London is dotted with peaceful green spaces, offering a perfect escape from the city’s fast pace. This selection is excellent, covering everything from grand Royal Parks to delicate Japanese gardens.
Here are 5 serene gardens in London that provide an instant sense of calm:
1. Regent’s Park
-
The Retreat: A vast Royal Park that boasts both formal beauty and extensive open spaces. It is home to the stunning Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, which features over 12,000 roses, as well as picturesque tranquil gardens and lovely, long walking paths perfect for a contemplative stroll.
2. Holland Park (Featuring the Kyoto Garden)
-
The Retreat: Nestled in one of London’s most affluent neighborhoods, the main park itself is a gorgeous place to unwind, but its crown jewel is the Kyoto Garden. This serene Japanese-style landscape is a true hidden gem, complete with tiered waterfalls, stone lanterns, koi carp, and peacocks, designed to evoke pure peace.
3. Kew Gardens (The Royal Botanic Gardens)
-
The Retreat: Officially known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is one of the world’s largest and most important botanical collections. While expansive, you can easily lose yourself in its lush greenery, magnificent glasshouses (like the Palm House), and peaceful corners like the Arboretum and the Great Pagoda, which offers spectacular views.
4. St. James’s Park
-
The Retreat: Located right in the heart of Westminster, this park feels distinctly Royal. It offers breathtaking views across its central lake towards Buckingham Palace on one side and Whitehall on the other. You can take a break by watching the pelicans on the lake and enjoying the expertly maintained flower beds and quiet pathways.
5. Kensington Gardens (Featuring the Italian Gardens)
-
The Retreat: Once the private gardens of Kensington Palace, this park transitions seamlessly from Hyde Park but possesses a more formal, peaceful atmosphere. The highlight is the Italian Gardens, a spectacular 150-year-old ornamental water garden featuring four ornamental basins, statues, and classically sculpted stone features.