London Open Gardens weekend (8-9 June 2024) is a great time to get behind the scenes in London and explore the city’s hidden green spaces and gardens. These spaces include private gardens, roof terraces and large civic places.
Many of London’s Georgian and Victorian squares provide a haven for wildlife and an important leafy space for city-dwellers. As well as these spaces, there are roof gardens, community allotments and gardens on railway platforms. Meanwhile, grander offerings include the more imposing Eaton and Belgrave Squares.
In the past, over 200 private and little-known gardens have opened to the public during the summer weekend. Participating gardens have included the small courtyard garden behind Rococo Chocolates in Knightsbridge and Southside House in Wimbledon. Here, you can wander amongst wilderness, woodland, secret pathways and classical follies.
You can also visit the Inner Temple Garden at the heart of London’s legal profession. The three-acre site features colourful herbaceous borders awash with dahlias, alliums and geraniums, a peony garden and a walkway lined with mature plane trees and woodland plants. Close by, check out the Master’s Garden and the Middle Temple Garden.
This year, celebrating 25 years since the event began, over 100 secret hideaway gardens across London will open their gates to visitors. Check opening times for individual gardens for 2024 on the London Gardens Trust website.