ergola was first built in 1905 on the instruction of the wealthy philanthropist Lord Leverhulme, who owned a house on Hampstead Heath. The stone edifice was erected and raised gardens built around it, providing a picturesque outdoor setting for his lavish parties. The grandeur may have faded since its Edwardian heyday but it is no less lovely a place to while away a summer’s evening.
Kyoto Garden, Holland Park
If manic city life gets too much, visit the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park for some peace and quiet. London’s little piece of Japan features waterfalls, stone lanterns, free-roaming peacocks and ponds filled with koi carp, all of which contribute to an atmosphere of tranquillity and serenity. Designed in 1991, this secret oasis was a gift from the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce in recognition of London’s Japanese Festival.
Kensington Roof Gardens
One hundred feet above one of West London’s most popular shopping streets, you can discover some truly spectacular roof gardens. Although the venue frequently plays host to private events, it’s free and accessible to the public during the day if no functions are taking place. With a cocktail in hand, you can admire the view from a Mediterranean-style haven or traditional English woodland, and if that doesn’t excite you, it is also famed for its flock of flamingos.
99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA
Nestled between Royal Hospital Road and the Chelsea embankment, this botanical haven was founded in 1673 in order to train apothecaries in plant identification. It still boasts over 5,000 species of plants and is the perfect place for a meditative stroll.
66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3
Fulham Palace Gardens
Once home to the Bishops of London, this protected historical landscape comprises 13 acres of beautiful flora, including an 18th-century walled garden. Bring your picnic basket and settle under one of the rare trees for an alfresco lunch on the lawn.
