Kensington Roof Gardens: London’s green refuge

Flamingos grace Kensington Roof Garden's English Woodland space. Photo credit: Katharina Kruppa

Just off  Kensington High Street, a green oasis greets exhausted Londoners. But the trees and flowers are not where you would expect them to be: on top of a building.

Kensington Roof Gardens is a peaceful place amidst the buzz of the city. Situated on top of a department store, you are rewarded with an amazing view across London.

The gardens are a unique spot with three different themes. The Spanish section has a Mediterranean charm to it, with palm trees lining the paths and colourful little houses giving a Costa Brava feeling. Lilies, roses and lavender fills the air of the Tudor Garden with a delicate scent, and ducks and flamingos float on the ponds in the English Woodland garden.

The Spanish Garden makes one feel in the Costa Brava, but with worse weather. Photo credit: Katharina Kruppa

The gardens are laid out around an exclusive private Members’ Club and the Babylon Restaurant. The prices are pretty steep in the restaurant and club, but at least the gardens are free to visit.

Since the gardens are also available for private hire, you must call in advance to find out at what dates they are open to the public. When calling 0207 937 7994, a recorder voice tells you the opening days for the week ahead. Usual opening times are from 9 to 5.

The gardens are just off of Kensington High Street , but the entrance is in a small side street, not far from High Street Kensington tube station. W8 5SA

Kensington Roof Gardens

99 Kensington High Street, Kensington,

London W8 5SA