Gardens · LONDON GARDEN TOURS
The 15 best london garden tours you can book today, with the gate price, how long it runs and the month it is actually worth seeing. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Walk at your own pace through London’s 326-acre Royal Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Palm House, Temperate House, Queen’s Garden, rare plants, and the Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway. You can also join a free guided walk, ride the tram, or stop at a café.
“We love the treetop view and just the natural beauty that surrounded us as we toured the gardens. It was like getting a hug from nature!”
Meet your guide at Queensway Station for a two-hour walk through Kensington Gardens, passing the Italian Gardens and Round Pond while hearing royal stories and park history. Finish with afternoon tea at the Orangery, including sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, jam, cakes, and hot tea. Guides may include Doug, Paul, Paddy, Barbara, or Simon. Palace entry costs extra unless selected.
“On a rainy day in February, it was a lovely, relaxing, and educational experience. I learned a lot from my guide Barbara. She was very knowledgeable and even provided information to help make the rest of my trip easier. Barbara was an excellent tour guide and I enjoyed my time with her. The orangey was a beautiful tea room and the server was very attentive. The vanilla chai tea was perfect on a rainy day.”
Meet your English-speaking guide outside Queensway Station for a one-hour walk through Kensington Palace Gardens. Hear stories about Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, Princess Diana, and other royals before afternoon tea in the Orangery, with sandwiches, scones, cakes, and tea. Palace entry and sparkling wine depend on the option you choose.
“Cost of the tour was a bit high but overall the guide, Dave (I believe) was very informative and a nice person.”
Visit Sky Garden early, before the main daytime crowds arrive. You will ride up the Walkie-Talkie building, stroll through its indoor gardens, enjoy one pastry and hot drink, and see the Shard, Tower Bridge, and Tower of London from above. A multilingual audio guide app lets you continue sightseeing around London afterward.
“Very nice morning experience at Sky Garden. Early access gives you a better feel about Sky Garden with less visitors around and a nice small breakfast snack. Definitely recommended”
Meet your guide near Hyde Park, hear stories of Diana, Queen Victoria, and the modern royal family, and stroll through Kensington Gardens to the Orangery. Choose the palace upgrade for timed entry, State Apartments, exhibits, and an audio tour. Finish with sandwiches, cakes, pastries, scones, and a choice of English teas.
“Our guide, Mike, was informative and very professional. We enjoyed talking with the group over tea; it was a fantastic experience.”
Join a small group of up to 15 for a guided walk from Queensway through Kensington Gardens, past the Italian Gardens, Peter Pan statue, Round Pond, and Diana statue. Finish with afternoon tea at the Orangery, including sandwiches, scones, cakes, tea, and an added luxury drink. Palace entry depends on the option booked.
“Paul met my coworker and I exactly at the prescribed place and time. He was exceeding knowledgeable and just threw in just a bit of lovely comedic relief on an extremely rainy and windy walk through the gardens as to make us enjoy it immensely. He even offered me his umbrella when mine broke in the wind - what a gentleman! The pond with the swans and the statue of Princess Diana were some of our favorite parts, along with all of the history we learned. When we got to the Orangery, he made sure we were warm and settled at one of the best tables. Tea there was perfect.…”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Hilton Hyde Park, walk through Kensington Gardens, view the Sunken Garden and Princess Diana’s statue, then enjoy sandwiches, cakes, and a choice of up to 10 teas at the Orangery. Upgrade for timed entry to Kensington Palace and its State Apartments.
“Tea at the Orangery was fabulous. Loved the tour. Our guide was very helpful.”
Start near St. Paul’s Cathedral and follow a private guide through 25 small gardens, churchyards, ruins, and old lanes in the City of London. Stephen and Kevin are noted guides, with stories ranging from Roman London and the Great Fire to Samuel Pepys, Shakespeare, and Postman’s Park. Hotel pickup is offered, though local transport is extra.
“This was a fantastic tour. Enjoyed every minute of it. Our tour guide, Kevin, told us so many bits of history you never hear about. We recommend this tour.”
Explore Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, the Italian Gardens, Round Pond, and Diana’s statue with a private guide such as Doug, Astrid, or Barbara Ann. Finish with sandwiches, scones, cakes, tea, and a choice of sparkling wine or a cocktail at the Orangery. Palace entry is optional.
“We didn’t go with our guide because we already had tickets to Kensington Palace so we just walked over to the Orangery for our high tea experience. Barbara (High Tea tour guide) came over and introduced herself and explained the high tea experience to us, she was so friendly. Thank you !”
Visit Eltham Palace and Gardens with an English Heritage entry ticket. See the Courtaulds’ Art Deco home, medieval great hall, Virginia’s wardrobe, formal gardens, working bridge, resident horses, and travel-themed play area. Your ticket is valid for one day, with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.
“The history of the place was nice however there wasn't much to see.”
Spend about six and a half hours with a private English-speaking guide, traveling by electric London cab between Sir John Soane's Museum, Lincoln's Inn Fields, the Inns of Court, and Chelsea Physic Garden. The tour includes admissions, coffee, and high tea, with a maximum of five people.
“We all felt like there was more walking than gardens but we enjoyed the gardens we saw. Tea at Kensington Palace was delightful and the gardens at Kensington Palace very pretty!”
Start at Larch, opposite Sky Garden, for a main breakfast dish, pastry or muffin, tea, and coffee. Then use your same-day ticket to enter London’s highest public gardens for one hour. Bring headphones for the multilingual audio guide, and allow time for security and a bag search.
“The included breakfast was wonderful and had options to accommodate all tastes/preferences. The staff was very friendly and table setting was nice and comfy. I went on a hazy/rainy day but the experience and views were still very lovely. Would definitely return on this offer.”
Start at the Ritz London for a three-hour guided walk past Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, and Parliament. On 10am tours held Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday, you may see the Changing of the Guard. Then travel independently to Kew Gardens with your pre-booked entry ticket.
“Amazing experience with Benedict, my 9 years daughter har an amazing time. Benedict was very kind answering all her curious questions.”
Spend a full day with a private English-speaking guide exploring London’s smaller green spaces, from Covent Garden and Temple to the Garden Museum and Chelsea Physic Garden. Admissions, black-cab transport, and high tea are included. Expect a relaxed but fairly active walking day, with garden lovers and flower fans especially well served.
“It was a birthday present and the two recipients ad a very good time”
Start at The Ritz London for a three-hour guided walk through Green Park, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Parliament Square, and Westminster Abbey. On select mornings, you may see the Changing of the Guard. Then travel independently to Kew Gardens, where your included ticket allows about two hours to explore at your own pace. Groups are limited to 15.
“Brandon is very knowledgeable, fun and well-organized. The tour was well paced, entertaining for a diverse audience and encouraged participation.”
By what is planted, or by the country that plants it.
