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Gardens & Arboretums in London

If you fancy a proper garden wander without leaving London, the Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill is the one to know. The gardens are free to visit, there's a cafe and a gift shop on site, picnic tables if you fancy bringing your own lunch, and the museum's aquarium is a good reason to stay on if the weather turns. It sits a short drive out from the centre, so it works well as a half day rather than a special trip. There isn't a great spread of options across London on this list yet, so the Horniman does a lot of the work. It suits most ages, toddlers included, since the gardens are open and easy to wander without anything to pay at the gate. Bring a picnic to make the most of the outdoor space, and use the cafe as your backup if little legs give out before you're ready to head home.

3 places 1 free to visit

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Stone museum building with clock tower surrounded by purple flowering plants and green stems under blue sky.

Horniman Museum and Gardens

London

Forest Hill museum with aquarium and free gardens - Soft Play N never.

CaféGift shopPicnic areaToilets

Classical musicians perform by candlelight on a high-rise venue with a glowing city skyline visible through floor-to-ceiling windows behind them.

Free

Sky Garden

London · ages 0-16

Free glasshouse gardens 35 floors up the City, with wraparound views you get for the price of booking ahead.

Accessible toiletBooking requiredCaféDog friendly+3 more

Aerial view of a formal garden with manicured lawns, hedges, flowering borders in purple and blue, a circular paved plaza, and surrounding woodland.

The Savill Garden

Egham

A wander through landscaped woodland and formal planting, with a café and gift shop to bookend the walk.

Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingCafé+5 more

Good to know: gardens & arboretums in London

Are any of them free?

Yes, Sky Garden is free to visit.

Whereabouts are they?

You'll find gardens & arboretums in London and Egham. Every place we list is in or around London, and each listing has the full address and directions.