ignore its existence.
Visiting Vauxhall is to me one of the best nontouristy things to do in London, and if you can discover a secret lavender field there too, why not?
Most Secret Gardens in London: Fulham Palace Garden
There aren’t many palaces and castles in London, but Fulham Palace is a place you need to visit absolutely.
Whether you’re a digital nomad traveling to London or a local, Fulham Palace is over 12 centuries old, and not located as far from London as you’d imagine.
Plus, admission is completely free, so if you’re looking for completely free things to do in London, that’s the one!
37 Free Secret Gardens in London With Aesthetic Views
There you have them, all the most secret gardens in London and beautiful parks to visit solo, with your friends, your partner or your family!
Hopefully, you’ll have discovered lots of hidden gardens and parks you didn’t know of to include in your bucket list!
Until next time!
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The Working Line
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Sam is a certified fashion makeup artist, a freelance writer, a blogger and a digital nomad. Since 2019, she roams around the world, from London to Rome and shares her knowledge about makeup, scented candles, travel, blogging and the digital nomad lifestyle.
