Visit over 100 'secret gems' at London Open Gardens this summer
London Open Gardens returns this summer for its 26th event, allowing the public to explore some of the most exclusive gardens in the capital over a two-day period. Run by the charity London Parks and Gardens, the weekend opens the gates on lesser-seen private spaces which enrich London’s landscape. While almost half the capital’s footprint is green, only 18 per cent is designated public open space.
London Open Gardens takes place on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, with access to more than 100 secret gardens across central London which are usually closed to the public. Ticket holders will discover hidden gems, stroll around exclusive roof gardens and uncover the grounds of stately homes and building, as well as much-loved community allotments.
This annual event raises funds to help maintain many of these gardens as well as London's other green spaces including parks, gardens, squares and hidden green spaces which improve the air Londoners breathe. This year sees several new gardens joining the roster, detailed below.
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Battersea Roof Gardens
One of London’s largest residential rooftop gardens, spanning 29,000 sq ft and planted with 23,000 plants and 55 trees, Battersea Roof Gardens offers inspiring views of the adjacent Grade II listed Power Station and London skyline. Entry by ballot is exclusive to London Open Garden ticket holders, with ballot dates be announced in the coming months.
Marlborough House
Formerly a grand town mansion built to a design by Sir Christopher Wren in 1711, it became the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat in 1959. The garden located off The Mall is largely maintained in its 18th century format. Marlborough House returns to London Open Gardens for the first time since 2017.
30 Cannon Street
Short-listed for a RIBA London award, this impressive triangle-shaped roof garden in the City has captivating views of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Square Mile, London and beyond. The garden comprises a mix of shrubs, perennials, grasses and bulbs and houses two beehives. Booking required via timed entry.
The Sanctuary Garden at Freedom from Torture
A silver medal winner at the Chelsea Flower Show 2024, the garden was relocated to Finsbury Park where it is being used for horticultural and other therapies for survivors of torture.
Elsewhere, a number of returning visitor favourites include The Charterhouse Square Garden comprising six courtyard gardens within the Tudor walls of the Charterhouse site, and 25 Cannon Street a mini jewel of a city rooftop space, overlooking the iconic St Paul's Cathedral; along with a programme of bookable guided walks and cycle tours. Balloted gardens and high-profile gardens joining the weekend will be announced over the coming weeks.
London Parks and Gardens Interim Director Tim Webb says: “Last year 93 per cent of visitors told us the event reinforced their enjoyment of nature and appreciation of London's horticultural heritage. We all protect the things we love, so my ambition is to get more Londoners passionate about the spaces around us, the places where nature can and should be.
"Protecting these green areas from harmful development will protect us from the worst impacts of climate change, adding greater value to our lives.”
The full list of participating gardens is available at https://londongardenstrust.org/whatson/london-open-gardens-2025/
Tickets are available now at an Early Bird Adult Weekend Ticket rate of £19. Children aged 11 & under go FREE and 12 to 17yr olds for £10. Booking fees may apply.
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