A beautiful botanical garden steeped in hundreds of years of history. Although it is only four acres, we spent hours wandering along the paths and learning about plants. Plan to stay for lunch. I had the best savory tart I have ever eaten at the cafe. read more

A greatly hidden garden reserve that should be considered as the formal, manicured flower show, featuring winding pathways, mazes, and beds organised by how plants are used by humans -- from traditional cures and poisonous species to edible crops and alcohol-producing flora. read more

Physics such as physical science not like energy and motion which if funny because my wife, the physics teacher, wanted to go because of the name. We were not disappointed as there were so many pretty flowers and plants from around the world. We had a good time walking through the gardens and seeing all the pretty things. Plenty of good spots to take some photos. We didn't try the restaurant since we had reservations at Ramsay but it smelled good. read more

Chelsea Physic Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - London, XGL

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Not really psychic, and they didn't explain the name in the tour. Despite that and the relatively small size, this is a pretty jam packed garden, but it's also a little expensive for its size, but the location is pretty convenient. read more

So I got the London Pass which gets you into over 50 museums and attractions in London and the Chelsea Physic Garden was part of the pass so I decided to visit here since I was in the area. It is the oldest botanical garden in London that dates back in 1673. There are just so many different types of plants from all over the world are found here. Some are edible, some have "healing powers" and some are just your ordinary plants that you may see on a daily basis. But I can guarantee that most of the plants seen here will be new to you. And you will learn a lot as walk around the garden. The horticulturists are working diligently even as you look at the plants and flowers and they are there to answer any questions you may have. As you walk around, be careful as there are giant bees that congregate by certain plants. There are other insects as well. read more

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"The Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673, as the Apothecaries' Garden, with the purpose of training apprentices in identifying plants..." And identifying plants, people still do at this botanical garden of a different kind. My neighbour and good friend actually works as a volunteer/docent here at the Chelsea Physics Garden and last week we came here together and she gave us our very own private tour of the garden. I really enjoyed learning about the history of this hidden London gem and I loved listening to the many anecdotes that she told us; amongst others, that the rockery is built from Icelandic lava stones that were used as ballast on ship on an exploration led by Joseph Banks back in the 1770s. The garden displays a variety of medicinal plants from all over the world - there's the willow from which we have the power of Aspirin, there is another plant that is now considered powerful in the fight against breast cancer...and so on. Really interesting and well worth spending an afternoon. I do highly recommend attending a tour led by one of volunteers or even the audio guide. My favourite part of this visit was the lunch at the in-house café: The Tangerine Dream Café (see separate review). read more

Founded in 1673 by the Society of Apothecaries to enable their students to study medicinal plants, the Chelsea Physic Garden is one of London's best kept secrets. Located close to the Chelsea Hospital, although it covers less than 4 acres, it encompasses a wide range of different medicinal and food plants, systematic order beds and decorative beds, all attractively laid out around a network of gravel paths. It's a botanic garden in miniature: there's even a cool fern house, with exotic tree ferns, and the oldest man-made rock garden in Europe. A nice touch recently has been a series of scarecrows, designed by children, made out of domestic rubbish. It has impressive historical associations, too, pre-dating the foundation of Kew Gardens. Sir Hans Sloane acquired the freehold in 1712, and did much to develop the garden. The Swedish botanist Linnaeus the inventor the binomial scientific naming system still used to-day - was a regular visitor in the 1730s, and it was from this garden that cotton was sent to Georgia in 1768. As well as all the science and history, though, it's just a lovely place to spend a quiet afternoon on a sunny day: there's a café, serving tea and cakes, and a small shop selling up-market gifts such as books, cards, natural soaps and scents, and gorgeous lavender cream-filled chocolate. The only quibble I have is that the entrance price is somewhat steep, at £7, although there are various two-for-one offers available from time to time. read more

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Somehow I neglected to write a review after we visited this garden in 7/11. We took advantage of the fact that it's open until 10:00 p.m. on Wednesdays during July & August, and it was a luxury to be there well into the evening. Although it's not a huge garden, it's larger than it appears from the street and we thought it was lovely; there were many different types of flowers and many pretty/subtle colors. The gift shop is open until closing time, but we were disappointed to discover that the café (restaurant) closed early; it has outdoor seating and it looked appealing. read more

