The Best Secret Gardens in the UK

The UK is home to an array of picture-perfect green pockets, some of which are closer to the city than you may think. From small but picturesque parks to museum gardens, idyllic courtyards, view-worthy roof terraces, sculpture parks, and botanic gardens – you’re really spoilt for choice. Read on to discover our top picks…

Skip Garden, Kings Cross, London

This green gem of a garden is located just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Kings Cross station – one of capital’s busiest train stations. This unique space has been created using a series of recycled rubbish skips and scaffolding board planters.

In addition to taking in the sights, you can also sample the homegrown offerings – all produce grown in the Skip Garden is cooked and sold at the Skip Garden Kitchen, and includes everything from tasty salads and cakes to sandwiches and fresh juices.

If you’re unable to make it to Skip Garden, why not add a little floral panache to your home instead! Serenata Flowers offer a range of bouquets and floral displays, all of which are available in the London. Alternatively, you could always surprise one of your nearest and dearest with a romantic bouquet or beautiful indoor plant.

Addison’s Walk, Magdalen College, Oxford

Located just a few minutes walk from Oxford’s High Street, you’ll find an idyllic shaded footpath, measuring 1.5km encircling the Meadow. To reach this green space, simply pass through the arch into Magdalen College, walk through a cloister and then meander over the small bridge. The garden’s pretty setting is said to have inspired the poem ‘The Bird Said Early In The Year’ by C.S. Lewis.

St Dunstan-In-the-East, near London Bridge, London

Once a church built in the 1100s, St Dunstan-In-the-East is now home to a peaceful public park. The church was damaged in the Great Fire Of London and then again, in the Blitz of the Second World War. Instead of rebuilding the ruins, the City of London decided to turn it into a green space in 1971.

Jellicoe Roof Garden, Guildford

This English gem is situated on the top of the town’s House of Fraser department store. The garden was the creation of Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe and was first established in 1958. For the perfect viewing platform, head to the terrace of the department store.

College Gardens, University of Cambridge, Cambridge

Each of Cambridge University’s Colleges is renowned for their beautiful gardens and architecture. These must-visit green spaces are open to the public at certain times of the week and boast an array of trees, plants, and shrubs.

Arundells, Salisbury

Once the residences of the former British Prime Minister, Sir Edward Heath, this beautiful green space is now cared for by the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation. Those lucky enough to visit this garden will also enjoy an unspoiled view of the city’s cathedral spire.

St Nicholas Garden, Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow

This particular garden comes in the shape of an idyllic green space, attached to a restored medieval property. Located a short stroll from Glasgow train station, it’s extremely easy to get too.

It was originally developed in 1977 as an interpretation of a 15th-century garden. Even the plants chosen for the flower beds were reminiscent of the era and were once the ingredients for food or medicine at the St Nicholas hospital.

Want to surprise someone with a similar display? Serenata Flowers offer a range of bouquets, all of which are available in the Glasgow area. From lush lilies to blue letterbox flowers, there are an array of options to choose from that you can have delivered directly to your door, or to that of your chosen recipient.

Dunbar’s Close, Edinburgh

A great spot if you’re looking for some downtime. Simply, pack a book and a picnic blanket and head to this quiet garden, which sits just a stone’s throw from one of the UK’s most buzzing high streets.

This 3,000-square-metre of greenery can be reached by walking through an archway between two shops on the Royal Mile. If you’re looking to recreate a similar setting in your own home, there are a number of florists in the city of Edinburgh. Choose from bold and bright displays, or alternatively, pick something a little more neutral in style.

Seaton Delaval Hall

Seaton Delaval Hall is celebrated for its beautiful gardens. From the parterre to the rose gardens, to the peaceful privy garden, to the wider Vanbrugh landscape and the famous old Weeping Ash, there is plenty to do and see here.

Created by Sir John Vanbrugh, the greenery and surrounding landscape boast the same dramatics and design of the Hall. You too can make your home or office stand out from the crowd by ordering flowers by post.

Cragside

This extraordinary Victorian House and Gardens boasts an abundance of variation and scale. Surrounding the house, this green space is easy to get lost in. It’s also home to one of the tallest pine trees in the U.K and houses one of the largest `hand-made´ rock gardens in Europe.

Belsay Hall, castle and gardens

The Belsay Hall boasts three distinct elements: a medieval castle, extended in the early 17th century, a Greek Revival mansion that was once a family residence in the 19th century, and an outstanding, idyllic outdoor space. There is also a tower, which you can climb to the top of to experience some of the best views Northumberland has to offer. The lakeside walks, play area and labyrinth is a perfect shelter for the endangered red squirrel.

Phoenix Garden, the West End, London

Located north of Shaftesbury Avenue, nestled between Soho and Covent Garden, this quaint English garden is an ideal lunch spot for those who wish to take some time out from a busy schedule. It’s manned by volunteers and was first established in 1984.

If you’re in London and want to order plants similar to those you’ll find in the garden, we offer a delivery service that caters for all parts of the capital, regardless of whether you’re based in the north, south, east or west.