London


<p>It&#8217;s easy to forget how green London is. You&#8217;re never far from a famous park or gorgeous garden, such as Kew and Hyde Park, but the city&#8217;s also home to hundreds of hidden squares and secret spaces which make an equally pleasant place to relax in the sunshine away from the crowds. Here&#8217;s a few of our favourite places to escape to when we need a nature fix. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-dunstan-in-the-east-church-garden-city-of-london"><strong><a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/city-gardens/find-a-garden/st-dunstan-in-the-east-church-garden">St Dunstan in the East Church Garden</a></strong>, City of London </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="560" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.16.17-1024x560.png" alt="St Dunstan in the East Church Garden " class="wp-image-10520" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.16.17-1024x560.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.16.17-300x164.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.16.17-768x420.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.16.17.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Tucked away in the heart of the City, St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is an enchanting hideaway, where nature and history collide. Set within the romantic ruins of a Wren church, it feels a bit like stepping into a movie set—complete with draping greenery, fountain and cosy benches perfect for a peaceful moment or a sneaky Insta snap. Originally built in the 1100s, St Dunstan’s has survived the Great Fire of London and took another hit in the Blitz of 1941. Despite its turbulent past, Wren’s tower and steeple still stand tall. Rather than rebuild, the City turned the ruins into a magical public garden in 1970. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hill-garden-amp-pergola-hampstead"><a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath/where-to-go-at-hampstead-heath/hill-garden-and-pergola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hill Garden &amp; Pergola</a>, Hampstead </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/ben-tovee-ne1n2hIhw5I-unsplash-1024x683.jpg" alt="Hamstead Hill Garden &amp; Pergola " class="wp-image-10527" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/ben-tovee-ne1n2hIhw5I-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/ben-tovee-ne1n2hIhw5I-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/ben-tovee-ne1n2hIhw5I-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/ben-tovee-ne1n2hIhw5I-unsplash.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Most Londoners have spent some time on Hampstead Heath at some point, either picnicking, walking or maybe even bathing in the ponds, but ask a friend if they&#8217;ve visited the Pergola and chances are they&#8217;ll shake their head. One of the Heath&#8217;s many hidden delights, it was the dream of William H Lever, a wealthy idealist with a love of architecture and landscape gardening. And thank goodness he splashed his cash, because the award-winning garden is stunning, including the Wisteria-clad Pergola, an elevated walkway with a tumble of plants. A romantic place to propose if ever we saw one&#8230; </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp-the-postman-s-park-city-of-london"><strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/city-gardens/find-a-garden/postmans-park">The Postman’s Park</a></strong>, City of London </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="713" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.07.27-1024x713.png" alt="postman's park, London " class="wp-image-10521" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.07.27-1024x713.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.07.27-300x209.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.07.27-768x535.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.07.27.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Postman’s Park, named for its proximity to the old General Post Office, has been a lunchtime haven for city workers for decades. Worth hunting out for its tranquility but also the touching memorial of 54 plaques commemorating &#8216;ordinary people who acted heroically&#8217;. Film buffs might recognise the park from&nbsp;<em>Closer</em>&nbsp;(hello, Jude Law!), but whether you’re a history geek, a film lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape from London’s hustle and bustle, this pretty park delivers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phoenix-garden-west-end"><a href="https://www.thephoenixgarden.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phoenix Garden</a>, West End</h2>