Not much to add to the other reviews, except that, if you're even thinking about going here (and it's well worth it), check out their website, http://www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/ , before you go so you can find out when they're open, otherwise the opportunity may pass you by. I went in the late spring, perhaps an ideal time to go, the flowers and ponds bustling with life - it's a beautifully looked-after place, but not artificial; you do get the sense that things have been left to grow naturally. I originally went because my mother was down for the weekend, but in actual fact, I think I enjoyed it more than she did: it really is very beautiful indeed and a very inspiring place: take some pencils to draw or write some poetry! There's a coffee shop inside, but it's also not far (10 mins walk) from the Kings Road, and extremely close to one of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants(!) - so there's no shortage of places to relax nearby. As another reviewer said, certainly one of London's hidden gems - the first time you go, it'll certainly feel inspired - even if you're not that 'into' horticulture! read more

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What a great place to visit. We had a very informative tour around the garden and this place is a great inspiration. The shop is great: I bought to many things and I would love to have lunch there next time. There will be a next time, because I would love to come back. read more

Chelsea Physic Garden - What a beautiful glasshouse - Botanical Gardens Near Me - London, XGL

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A couple friends and I came to the garden a few weeks ago during one of those strangely beautiful days when the city is - dare I say - warm. I was surprised to find there was an entrance fee, the guidebook I has found it in didn't mentioned that there would be a cost, but it was worth the $5. Take note that it is the Chelsea PHYSIC garden, and thus the plants were mainly planted for medicinal purposes. Not to be confused with the Chelsea PSYCHIC Garden, which is what we thought it when we decided to go. That seemed slightly more intriguing. Nonetheless, good for a pleasant stroll, especially if you're unfamiliar with the origins of Sir Hans Sloane or plants explicitly associated with Harry Potter. Be sure to stop by the pond, as sometimes children fall in. And there are frogs. read more

This is a small but cute pretty garden in Chelsea where the plants used in the pharmaceutical industry are grown. The gardens were founded in 1673 and it features the oldest rock garden in the UK open to the public. Do take advantage of the guided tours. They are so helpful pointing out the various plants and their associated remedies. There are numerous out houses specializing in ferns and other fragile plants etc. There is a cafe on site but the prices are on par with the Chelsea locality, which means rather expensive! Additionally, there are limited seasonal opening times which does restrict access to the gardens. read more

Somewhere along the Thames is a little garden that is hundreds of years old. Founded in the 1600s, the Chelsea Physic Garden is the oldest public garden in London. Tucked away behind tall brick walls with little signage, the grounds are verdant, filled with plants and trees, healing, edible and not, from all over the world. Just walking around the garden reading signs is a full educational experience. There is a little cafe on the grounds that serves fresh salads from the garden as well as coffees, cakes and other snacks. I didn't get the chance to actually nibble anything there as it was full the day I visited, but the kitchen did smell lovely! The entire garden survives on the money made at the shop, the ticket price at the door and donations from the surrounding community. Chelsea is world-renowned for it's flower festivals and it is no surprise that this garden has thrived for more than 300 years on community spirit. Over the past centuries, the garden has evolved from pharmaceutical to a teaching garden; housing an entire classroom for students to learn about plants and giving garden tours every half hour daily. The little shop sells seeds from some of the flowers in the garden, and not to worry Canadian travelers, if you buy any seeds you can bring them home. Chelsea Physic Garden is a lovely spot to wander around for the day, have a latte and learn about cork trees and opium poppy's or to just watch the flowers bloom. T. read more

Hidden gem in Chelsea, these beautiful gardens are a must see on a sunny day. Freedom to walk through the the gardens, lay amongst the foliage with a book or grab a free tour and learn about the plants and history of one of the oldest if not the oldest botanical gardens of London. Established in 1673 for training apothecaries it's full of various plants and beautiful greenhouses. There is also an excellent restaurant/cafe serving amazing food and of course, wines! Spent the whole day there. Wonderful secret and private oasis away from the hustle of the city. Entry is £10.50, you can also pay to become a member which grants you free entry. Love it here. read more

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Established in 1673, this is the second oldest botanic garden in England. Stepping into it, away from the noise of the city, is like transporting yourself to the countryside in the space of a few seconds. It boasts both the largest olive tree in Britain and the world's northern-most outdoor grapefruit tree, in addition to a an amazing collection of plants that are nourished in a carefully maintained microclimate. Gravel pathways dotted with statuary and ponds meander through the beautifully kept gardens. If you're in need of a peaceful place to meditate on a warm, sunny day you won't find a better place than this. read more

