Revealing London’s Green Heritage: Join London Open Gardens 2025

Passionate gardeners and curious explorers looking for unique ways to experience London’s quieter, greener side, great news! There’s one weekend in the city’s cultural calendar that you won’t want to miss, so save the date! London Open Gardens 2025 is returning this June — and you're invited to be part of this extraordinary celebration of horticulture, history, and community.

From secret sanctuaries tucked behind Georgian terraces to lush rooftop gardens and sprawling communal greens, London Open Gardens throws open the gates to more than 100 usually private or hidden spaces.

The event offers a rare chance to explore the capital’s rich diversity of gardens, revealing the stories, people, and plants behind them. Now in its 26th year, London Open Gardens 2025 promises to be bigger, greener, and more inspiring than ever.

What Is London Open Gardens?

This annual event, organised by London Gardens Trust, showcases a wide array of private, community, institutional, and little-known gardens across the city. Over one jam-packed weekend in June, attendees can step into spaces rarely accessible to the public — some historic, some ultra-modern, all uniquely delightful.

Each participating garden opens its gates for a few precious hours, inviting guests to explore its grounds, speak to gardeners, and enjoy live music, talks, plant sales, refreshments, and more.

From the secluded elegance of private squares in Bloomsbury, hidden urban oases in Hackney, and the gardens of embassies and historic houses to community-run vegetable plots and green rooftops, the event offers something for every taste and interest.

When and Where

📅 Dates: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025

📍 Locations: Gardens are spread across all corners of London – from the heart of Westminster and the West End to leafy suburbs and riverside spots in the east and south.

Ticket holders receive an interactive map and digital guidebook to help them plan their walking (or cycling!) route over the weekend.

Why You Should Take Part

1. Step Behind the Garden Gate

London is filled with enchanting green spaces, but many of its most intriguing gardens are hidden behind locked gates or tucked away from view. London Open Gardens gives you access to these secret places — whether it’s a members-only square, the lush courtyard of a centuries-old livery company, or a carefully cultivated allotment with panoramic views of the Thames.

2. Meet the People Who Make It Green

This isn’t just a chance to see beautiful gardens — it’s a chance to engage with the people who create and care for them. Garden owners, professional gardeners, volunteers, and community members are often on hand to share insights, answer questions, and talk about the challenges and joys of keeping their green spaces thriving.

3. Be Inspired (and Bring It Home)

Want ideas for your patch of green, whether it’s a backyard, balcony, or windowsill? London Open Gardens is an endless source of inspiration, from inventive planting schemes and sustainable gardening techniques to historical landscaping and clever use of small urban spaces.

4. Support a Greener Future

Your ticket doesn’t just buy you a weekend of beauty and discovery — it helps support the work of the London Gardens Trust, a registered charity that protects and promotes London’s green heritage. By participating, you’re helping ensure these gardens, and others like them, continue to flourish for future generations.

Highlights to Look Out For in 2025

While the final list of participating gardens will be announced in the spring, past years have included:

• The Inner Temple Gardens – An ancient garden steeped in history, right in the legal heart of London. Featuring sweeping lawns, seasonal borders, and centuries-old trees, this peaceful sanctuary offers a rare glimpse into the secluded green spaces of the Inns of Court.

• Eccleston Square – A private square featuring one of the most diverse botanical collections in central London. Designed in the 19th century, the garden is known for its exotic plants, rare trees, and subtropical microclimate, all tucked behind elegant terraces in Pimlico.

• Battersea Roof Gardens – One of London's most spacious (29,000 sq ft) residential rooftop gardens boasts 23,000 plants and 55 trees. Situated atop the Battersea Power Station development, it offers panoramic views of the iconic Grade II* listed building and the skyline. Entry is exclusively via ballot (closes Friday 23rd) for London Open Gardens ticket holders.

• 25 Cannon Street Roof Garden – A contemporary rooftop garden in the City of London, offering panoramic views of St Paul's Cathedral. This recently created space features innovative planting in raised beds, contributing to the City's biodiversity corridor. Entry is limited to small escorted groups on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Keep an eye on the London Open Gardens website for the full list, complete with accessibility info, opening times, and special events.

How to Get Involved

🎟️ Buy a Ticket

Tickets for London Open Gardens 2025 cost £24 for adult tickets, 11-17 cost £10 and under 11s go free; children still need to pre-book a free ticket if they are attending. A Weekend Pass gives you access to all participating gardens (no individual bookings required), while single-day or concession tickets are also available. Early booking is advised, especially for those planning to visit some of the more popular or centrally located gardens.

🌱 Volunteer

Want to do more than just visit? Volunteers are the heart of London Open Gardens. From welcoming visitors and managing queues to helping with logistics or selling programs, there are plenty of ways to get involved. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community, learn more about London’s horticultural history, and enjoy behind-the-scenes access. Volunteer applications are open now — no experience needed, just enthusiasm!

🌿 Spread the Word

Know a hidden garden that should take part? Encourage the owners to get involved! Garden applications are also open, and the London Gardens Trust is always on the lookout for new participants — whether it’s a formal lawn, wildlife corridor, or eco-conscious rooftop farm. Follow London Open Gardens on Instagram, Facebook, and X/Twitter for updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and gardening inspiration year-round.

Top Tips for Visitors

• Plan your route ahead of time. With so many gardens to see, prioritise your must-visits and check opening hours.

• List of participating gardens. Click on each name to find out more about the garden

• Garden selector. Use this tool to search for gardens with different facilities, such as 'dog-friendly gardens'

• Free self-guided walking tours written by volunteers to help you navigate the local area

• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking a lot!

• Bring a water bottle and sun protection. June in London can surprise you with sunshine.

• Don’t rush. Take time to pause, talk, and soak it all in.

• Support the gardens by purchasing refreshments or plants when available — many community gardens rely on donations and sales to survive.

  
  

A Green City, One Garden at a Time

In a city as fast-paced and sprawling as London, green spaces are more than just beautiful — they are vital. They clean the air, support wildlife, offer space for reflection and play, and remind us of our connection to nature, even in the heart of the metropolis.

London Open Gardens is a joyful, generous celebration of this green lifeblood — and a reminder that behind even the grandest facades or busiest streets, nature is never far away.

So, whether you're a seasoned gardener, a lover of architecture, a local history buff, or simply curious to see what lies behind the hedge, London Open Gardens 2025 invites you to explore, connect, and be inspired.

See you in the garden(s)! **Photo by Ina/WithinLondon.