6 gardens you must visit in London this spring

Spring is one of the most enjoyable times to be in London, with warmer temperatures and the city in full bloom ready to be explored. Dunyā shares six gardens you must visit on your next trip to London.

1. Sky Garden

Photo by: Canva

Located on floors 34 to 37 of the Walkie Talkie building, Sky Garden is London's highest public garden. Situated at 20 Fenchurch Street, you can experience a 360-degree view of London including the spectacular views of the city’s iconic skyline. The building offers a variety of restaurants and bars of different standards. They also host morning yoga classes on the 36th floor with prices starting from £20pp. Although visiting Sky Garden is free of charge, prior booking is recommended due to high demand and limited spaces.

2. Hampton Court Palace Gardens

Photo by: Canva

Home to the oldest puzzle maze, Hampton Court Palace is one of the world’s most famous palaces, with tourists visiting it for nearly 200 years. Located next to the River Thames on the edge of London, it offers beautiful works of art and antique furniture. Its annual Garden Festival takes place from 4-9 July 2022 offering live music, handcrafted homeware, artisan food, and drinks on sale with prices starting from £28.95. Tickets to access the palace gardens, courtyards, the Maze, and the Magic Garden can be pre-booked or can be booked on the day with prices starting from £26.10.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Photo by: Canva

Housing the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections around the globe, Royal Botanic Gardens were founded in 1840. In 1913 suffragettes, Olive Wharry and Lilian Lenton burnt the Tea Pavilion to the ground as a mark of a protest. Less than half an hour away from central London, the stunning sanctuary makes you feel like you are away without leaving the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that includes 50,000 different plants and over seven million preserved specimens. The library contains over 750,000 volumes and illustrations where you can discover more about the historical landmark. Ticket prices start from £15.00.

4. Buckingham Palace Gardens

Photo by: Canva

Since 1993 parts of the palace have been open to the public. This year, from 22 July to 02 October 2022 visitors can walk around 19 magnificent State Rooms, used during the year for official entertainment and ceremonies. Pre-booking tickets are essential, with prices starting from £19.50. You should note that when you arrive you will pass an airport-style security check. Wearing comfortable shoes is advised as there is a lot of walking involved. The next event takes place on 30 April and 01 May 2022, with a guided tour from one of the warden experts.

5. Kensington Palace Gardens

Photo by: Canva

Kensington Gardens were part of Hyde Park and hosted Henry VIII's historic deer chase for over 100 years. Designed and constructed in 1908 the Sunken Garden was previously occupied by potting sheds and greenhouses. Over time the planting and other soft landscape features have gradually evolved and changed. The garden is terraced with areas of lawn, paving, and ornamental flower beds, surrounding a central ornamental pond. In 2017 the garden was completely re-planted in white flowers for visitors to reflect and celebrate the life of Princess Diana. It took inspiration from Princess Diana’s dresses. The garden continues to follow a pastel-coloured style to this day which visitors admire and enjoy. To access the gardens, it is free of charge but if you would like to explore inside the palace, you need an admission ticket.

6. Kyoto Garden in Holland Park

Photo by: Canva

The garden was built in 1605 but was destroyed during the Blitz in 1940. Opened in 1991 Kyoto Garden in Holland Park was a gift from the city of Kyoto to commemorate the long friendship between Japan and Great Britain. It includes various gardens, an open-air theatre, a cafe, a restaurant, and various sports facilities. Adding to the atmosphere, there are stone lanterns, Japanese maple trees and you might even spot a peacock or two whilst wandering around. It is free of charge so visit as many times as possible for some peace and quiet.