Secret Gardens of London Private Tour

Secret Gardens of London Private Tour promises a full day of exploring London’s lesser-known green spaces, tucked behind historic buildings and quiet churchyards. Priced at around $438 per person, this experience entails walking through some of the city’s most charming and secret spots, complemented by transport in a classic black cab and a traditional English High Tea at Chelsea Physic Garden.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it combines history and horticulture—visiting places like Lincoln’s Inn Fields and the John Soane Museum, which often fly under the tourist radar but are treasure troves for garden lovers and history buffs alike. The chance to walk through hidden gardens behind city churches and enjoy a personal guide’s insights makes this a genuinely intimate experience.

A possible consideration is the timing and accessibility—some gardens, like Chelsea Physic Garden, open late April through September, which could affect your plans outside peak season. Also, this tour requires moderate fitness as it involves walking through various historic and sometimes uneven paths.

This experience suits garden enthusiasts, history lovers, and travelers who appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path moments in London. If you’re eager to see a different side of the city—beyond the usual sights—this tour offers a memorable way to spend a day.

Key Points

Exclusive Access: Visit London’s secret gardens, often hidden behind historic buildings or tucked away in quiet churchyards.
Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes notable spots like the London Garden Museum, Chelsea Physic Garden, and the John Soane Museum.
All-Inclusive: Entrance fees, transportation in a classic black cab, and English High Tea are covered, offering great value.
Personalized Experience: Conducted as a private tour, allowing for tailored questions and flexible pacing.
Seasonal Timing: Runs from April 1 to September 30, excluding Saturdays, aligning with London’s garden season.
Moderate Walking: Requires a moderate level of fitness – comfortable shoes are recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Secret Gardens of London Private Tour

London is famous for its grand palaces, iconic landmarks, and bustling streets. But the city’s true charm often lies in its quieter, less obvious corners—those hidden gardens and peaceful oases that whisper stories of history, botany, and secret corners of the city. The Secret Gardens of London Private Tour aims to show you these gems, combining history, horticulture, and a touch of British elegance.

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Starting Point: Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden

The tour kicks off at the front steps of St Martin in the Fields Church, right on Trafalgar Square’s east side. From here, the guide leads you to explore nearby secret spots like the Actors Church garden and a charming rose garden just behind Covent Garden. These areas, often overlooked by travelers rushing for the big sights, reveal the city’s quieter, more intimate side.

The Charm of Lincoln’s Inn Fields and the John Soane Museum

Next, you’ll stroll to Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London’s largest city square. Built in the 17th century, it’s a surprisingly peaceful green space amid the busy legal district. Alongside the square is the John Soane Museum, a former architect’s home filled with beautiful antiques, sculptures, and charming garden statuary. Our guide, Gemma, (if reviews are anything to go by) is praised for her wealth of knowledge, making these stops both educational and enjoyable.

Hidden Gardens Behind City Churches

One of the highlights involves peeking into the gardens behind historic churches like St. Paul’s Artist Church. These hidden outdoor spaces are often lush, quiet, and filled with blooms that have survived centuries. Walking through bamboo gardens and quiet courtyards, you get a sense of how London has preserved these peaceful corners amid relentless urban development.

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The London Garden Museum on the Embankment

Crossing the Thames, you arrive at the London Garden Museum, housed in a former church. Here, you’ll find well-curated exhibits on garden history, plus a lovely knot garden from the 1600s. The museum offers a peaceful break, and the café inside is perfect for a quick refreshment. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way the knot garden brought history alive,” highlighting how this stop provides both beauty and context.

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Chelsea Physic Garden: A Botanical Treasure

The tour’s centerpiece is the Chelsea Physic Garden, established in 1673, which has the oldest scientific plant collection in Britain. Here, a knowledgeable gardener will guide you through the apothecary plants and medicinal herbs—it’s a real living lesson in how plants have been used in medicine through the ages. The garden’s lush layout and historic plantings make it a photographer’s delight.

The Final Stop: High Tea and Surrounding Gardens

What better way to end a garden tour than with a traditional English High Tea? In an atmosphere of old-world charm, you’ll enjoy finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and perhaps a lovely pot of tea. The surrounding gardens, including the sunken garden in the Palace grounds, are equally photogenic and peaceful.

Logistics and Experience

The entire day is conducted privately, making it flexible and intimate. Transportation between sites is arranged in a charming black cab, adding a touch of classic London style. The tour is designed for those with moderate fitness, as it involves walking through uneven paths and some historic grounds.

At a cost of about $438 per person, the tour includes all admissions, transportation, and the high tea. While this might seem steep, especially for a single day, the value is in the personalized attention, exclusive access, and the chance to see hidden parts of London that few visitors experience.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

Based on reviews, guides like Gemma are praised for their informed and engaging narration, making history and plant lore come alive. One traveler remarked, “Great guide, lovely hidden gardens in central London,” emphasizing the tour’s quality. Others noted that timing can be an issue, particularly with gardens that open later in the season or later in the day, so planning ahead is advisable.

Who is This Tour For?

This tour suits garden lovers and those interested in London’s secret history. If you enjoy walking tours with a personal touch, and want to avoid the crowded tourist spots, this experience offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and local charm. It’s especially ideal for visitors looking to see a different side of London beyond the typical landmarks.

The Sum Up

The Secret Gardens of London Private Tour is a finely curated experience for those who want to step off the beaten path and discover the city’s quieter, greener corners. It’s perfect for travelers who value authentic, intimate encounters with London’s little-known outdoor spaces, combined with a touch of cultural history and British tradition in the form of high tea.

While it demands some walking and is seasonal, it offers a personalized, engaging way to see parts of London most visitors miss. If you’re looking for a memorable day that blends botanical beauty, historical intrigue, and a bit of British elegance, this tour will not disappoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about one full day, starting at a designated time that you should check when booking, during the garden season from April 1 to September 30.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation in a classic black cab is part of the package, making it easy to move between the locations without walking long distances or navigating London’s busy streets.

Are all gardens open during the entire season?
Most gardens are open from April 1 to September 30, but some, like Chelsea Physic Garden, have specific opening months. Check availability when booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children 5 and under are free, making it family-friendly, though the walking involved might suit children comfortable with moderate activity.

What is included in the price?
All garden admissions, transportation in a black cab, and the English High Tea are included in the price. Extra snacks or drinks beyond the tea are not.

Can I book this tour for just two people?
Yes, the standard rate is for a couple (£325 per person), but prices per person decrease with more participants, making it a good value for groups.

What is the walk like?
You’ll be walking through historic gardens, churchyards, and city squares. Expect some uneven paths and a moderate level of fitness required.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviewers have praised guides like Gemma for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, making the experience both fun and educational.

Is advance booking necessary?
Yes, to guarantee your spot, especially during peak season. The tour can be canceled with a full refund if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

In the end, the Secret Gardens of London Private Tour offers a wonderful way to see a side of London few get to experience—peaceful, beautiful, and full of stories waiting to be uncovered. Perfect for those with a curiosity for botany, history, or just a love of quiet, green spaces amid the city’s hustle.