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<p>You could easily have lived in the capital for years and never have stumbled across this hidden garden in the heart of the West End, north of Shaftesbury Avenue and east of Charing Cross Road. Established in 1984, it&#8217;s the last community garden left in Covent Garden (all the rest have been built on, sob) and it&#8217;s a lush little oasis, filled with flowers and plants, that&#8217;s maintained by volunteers (you can join in if you&#8217;ve got green fingers<strong> </strong>on<strong> </strong>Tues 11am-noon, Weds 14.30-16.30pm &amp; Sat 10am-14pm). You might spot some wildlife too, such as the occasional frog or sparrow</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp-kyoto-garden-holland-park"><strong>&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/parks-leisure-and-culture/parks/holland-park">Kyoto Garden,</a> Holland Park</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.11.30-1024x666.png" alt="Kyoto Garden, Holland Park " class="wp-image-10522" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.11.30-1024x666.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.11.30-300x195.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.11.30-768x499.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-12.11.30.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Tucked away in West London’s Holland Park lies the tranquil Kyoto Garden &#8211; a park that feels worlds away from the city’s hustle. This garden oasis was gifted by the city of Kyoto in 1991 to celebrate the Japan Festival, and it’s been captivating visitors ever since. Complete with a peaceful waterfall, koi-filled pond, and winding cobbled paths, you might even spot one of the park’s resident peacocks strutting by, adding a dash of unexpected colour to brighten up your day.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-victoria-tower-gardens-westminster"><strong><a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/victoria-tower-gardens?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwxY-3BhAuEiwAu7Y6s3fmsYLbJLO8r15BQj_F4aBb0WRWdZQg2K3y3H3mBojqM1PI5eOauxoC_GEQAvD_BwE">Victoria Tower Gardens</a></strong>, Westminster </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-11.54.40-1024x683.png" alt="Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster" class="wp-image-10524" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-11.54.40-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-11.54.40-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-11.54.40-768x512.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-11.54.40.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>A stone’s throw from the Houses of Parliament and River Thames, you can soak up the spectacular London backdrop while enjoying the tranquillity of this blissful spot in the heart of touristville. Take a stroll, past the Buxton Memorial Fountain, commemorating the abolition of slavery, alongside the Thames and through the beautifully maintained gardens sprinkled with impressive statues and memorials. As you reach Lambeth Bridge, enjoy the sweeping view of Westminster’s stunning architecture. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp-isabella-plantation-nbsp-richmond-park"><strong>&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/richmond-park/isabella-plantation"><strong>Isabella Plantation</strong></a>,&nbsp;<strong>Richmond Park</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="698" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-11.56.43-1024x698.png" alt="Isabelle Plantation in Richmond Park " class="wp-image-10523" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-11.56.43-1024x698.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-11.56.43-300x205.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-11.56.43-768x524.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2024-09-25-at-11.56.43.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>You&#8217;ve most likely heard of Richmond Park, but the Isabella Plantation? Less likely. This 40-acre, fairytale woodland garden is a secret spot originally established in the 1830s as a Victorian plantation (because why not?). It officially opened to the public in 1953 and has been wowing visitors ever since. The garden&#8217;s part of the Richmond Park Site of Special Scientific Interest, and it’s all managed with Mother Nature in mind. No nasty chemicals here &#8211; just organic principles and plenty of wildlife-friendly planting. Think nectar and berry-filled trees, ponds, and streams providing homes for birds, bats, amphibians, and more little critters than you can shake a stick at.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-watermeads-morden-hall-park-morden"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/morden-hall-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Watermeads</a>, Morden Hall Park, Morden</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="670" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-16-at-18.53.00-1024x670.png" alt="Morden Hall Park wetlands " class="wp-image-10529" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-16-at-18.53.00-1024x670.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-16-at-18.53.00-300x196.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-16-at-18.53.00-768x503.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-16-at-18.53.00.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image ©&nbsp;National Trust/Rebecca Cresta</figcaption></figure>



<p>Psst! There&#8217;s an incredible wetlands area in South London, where you&#8217;re going to feel like you&#8217;re in the wild, but you&#8217;re actually in SM4. At the north end of Modern Hall Park (a National Trust property with a packed summer programme including open air theatre) you&#8217;ll find idyllic trails on boardwalks through wetlands fed by the River Wandle. People rave about the birdlife, from the squawk of green parakeets to the blue flash of native kingfishers, and there are viewing platforms where you can get close to waterfowl such as mallards, herons and seasonal visitors including egrets. </p>


Shhh! London’s secret parks and gardens

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