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Absolutely beautiful and quaint gardens tucked away out of sight. Delightful tea in the afternoon on the grounds. So interesting to see all the plants used for medicinal or functional purposes in our daily lives. read more

My partner and I trekked here last weekend to see the snowdrops, which are apparently the first sign of spring - they're the first flowers of the season to bloom, and they're gorgeous. The garden had them hanging up in moss balls so they were at eye level, which was a really nice touch. It was a bit cold and most things hadn't yet bloomed, but I can really see the potential of this place, and would love to come back when it's a better time of year to see it. The "edible garden" section, with information about different plants and their uses in food was particularly interesting. We also stopped in the cafe for a quick bite - a very limited and fairly expensive menu for savoury food, but the cakes we had for a light bite were delicious (and they had one of my favourites, a polenta cake - yum!) read more

Not much to add to the other reviews but I visited this as a student. A secret garden. The thing that fascinated me was the underfloor heating system. Very advanced for its time although the Romans did it. (What did the Romans ever do for us?) One of the staff also told me that the Bach Flower Remedies had something to do with the place originally. Can't verify it. It is however a tranquil and peaceful place to get away from the rush of London life. read more

This is one of London's hidden gems. It is only open to the public over weekends during summer and for 2 'Snowdrop' weekends in January during the middle of winter. It is located in Chelsea, on the Thames river bank and is kept behind high walls. London's second oldest botanical garden was first developed as an herbal remedy garden to be used by the doctor's in the nearby Chelsea hospital school. It has been kept going and is still used to teach children and students about the healing and other properties of plants. It has an huge array of plants from around the world with details on the properties of them all. There are special classes and guided walks that are very interesting. The tea garden makes delicious scones! Although not free, it is moderately priced and certainly worth a visit! read more

Situated in Chelsea, London apparently it claims to be a 'Secret Garden'. Founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, it continues to research the properties, origins and conservation of over 5000 plant species. The Garden is open to the public from midday on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Bank Holidays until 30th October. There's often money off vouchers to be found online, so print these off before visiting, will save you £2 on the entry fee, which is normally £8. It is worth booking a table for lunch or afternoon tea. Note: best to avoid peak times as service can be terribly slow, but once you do get served it is well worth the wait and reasonably priced. Homemade food is delicious in particular the cakes. read more

Not to impressed today, they have a group booking ok fine, sign on the cafe door says closed 10-11:15 and 12:30-2:30, that's clear for all but no you can't sit inside because they have a group booking, pointed out what the sign said and the rude man said "I didn't write the sign" I said it should be taken down he just walked past me as if he didn't hear, misrepresenting your business, not good read more

Chelsea Physic Garden - Sign not right but still up - Botanical Gardens Near Me - London, XGL

very beautiful place. Thanks to some gift card that I won on this site https://bit.ly/3cddmCb and I will share it with you.

I found this place just before visiting London and It was truly one of the highlights of the trip. It's sure to please anyone; adventure, fun, unique, a little nerdy. I knew this was either going to be really fun or a complete waste once my cousins (locals) told me they may or may not have heard of it. The outside is surrounded by an old brick wall, once I entered I thought I reached narnia. There are so many botanicals and medicinal plants each with an amazing story or real world application. Take the tour, it's really informative and makes sense of everything you're seeing. There's everything from marijuana to mulberry growing here! It's right on the river but a little tough to get to. No worries, just take the public transportation (tube) and enjoy the walk; plenty along the way from the giant golden Buddha, other museums, cricket pitches and one of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants. Don't miss this! read more

Really nice relaxing day trip. I loved how the garden was divided into each type of medical usage. The little history cards were really interesting and the cute greenhouses were fantastic! It's nice to be able to walk around the whole garden and not be overwhelmed. The garden is a little awkward to get to, but it only enhances the garden's old world charm. If you go, buy your ticket via lastminute.com as you can get it half price! read more

