Set high up on the roof of a seven-story building, the Roof Gardens in Kensington is a fabulous place to escape from the crowds and chaos of London at street level. Walk among Mediterranean trees of the Spanish gardens, mingle with the resident birds in the English Woodland Garden and find shade under the parasols in the Tudor Garden.
The gardens were first laid out between 1936 and 1938 under instructions from a vice president of John Barker & Co., a British department store. Members of the public were charged a shilling to enter with profits going to local charities. Today, access is free.
In the English Woodland Garden find old trees, such as the American Red and Japanese maple that have survived from the original planting. Admire the blooming flowers. Depending on the time of the year, muscari, snowdrops, narcissi and even bluebells may be flowering. This garden is also home to a pond graced by ducks and flamingos.
Explore the Spanish Garden with its Mediterranean trees and English flowers. Step into in the Tudor Garden via the Tudor Walkway and see plants that would’ve been familiar to people living in Tudor times. This historic era is further evoked with the garden's three courtyards, arches and red brick walls. Umbrellas in summer and a marquee in winter ensure that visitors can enjoy the surroundings year-round.
At the center of the gardens is a clubhouse, which frequently hosts private members’ events. After browsing the plants and flowers, stop by its terrace for a meal and a cocktail or go to the Babylon Restaurant.
The attraction is a short walk from Hyde Park and close to several bus stops and an Underground station. Car parking is available, for a fee, in nearby lots.
The Roof Gardens are open to the public and are free of charge. It is worth phoning ahead to check they are open, because they sometimes close for private events. The restaurant is in high demand, so if you plan on eating dinner here, reserve your table in advance.
