London’s secret gardens FT readers’ reveal their hideouts

Postman’s Park is adjoining to what was the Common Put up Workplace (later acquired by an funding financial institution drawn to its open pillar-less flooring and proximity to the Financial institution of England). Passers-by might stroll previous the park’s slim entrances, and danger lacking the most important open house within the Metropolis. It celebrates a lot of what makes London extraordinary – remembering the courageous, the brave, sacrifice and locations of remembrance and peace.

– John Keith, banker, Sydney, Australia

An oasis of calm within the metropolis centre, identified to few. Gifted to the general public by the Marquess of Bute, a coal baron, as a spot of repose.

– Man de Jonquieres, author, London

A good looking, serene garden in the course of town. The distinction is beautiful. It was bombed in the course of the conflict and by no means rebuilt, and so the foliage grows amongst roofless partitions and vaults.

– Austin Meyer, e-commerce, San Francisco

Salters’ Garden behind the Salters’ Firm constructing is my favorite secret backyard. It’s very close to the brutalist Barbican complicated, and never overcrowded. It has various benches, neatly spaced out and affords a wonderful respite from the workplace.

– Eva Bigalke, solicitor, London

Lovely little quiet oasis near Regents Park & St John’s Wooden. Good for studying a e book or a picnic. Quiet and secluded.

– Oliver Hays, Treasury – Company, London

Ebook on the garden’s website for a month-to-month tour with the pinnacle gardener, and soak up a little bit of London’s Tudor historical past in addition to expertise an oasis of peace within the centre of town. The Charterhouse is a main instance of the advantages of effectively deliberate (in 1611!) charitable basis to learn the younger and the previous.
– James Morgan, Retired Administration Advisor, Stratford Upon Avon, UK

The Pergola in Hampstead Heath makes you’re feeling as if you’ve got discovered some historic ruins or stepped right into a fantasy novel. It’s hidden away in a less-visited a part of the Heath (close to Golders Inexperienced) and it’s arduous to come across. Wisteria hangs from rows of columns and the rose gardens are impeccably stored (who cares for them?! Fairy magic, maybe): it’s a hidden gem.

– Gabriella C, Company PR, New York

Chelsea Physic Garden, on the banks of the Thames between Chelsea and Albert bridges, and adjoining to the Royal Chelsea Hospital. It’s open to the general public though there may be an entrance charge and opening instances are restricted, largely to weekends and in addition by season. However what you’ve is an awe-inspiring and historic assortment of vegetation of medicinal curiosity, courting again to the age of enlightenment and inside an atmosphere that contains a few of the greatest Georgian structure to be discovered anyplace (Wren’s Royal Hospital subsequent door being a main instance). There may be additionally an excellent restaurant that does glorious Sunday lunches. Essentially the most value efficient method to get pleasure from it regularly is to grow to be a ‘buddy’.

– Francis Energy, Musician, New York

Cannizaro Park on Wimbledon Frequent is a should throughout early spring when the magnolia and blossom bushes and azalea bushes are coming into bloom. It’s free to go in and can be comparatively freed from Instagrammers hogging the bushes. Though if this will get printed, it may not be lengthy earlier than it’s swarmed! It isn’t close by any prepare or tube stations. You’ll be able to catch the 93 bus both from Putney rail station, Putney Bridge tube station or Wimbledon rail and tube station and get off at Wimbledon Warfare Memorial. The bus route will take you previous lots of the fabulous gated homes of Wimbledon. If you happen to fancy making a day of your go to then you may take a leisurely stroll in direction of Calonne Highway to view the gardens of the Wat Buddhapadipa Temple and end off at Marryat Highway to absorb the view of central London beloved locals on New Yr’s Eve because the fireworks go off.

– Erin Miskell, College Administrator, London

Dalston’s Eastern Curve Garden is peaceable, enchanting and unassuming. It’s maintained by locals and other people can simply go and begin doing gardening in the event that they fancy – fairly uncommon in an age of mass “flat-living” or shared dwelling.
– Lara Thomas, Consulting, London

Islington’s Arlington Square is open to all, council owned and maintained by a devoted group of native residents. It’s used for all the pieces from birthday events to lengthy summer season afternoons studying within the solar. Straightforward to neglect it’s solely a mile from the Metropolis of London.

– John Boulton, Chartered Accountant, Enfield