Exploring the Green Spaces of London's Lush Retreats
Discover London's Hidden Gardens for a Tranquil Escape
London, a bustling metropolis, is home to numerous striking green spaces that offer a welcome respite from the city's fast pace. These hidden gems, often overlooked, provide serene environments ideal for contemplation, meditation, and connection with nature.
St John’s Lodge Gardens (Regent’s Park)
Nestled along Regent’s Park's Inner Circle, St John’s Lodge Gardens is a secret haven designed by Robert Weir Schultz in 1889. Winding paths, a rose garden, and secluded seating areas within yew hedges make this garden a peaceful retreat from the busy park surroundings. The garden is especially beautiful in late spring, with its giant urns adorned with flowers and Grade-II listed statues.
Japan Garden Island (Regent’s Park)
Inspired by Japanese gardens, this hidden spot on the island offers water features, bridges, and quiet benches. It provides a serene environment away from the city bustle, making it an ideal place for contemplation.
St Dunstan in the East (City of London)
Set within the ruins of an old church, St Dunstan in the East is a secret garden that offers an artfully overgrown space containing benches and a fountain. The tranquil atmosphere makes it perfect for spending quiet hours, creating a fantasy-like retreat.
The Phoenix Garden (Soho)
Tucked away from the busy central London streets, The Phoenix Garden offers a surprising peaceful green space within a tourist-heavy area. This urban wildlife haven provides a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
The Garden Museum Courtyard (Lambeth)
This lesser-visited garden is filled with rare plants inspired by plant collector John Tradescant’s journeys. The courtyard also hosts a cafe known for exceptional lunches, adding to the slow-living experience.
Brown Hart Gardens (near Marble Arch)
A hidden garden oasis in central London, Brown Hart Gardens provides a serene escape from the noise of the city.
Spitalfields Gardens (21 Wilkes Street and The Rectory on Fournier Street)
Quiet and historic, these gardens feature climbing roses, high walls, and lawns. They provide tranquil green spaces steeped in London’s architectural and industrial history, ideal for reflective walks or relaxation.
Approaching a visit to these hidden gardens with intentionality is beneficial. Bringing a notebook or sketchbook to jot down thoughts and observations instead of relying on a phone can provide a more contemplative experience. Visiting these gardens alone or with a friend who shares a desire for quiet reflection is recommended.
With Love Parks Week, a celebration of the role of green spaces within communities, recently taking place, there's no better time to explore London's green spaces. Resisting the urge to document every moment on social media can enhance the garden experience.
Local guidebooks, community websites, and apps like Citymapper or the Ordnance Survey app can help discover hidden gems in London's green spaces. Timing a garden visit can significantly impact the overall experience, with early morning and late afternoon visits offering unique benefits.
Signing up for the newsletter can provide regular inspiration for a slow, simple, soulful, and sustainable lifestyle. London's hidden gardens and lesser-known parks offer a sanctuary from the city's urban life, providing pockets of peace and quiet where time seems to slow down.
- Practicing 'forest bathing' in London's hidden gardens, such as St John’s Lodge Gardens and St Dunstan in the East, can help one connect with nature and improve mental health as part of a health-and-wellness lifestyle.
- Slow living can be further embraced by visiting lesser-known parks like The Phoenix Garden and Spitalfields Gardens, where tranquil environments support contemplation and relaxation.
- seek out hidden gems like the secluded Japan Garden Island, encourage mindful living and foster a connection with nature while living in the heart of London, blending city lifestyle with home-and-garden tranquility.
