While London’s famous parks draw millions of visitors each year, some of the city’s
most enchanting green spaces float high above the streets, hidden from the crowds
below. These elevated oases offer unique perspectives on the cityscape while
providing peaceful retreats from the urban hustle.
From historic railway stations to modern office buildings, creative gardeners have
transformed London’s rooftops into surprisingly lush environments that many locals
don’t even know exist.
Sky Garden
London’s highest public garden sits atop the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building, offering 360-
degree views through massive glass windows. The three-story space features
Mediterranean and South African plants thriving in a climate-controlled environment.
While entry is free, you’ll need to book a time slot online at least three days in
advance.
Crossrail Place Roof Garden
This partially covered garden sits above Canary Wharf’s newest station, featuring
plants from countries along the historic East-West trading routes. The beautiful
wooden lattice structure creates interesting light patterns while protecting visitors
from rain.
The garden stays open until 9 PM daily, making it perfect for after-work relaxation.
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The Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
This SouthBank gem features wildflower meadows and fruit trees maintained by
volunteers from Grenfell Gardens. The garden’s allotments and bee hives
demonstrate sustainable urban agriculture while offering views of the Thames.
Open during the summer months, this peaceful space provides a perfect lunch spot for
nearby office workers.
Ham Yard Hotel Garden
This stylish rooftop retreat features raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, and a working
kitchen garden used by the hotel’s restaurant. Two beehives produce honey for the hotel, while butterfly-friendly plants attract urban pollinators.
While primarily for hotel guests, the public can visit during special open days and scheduled tours.
The Culpeper
This historic pub’s rooftop garden supplies fresh herbs and vegetables for their
kitchen while offering spectacular views of the City. The garden hosts workshops on
urban farming and botanical cocktail-making throughout the growing season.
Evening visits provide stunning sunset views of the Gherkin and surrounding skyscrapers.
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John Lewis Oxford Street
The department store’s hidden rooftop garden transforms seasonally, from a summer
meditation space to a winter wonderland. Local food vendors and pop-up bars make
this a popular spot for after-shopping refreshments.
The garden hosts regular events, including yoga classes and outdoor cinema screenings.
Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens
This two-acre rooftop sanctuary above Cannon Street Station features themed
gardens representing different global landscapes. The space includes a running
track and workout area popular with local office workers during lunch breaks.
While primarily serving office tenants, the garden opens to the public during Open Garden Squares Weekend.
The Barbican Conservatory
London’s second-largest conservatory houses exotic plants, tropical fish, and
resident terrapins in a brutalist architectural setting. The space features over 2,000
species of tropical plants and trees growing among the concrete walkways.
Free entry is available on select Sundays, but advance booking is essential.
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120 Fenchurch Street
This 15th-floor public garden offers Instagram-worthy views of the Tower of London
and Tower Bridge. The covered walkway features living walls and comfortable
seating areas perfect for bringing your own lunch.
The garden stays open until 9 PM on weekdays, offering spectacular sunset views over the city.
Dalston Eastern Curve Garden
Built on an abandoned railway line, this community garden creates a green oasis in
the heart of Hackney. The garden’s wooden pavilion hosts workshops and events
throughout the year while providing shelter on rainy days.
Evening visits are especially atmospheric, with fairy lights illuminating the plant-filled space.
The Garden at 120
This free public roof garden sits atop a modern office building in the City, offering
panoramic views of London’s skyline. The space features pergolas covered in
climbing plants and comfortable seating areas perfect for picnics.
No booking is required, though you might encounter queues during sunny lunch hours.
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Coq d’Argent
This formal French garden above No.1 Poultry features manicured lawns and
trimmed hedges, creating a sophisticated escape from the City streets below. The
garden’s circular walkway offers views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Bank of
England.
While the restaurant requires booking, the garden bar welcomes walk-ins for drinks.
St Thomas’ Hospital Garden
This therapeutic garden provides patients and visitors with a peaceful retreat
featuring medicinal plants and herbs. The rooftop location offers unique views of
Parliament and Big Ben across the Thames.
The garden demonstrates how green spaces can support healing while providing essential respite for hospital staff.
Brown Hart Gardens
This raised Edwardian garden sits atop an old electricity substation in Mayfair,
creating an unexpected oasis among luxury shops. The York stone terrace features
comfortable seating and a popular café serving excellent coffee.
The garden’s unique position provides interesting perspectives on surrounding Edwardian architecture.
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The Exchange Rooftop
This eco-friendly garden above a Hackney office building demonstrates sustainable
urban agriculture techniques, including rainwater harvesting. Community groups
maintain vegetable plots and beehives while learning about organic growing
methods.
Monthly open days allow visitors to explore the space and participate in gardening workshops.
London’s Secret Rooftop Gardens
These hidden rooftop gardens prove that London’s green spaces extend far beyond
its famous parks and squares. Each offers a unique perspective on the city while
providing peaceful retreats from street-level bustle.
Remember to check opening times and access requirements before visiting, as
some gardens require advance booking or have seasonal hours. Don’t forget your
camera – the views from these elevated oases are often as impressive as the
gardens themselves.
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