I was fortunate to be able to visit the Roof Gardens on the National Gardens Open Day. It was a beatiful, sunny day and the gardens were truly splendid as well as offering spectacular views of the London skyline.
They are free to visit and accessible at other times but it’s advisable to check they’re not closed for functions – tel 0207 937 7994. You’ll also need to sign the visitors’ and provide photo ID when you arrive. It’s worth noting that the actual entrance to the building is in Derry Street, just off Kensington High Street, but it’s within easy reach of the tube station and several bus routes serve the area.
The Roof Gardens are on the seventh floor and are accessed by a special lift. There is a restaurant there as well (that’s been reviewed by another member) but my visit was to see the gardens, which have been Grade II listed by English Heritage.
There are three gardens, each with a different character. The English Woodland Garden has its own stream running through, not to mention its resident ducks and flamingos, as well as all the shrubs and plants. Then there is the Spanish Garden, which also offers a draped area with couches to rest on, and lastly the Tudor Garden, complete with lemon and orange trees. It all made for a very memorable visit for me!