Secret London Gardens
Secret Gardens London
The secret south west London & Surrey gardens where you can unwind among nature
Take a walk – see all of these places below in our video by Hatty Willmoth!
1
York House and Gardens, Twickenham
York House is an idyllic riverfront garden located along Twickenham riverside. Dating back to the 17th century, there is no shortage of history in this secret London garden, with a glimpse into the past with the ornate naked ladies statues (that have gone onto inspire a local beer), the charming bridges, and the French-style mansion house. Open from dawn to dusk, this blissful haven is perfect for a tranquil stroll any time of day.
2
Bishops Park, Fulham
Bishops Park is listed as Grade II in English Heritage’s Register of Parks and Gardens and is located on the river in Fulham. The park is ideal for all ages and hosts many facilities including a junior playground, table tennis tables, sculpture garden, Spanish War Memorial garden and the water play area. Surrounded by ancient trees, Bishops Park provides quiet areas for a moment of contemplation.
3
Morden Hall Park
The mills of Morden Hall Park and its winding river made the area prosperous since the 11th century and the park is teeming with history. There are plenty of quiet corners for peace and quiet, plus a walk through sun-dappled forestry where ornate statues appear out of the foliage. And there’s a wetland boardwalk, too.
4
South Park Gardens, Wimbledon
The picturesque Victorian South Park Gardens is sustained by the Friends of South Park Gardens charity which aims to conserve the natural beauty of this part of secret London. The gardens are situated just five minutes’ walk away from the town centre, making it the ultimate lunchtime picnic spot away from the bustle. Head to the website to find out more about the wildlife of the park.
5
Fulham Palace Gardens, Fulham
The botanic garden at Fulham Palace is a stunning spot, reflecting the long history of the palace. Its mid 18th century walled garden includes a knot garden, vinery, kitchen garden, apple orchard, apple tree arch, bee hives, grass lawns and borders along the walls filled with flowers and fruit trees. Don’t miss the magnificent magnolia at the Tudor gate entrance to the walled garden in spring.
(Pictured top: Fulham Palace, A Year in the Garden, (c) Matthew Bruce)
6
Cannizaro Park, Wimbledon
Found just off Wimbledon Common, the park exhibits rare and beautiful plants, shrubs and trees, resulting in its Grade II-listed status. The beauty and maintenance of the formal gardens and landscaped floral displays are overseen by The Friends of Cannizaro Park charity, which aims to ensure that the park remains a gem for its many visitors.
7
Udney Hall Gardens, Teddington
The only remaining part of Teddington Place grounds, these charming gardens are adjacent to the church of St. Alban and include trees with an open area of grass, with a pleasant path running through it. Udney Hall and gardens were built in the 1700s and sadly demolished in 1946, but the gardens have remained. Seek a silent spot under one of the many cypress trees.
8
Holland Garden, Wimbldeon
This private little park is located to the west of Wimbledon, and is a sheltered and peaceful haven. In 1928 Lady Holland gifted Merton Community this garden in memory of her husband Sir Arthur Holland. Since then, Holland Garden has come to be a local symbol of love and devotion. Centred around the oak tree, the gardens span out and around the surrounding area, and even the tennis courts are fringed by rose bushes.
9
Cottenham Park, West Wimbledon
This park was named after the 1st Earl of Cottenham and was built on Copse Hill in the mid-18th century. Perfect for a picnic, there are surrounding trees with a large section of grass crossed by a path running through it, plus a park so the kids can run wild.
10
Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park
This 40-acres of woodland is total escapism from the open space of Richmond Park. Enter through the gates of the Isabella Plantation and you’ll be surrounded by an abundance of flora and fauna, over 130 species of butterfly and moth and over 70 species of bird, plus six species of bat. The gardens are at their finest during springtime, when the azalea burst into life, but the tranquil trickle of the stream and the winding pathways mean its enjoyable throughout the year.
Check out our best summer walks in south west London and Surrey or our favourite picnic spots
