Londoners are being tempted to sample 118 of the capital’s normally closed parks and gardens for a special summer stroll this weekend. As London Open Gardens celebrates its silver jubilee, ticket holders can enter secret squares and gardens – and raise much-needed funds to protect these ‘green lungs’ of London.
For the past 25 years, the public has enjoyed this much-loved family event, with admissions set at £22 for over 25s, half price for under 25s and free for under 12s. It sees locked London Squares open their gates, along with exquisite roof gardens prized by the City’s bankers.
Other notable green spaces include historic institutions, council allotments and even the Prime Minister’s own Downing Street garden is available by ballot. Nathan Oley, chairman of London Open Gardens, said: “What better way to celebrate our wonderful green city, than to explore the parts that other events can’t reach?
“London Open Gardens’ silver jubilee is a unique celebration of London’s green lungs and LPG’s commitment to protecting them for all.” Nine new gardens have been added to LOG’s catalog this year. Charterhouse Courtyard Gardens on the outskirts of the city has seven acres of manicured gardens, including Charterhouse Square and six courtyard gardens within the Tudor walls.
Barkston Gardens in Earls Court – the home of famous Victorian actress Dame Ellen Terry, is also on the list. Other unlocked gardens are Hyde Park Square and neighboring Gloucester Square, which has an impressive new playground covering 1.6 acres which will be accessible throughout the weekend.
Many gardens offer refreshments, plant sales, tours, and a quiet place to relax. LOG’s online garden selector allows visitors to match their interests or location with a personalized itinerary. New community gardens opening in 2024 include Spurgeon Estate Garden in Lambeth, Quill Street Allotments in Gillespie Park and Highbury Quadrant, a hidden but child-friendly woodland area in the middle of the city.
LOG also plans to pay tribute to gardens that have been open throughout its 25-year run, such as Ladbroke Square, The Inner Temple, Cadogan Place South and others. Tickets are now on sale – you can buy them here. The over 25s pay £22 to access over 100 gardens all weekend. Other expert walking and cycling tours are available to ticket holders as an ‘extra’ for a small fee.
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