London is a city that has something for everyone, and during February half term, I decided to explore its hidden gems. As a seasoned London visitor, I know that popular attractions can get overcrowded, so I seek out unique and less-visited destinations. This year, my mission was to discover the city’s stunning roof gardens.
My first stop was a surprise tucked away on Kensington High Street: the Roof Gardens. Nestled above a bustling street, this hidden oasis boasts trees, a stream, and a vibrant flock of flamingos! It’s hard to believe that this 1.5-acre paradise, with its Spanish-inspired design, was built in 1938. Originally, visitors paid a shilling to enter, with proceeds going to charity. Nowadays, Sir Richard Branson leases the gardens, complete with a private clubhouse and a restaurant on the 7th floor.
Spanish Dreams and Woodland Wonders
Upon entering the Roof Gardens, we were greeted by the surreal beauty of a Spanish garden, reminiscent of the Alhambra in Granada. This vibrant space offered a welcome contrast to the grey London sky.
The Roof Gardens also features a Tudor garden, but our favorite was the woodland garden. This tranquil space is home to over a hundred trees, including six that have stood since the garden’s opening. It was a joy to see spring bulbs pushing through the soil, a reminder of the season’s renewal. The star attractions of the woodland garden were the free-roaming flamingos, adding a touch of exotic charm to the London landscape.
While February might not be the ideal time to witness a garden in its full glory, the Roof Gardens offered a glimpse of its potential. We couldn’t wait to return in summer and experience its splendor at its peak.
Sky-High Views and Corporate Greens
Next on my roof garden adventure was the Sky Garden, located at 20 Fenchurch Street. This modern marvel offers a similar view to the Shard, but without the steep price tag. The “Walkie Talkie,” as it’s affectionately known, is less aesthetically pleasing than the Shard, but still provides a fantastic vantage point. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good skyline photo opportunity?
I’d pre-booked our visit to the Sky Garden a few days in advance, and the staff were incredibly accommodating, allowing us to enter early. After a quick security check, we whizzed up to the 35th floor. The views from the Sky Garden are breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the city. While there are no information boards, identifying iconic landmarks was easy. We enjoyed spotting the Gherkin and watching a helicopter fly at our level.
Beyond the views, I’d describe the Sky Garden as corporate. The plants are lovely, but they lack a certain soul. Perhaps with a year or two of growth, they’ll become more lush and vibrant. Despite this, if you’re visiting for the views, you won’t be disappointed. I wouldn’t recommend a trip solely for the garden itself.
A Lift Ride to Remember and a Zen Retreat
Leaving the Sky Garden, we encountered a slight hiccup: both lifts were out of order! An attendant announced that he would take us down in the maintenance lift, which sent a wave of anxiety through me. Visions of a “Towering Inferno” scenario flooded my mind. Thankfully, our descent was uneventful, and we arrived safely on the ground floor.
Our final roof garden stop was the SOAS Japanese Roof Garden. This garden is a world apart from its predecessors, offering a serene and minimalist experience. Instead of vibrant flowers, this garden is all about the stone, with sandstone, slate, and granite chippings creating textures and interest.
The garden provides ample seating for visitors to relax and meditate, but we opted to continue exploring. I imagine the wisteria flowers would be a beautiful sight in May, but on a cold February day, we were content to return indoors. While this garden is worth a visit if you’re already in the area, I wouldn’t make a special trip just for it.
Roof Garden Essentials
• The Roof Gardens closed in 2018 following Virgin’s decision to close the bar and restaurant.
• The Sky Garden is open from 10 am-6 pm weekdays, 11 am-9 pm weekends. Visits are free, but you’ll need to book a timed slot in advance. Don’t forget to bring your ID!
• The SOAS roof garden is on top of the Brunei Gallery and is open whenever the gallery is (generally 10.30 am-5 pm Tuesday to Saturday).