This was well worth special trip we made to get over to this location to see this early botanical garden. The fact that it was associated with Hans Sloane of British Museum. As far as I can determine the same Sloane whose collection of manuscripts in the British Museum are where many of the most famous occult grimoires are now being translated from, just added to the synchronicity of the day. There is a statute of him in the garden itself. read more

this is my secret garden and my place for escape in London. If you dont have a membership it costs 8 pounds to enter, but it is worth it (so is a membership if you live in the area). The cafe is open in the summer on select days and the food is incredible. There are over 4000 plant specimens in the garden and it is one of the largest collection of medicinal plants (apothecary) in the world. Its a favorite for sure. read more

So cool! I had book marked it and forgot about it until we stumbled on it today during a walk. You do have to pay to come in, I think it's 10 pounds. The graden is filled with plants and flowers that are used for medicinal purposes. There are explanations or you can take a guided tour. There is a cafe bt we didn't eat there. I'm sure it makes for a lovely wedding venue. I've been to quiter parks but I'm glad I came here! read more

When I lived in Chelsea for an incredibly brief stint, I managed to make it over to the Chelsea Physic Garden for a stroll one sunny afternoon in late spring. It is a perfect place for a late spring sunny afternoon stroll, especially if you can get there on a weekday when it's not so crowded. I'm hoping to make it back. It's a great idea when you don't have anything else to do. read more

Like the beautiful Holland Park this place deserves accolades like 'hidden gem', 'London's best kept secret', 'secret garden' etc. It's a superb place for anyone to visit. Its especially good this time of year. The garden itself has an amazing artificially created atmosphere where it feels intensely humid as you get near to river end. The best way to visit this garden is to take a picnic as outside the restaurant there is a large expansive lawn, great especially when it's dry and sunny when you can throw a blanket on the ground and forget your all your troubles in one of the most beautiful gardens in London. Value for money this place deserves 10 out of 10. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, you can also hire a speakerphone device similar to the ones galleries use, so that as you walk round to each exhibit you can be filled in with all the necessary information. Along with Holland Park this is definitely one of the top 10 places you should visit whilst in London. Unmissable. read more

I thought it would be quiet but unfortunately there was some kind of private christening function and the restaurant was noisy and kids screaming. It was so busy that when you tried to take photos, there were loads of people in the way. I wouldn't recommend going if there is a weekend function on. Otherwise it was superb. Wonderful amusing talk by a lady guide. Loved the historical snippets. Loved to see the ginko tree and mulberry, which reminded me of my childhood. A waiter service would have been better to avoid a large queue, so I would blame the organisers for that, it was not far on the staff as they had to put up with rude customers. They were very helpful and pleasant under difficult circumstances. I bet they were glad when the day was over! The organisers didn't display any Tipping box and I wonder why, considering they were so busy and staff very good. You may see the odd model or famous footballer there. read more

Not many people know about this place. Its one of the rare places people visit. It is only open to the public on weekends. It has a lot of different medicinal and food plants. Besides that it also has lovely flower beds and lot of other plants that I have no idea what they are. The only thing I can tell you that its pretty. Its a good place to spend an afternoon if you have nothing planned. You can have tea and cakes in the cafe and then wonder into the gift shop which sells lots of books and gifts. The entry fee is not too bad considering you can spend a whole day there. Its definately worth a visit. read more

4 acres or so of green garden space in central chelsea - a real secret to be sure and full of interest and sometimes astonishing information about the world of plants and their important contribution to medicine. open on limited days, its worth waiting for one of the regular guided tours to tell you more about the garden and the amazing range of specimens and their history. For me one of the bset things about this place is the lunch - an amzing selection of food that wouldn't be out of place in some top quality restaurants, tasty, gorgeous and simply presented and all the people there are friendly and its all totally unpretentious. Worth a visit but check out the website first to make sure you don't call by on a 'closed' day. Enjoy! read more

This garden was founded in 1673 and is considered to be one of the oldest in Europe.One of the highlights of the garden is Englands oldest rock and the largest fruit-bearing olive tree in Great Britain. read more

A hidden gem in London. Highly recommended place to go if you want to snatch some peace and quiet in the middle of the city. And it goes without saying that the gardens are beautifully kept and stacked with interesting plants. read more

In the middle of Chelsea you will find this really peaceful and interesting garden. If your into physic plants (ones historically used for healing) or even if you're not you will like this place. Take the tour around the grounds which runs every hour or so. Go on a nice day, take a partner, have a picnic on the grass and the tea rooms do amazing food as you'd expect. read more