Despite its reputation as a bustling metropolis, London is home to a wide array of spectacular gardens. If you are planning a stay in the capital this summer, exploring one or two of these is an excellent way to spend your time. So, which are the best to visit?
Chelsea Physic Gardens
If you are looking for somewhere centrally located and relatively quick to explore, Chelsea Physic Gardens is an excellent choice. This unique collection actually represents London's oldest botanic garden, having been founded back in 1673. Originally, it was used by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries to teach apprentices how to recognise certain species.
Today, it is maintained as a living collection of fascinating - and often rare - plants that are medicinal, historical, edible or otherwise useful in nature. More than 100 types of tree can be found here, and the site's warm microclimate means varieties not typically grown in the UK - such as olive trees - can flourish here.
Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
These are probably London's most famous gardens, boasting a 250-year history. It is easy to spend a whole day exploring the site's array of formal gardens - which include the Rock Garden, Duke's Garden and Azalea Garden - as well as its historical buildings and decorative structures.
Perhaps one of the most exciting places to visit is the Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway, which opened in 2008. You'll find this in the arboretum, some 18 m in the air and 200 m long. Stroll along it and you can have a unique view of chestnut, lime and oak trees.
Kensington Gardens
If you are keen to see more examples of the city's formal gardens, take a trip to Kensington Gardens. Spanning 275 acres, this is home to avenue after avenue of ornamental flower beds and trees. Among its well-known gardens is the Italian Gardens, which was believed to have been commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. Amble around to see scenic statues, fountains and ponds.
Open Garden Squares Weekend 2012
London is also home to a high number of communal gardens, which are usually closed to the public. On June 9th and 10th, however, more than 200 of these will open their doors for Open Garden Squares Weekend. This annual event gives you the chance to explore everything from allotments to roof gardens.
Cable Street Community Gardens, Eaton Square and Regent's Park allotment garden are just a few of those included on this year's programme. One highlight you may be particularly interested in is the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, which is situated on the South Bank. This has been designed as part of the diamond jubilee celebrations, and you will be free to explore it over the course of the weekend.
Tickets can be purchased online, while you can also buy them on the weekend itself, but they will be more expensive if you choose the latter option. As the gardens are located across the city, if you plan to attend it is a good idea to pick accommodation positioned fairly centrally, such as the Cumberland hotel, to make it easier for you to get between all your chosen gardens. Plus, this will also ensure you are close to the city's other top attractions, such as the prime shopping areas of Oxford Street and Regent Street.
If you're planning to explore London's great selection of gardens, come to AboutRooms.com to find the perfect accommodation. We have a wide array of centrally-located options, such as the Cumberland hotel, at excellent prices.
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