For those of us that enjoy the serenity the outdoors has to offer (sometimes), Open garden squares is a welcomed event to ensure you can escape from the fast pace of London.
With over 200 gardens open to the public for viewing, including many on private estates, I always take the time to ensure I make it to at least one garden for this weekend of events.
I usually stick to the ones in close proximity to where my weekend activities will be anyway, unless there is that one garden that is too good to miss that warrants a long tube-ride to the other side of London.
Here are some of my favourites that I have visited:
Osterley House gardens
What I love about it:
- The sheer vastness of it
- Also featured in the film Batman – The Dark Knight rises
- The fact that you are guaranteed to find a quiet spot away from others
- the horses and other animals
- The house
Kensington roof gardens
What I love about it:
- The impeccable landscaping
- An array of beautiful animals including flamingos
- Exotic plants thriving everywhere
- Visual beauty no matter where you’re standing
- How playful and welcoming it all looks at night
Wesley’s Chapel garden
What I love about it:
- Serenity everywhere
- The museum in the house is very interesting with a full history of Methodism
Postman’s park
What I love about it:
- The memorial to heroic self-sacrifice makes it different from other bigger parks
- It’s tucked away location
- Usually quite quiet despite its central location
- Featured in the 2004 film Closer
Queen Elizabeth Olympic park
What I love about it:
- The London olympics was here! Ahh memories…
- Various events held in the park
- Is usually open to the public, not just during an event
- Used for temporary art installations
Fulham Palace gardens
What I love about it:
- It is just beautiful to look at
- The glasshouse is also open to the public
- Just a small part of the many areas to explore on the grounds
There are so many gardens more to see and explore at Open garden squares, so tips of which one to visit next are more than welcome.
Cary x
