Chelsea Physic Garden

Emma

7 months ago

I was hoping to visit the snowdrop trail as I visit every year, however this year it closed a little earlier in the year as the garden opened the dash of lavender trail. The garden always has some useful facts about history and social views of the times which I enjoy. The garden has been updated with some information around how virus's are tracked and treated, as well as the usual information on plants used in anaesthesia and medicine. You will find locals as well as visitors here, giving a nice mix of what London is. When you visit the green house, ensure you go through the doors to the tropical plants area as people sometimes miss this thinking that they can't enter. I'd say if there is a door without something placed in front of it that is unlocked, you are permitted to enter. If staff are cleaning areas, they will occlude entry with a large plant or lock doors. I tend to spend around 60-90 minutes around the garden, a little longer in Spring & Summer as there is more to see in the garden plants wise, however the flip side is that you get to enjoy the cafe a little more in Winter and see some of the wildlife hiding in the bushes and tress as it is less busy. Weekdays before lunchtime seem to always be a little less busy whatever the time of year, it's nice to sit with a hot coffee and enjoy some quiet time. The staff are friendly and will share some insights about plants if you ask them. The cafe has a small menu, but the food is always tasty and caters to hot, cold and allergy status. In Summer I remember they had fantastic salads, in Winter they do soups, hotpot and shepherds pie - real British comfort food (not sure why there is rice with the hotpot, but I ate it nonetheless).

Amanda Murray

a month ago

This garden is an oasis of calm in London. We went on a very hot day and there were plenty of shaded spots to sit and relax and admire the view. There is a great tour as well, the volunteer (Jane) told us some very interesting facts about the history of the garden and medicinal use of plants both now and in the past. Lovely cafe as well.

Lucy Brook

4 weeks ago

Went as community group so didn't pay entry cost. Probably wouldn't have visited otherwise as even at concession price is a little much but is worth a visit being the oldest botanical garden in London. It has lovely tranquil gardens with plenty of benches and shady spots. However there was several areas bare with labels and no plants. Cafe is mainly pricey but the tap water infused with fruit is nice. Shop has some lovely items inculding seeds.

maria martin

5 months ago

Gem! The Chelsea Physic Garden was established as the Apothecaries' Garden in London, England, in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries to grow plants to be used as medicines. Oldest botanical gardens in Britain, after the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. Its rock garden is the oldest in Europe devoted to alpine plants and Mediterranean plants. The largest fruiting olive tree in Britain is there. Worth to visit in warmer season! Very pretty, small and unique. Always something for kids on weekends. Free garden tours running every day by volunteers! Enjoyable experience.

Grace M

3 months ago

One of London's not so hidden gems . Been meaning to visit here for years & it was as delightful as I hoped it would be. We had a nice lunch at the restaurant on site , then had a guided tour with one of the volunteer guides who shared lots of interesting stories that really made it above average. Definitely recommend having a guided tour when exploring the garden to get the best out of your visit.