When thinking about the capital’s beautiful botanic gardens (which I’m sure many of us spend plenty of time doing, right?); Kew Gardens is probably the first that springs to mind. But did you know that London’s oldest botanic garden is actually tucked away somewhere even fancier than Kew. Yes, folks – there is such a place.
Chelsea Physic Garden was established as the very first botanic garden in London back in 1673. Created originally by the Worship Society of Apothecaries of London as an outdoor classroom for their apprentices to learn about all things plant-related; Chelsea Physic Garden is tucked away over in – you guessed it – Chelsea, and has been connecting people and plants for over 350 years. And it doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Chelsea Physic Garden
Chelsea Physic Garden is now home to over 4,500 medicinal, edible and useful plants. In fact, it’s the only botanic garden collection in the world that focuses entirely on medicinal and herbal plants. Visitors to the garden can have a wander through the historic glasshouses, discover garden’s impressive plant collection, or simply relax and indulge in the four-acres worth of glorious green space in the heart of London.
The garden boasts high brick walls that trap in the heat, giving it a warm micro-climate for the plant-life to thrive. Chelsea Physic Garden continues to be a teaching garden to this very day, striving to instill its core values of discovery, learning and wellbeing to each of its visitors. The space contributes significantly to the capital’s biodiversity and offers a truly serene spot, slap-bang in the middle of the city, for Londoners to connect with nature, and have an un be-leaf-ably lovely time.
Chelsea Physic Garden is open Sundays-Fridays from 11am-5pm. Find out more and plan your visit here.
📍 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS.
🚇 Nearest station is Sloane Square.
