The Hidden World of London’s Private Gardens (You Can Actually Visit)

Aug 4

Locked gates, ivy-covered walls, and an air of mystery — but yes, some of them open their doors.

London is one of the greenest cities in the world, but some of its most beautiful gardens are hidden in plain sight — tucked behind elegant railings, guarded by coded gates, or nestled inside Georgian squares.

You’ve probably strolled past them a hundred times, peeking through iron fences and wondering, “What’s back there?”

Surprise: Some of them do open to the public — and we’re here to tell you how, when, and where.

What Are London’s Private Gardens?

These are the private communal gardens found mostly in central boroughs like Kensington, Chelsea, Bloomsbury, and Notting Hill.

Originally built for residents of surrounding houses (often wealthy Victorian or Georgian homes), these gardens were:

For private use only
Locked with gate access
Maintained by residents or local trusts

They’re sometimes called “garden squares”, and London has over 200 of them.

But Why So Hidden?

The idea came from 18th- and 19th-century urban planning. Developers wanted homes that felt rural in the heart of the city. So they built:

Green oases in the middle of terraced houses
With restricted access to boost property value
That felt exclusive and tranquil, away from the chaos

The result? A city filled with hidden pockets of calm — many of which you can’t enter... unless you know the loopholes

When Can You Visit?

Here’s the good news: Some private gardens open up during special events, tours, or via charity organisations.

1. Open Garden Squares Weekend (Every June)

Organised by the London Gardens Trust
Over 100 private gardens open to the public — some for the only time each year
Includes garden squares, roof gardens, secret courtyards, and hidden allotments
Get your ticket online: opensquares.org

Past highlights:

Cleveland Square (Bayswater)
Rosmead Garden (the “Notting Hill” movie garden!)
Eaton Square Gardens (Belgravia)

2. Occasional Public Access

Some private gardens allow limited access throughout the year, often with:

Community events
Garden tours
Public art installations or talks

Watch out for:

Bedford Square Garden (Bloomsbury) – Opens during Heritage Open Days
Fitzroy Square Garden – Occasionally accessible during architecture or open house weekends

3. Stay or Dine Nearby

Some hotels or restaurants bordering private gardens can give you temporary guest access.

Examples:

The Goring Hotel – Private garden access for hotel guests
The Franklin (Knightsbridge) – Tucked beside Egerton Gardens
Dukes Hotel – Neighbours Green Park and sometimes offers garden events

What’s Inside These Gardens?

You’re not just peeking into a patch of grass. Many of these hidden gems feature:

Rare plants & wildflowers
Victorian bandstands or fountains
Beehives, secret benches, and hidden ponds
Peaceful reading spots (away from crowds and tourists)

And unlike public parks, these gardens are often quieter, cleaner, and feel like a step back in time.

📍 Private Gardens Worth the Effort

Here are a few you can actually access at certain times:

1. Rosmead Garden, Notting Hill

Famous from the movie, this curved garden is a dream. Open during Open Garden Squares Weekend.

2. Ladbroke Square Garden, Kensington

One of the largest private gardens in London — think winding paths, mature trees, and birdsong.

3. Montagu Square Garden, Marylebone

Historic spot once home to Ringo Starr and Jimi Hendrix.

4. Cleveland Square, Bayswater

Palm trees in London? Yep. This garden is unexpectedly tropical and beautifully kept.

Why Visit?

Because they’re a secret side of London.
Because they let you breathe, slow down, and see the city the way its wealthiest residents once did.
And because not everything beautiful in London is behind a paywall — you just need to know when the gates open.

Quick Tips Before You Go

Check dates early — especially for Open Garden Squares Weekend (they sell out!)
Respect the space — these are still private gardens, not public parks
Bring cash — some events ask for donations
Be curious — many gardens include info boards or local historians on-site

Final Thought

London’s full of green spaces — but some of the best are the ones you’ve never stepped foot in.

So next time you're walking through Kensington or Bloomsbury, look beyond the fences.
Behind the gates, there might be a garden waiting… quietly, just once a year, to let you in.

📍 Know a hidden garden we should explore next? Tag @Londonyaar and we’ll feature it!
Save this post and plan your next secret stroll.

Rohan Pawar