
Not long after moving to London, suffering symptoms of what can only be described as Being Eighteen, I would hop on the tube to St. James’s Park. To observe couples in their 80s sharing a homemade sandwich on a bench; a dinky cottage and smattering of herbs at the edge of the park; the stillness of the water, my eyes absorbing pigments in the flowers rather than pixels on a screen; thoughts in my mind becoming less and less crowded. Since then, the city’s gardens remain the happiest of places and also one of the most romantic (not to mention, free) venues for a date. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth, with your partner a la Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in Notting Hill, a friend, or solo. Despite its nickname, the big smoke is home to enchanting verdant pathways yet to be discovered. Looking for the ideal Valentine’s Day out? I whole-heartedly recommend roaming around these hidden green gems when you get the chance.

St John’s Lodge Garden
Regents Park, known as the ‘jewel in the crown’, is always at the top of people’s recommendations list for visitors, and rightly so. Its central location, expansive space to stroll, historic bandstands, the summer air perfumed with the scent of roses, a zoo if you are so inclined. And yet, it is a little hideaway just off the park’s inner circle I love the most. Part peaceful oasis – this garden was specifically created to be ‘fit for meditation’ in the 19th century – part outdoor art exhibition, there’s something so tender about Unus Safarfiar’s bronze statue, The Awakening, two faces gazing longingly at each other. In loving memory of Anne Lydia Evans, the inscription reads, “who shared the secret of this garden.”
Inner Cir, London NW1 4NR
Chelsea Physic Garden
London’s oldest botanical garden, located just off Kings Road and dating back to 1673, is home to around 5000 medicinal and exotic plants. Perhaps more surprisingly is its rock royalty fanbase. Singer-songwriter and 1960s icon Marianne Faithfull’s idea of a perfect Sunday is spending it under the Chelsea Physic Garden’s ancient elms. Meanwhile her ex-boyfriend, Mick Jagger, rented out the entire garden for his 80th birthday party. Perhaps the two greatest advertisements for healing plants there ever was.
66 Royal Hospital Rd, London, SW3 4HS

Barbican Conservatory
Technically this is more of a giant indoor garden (think a smaller Eden Project) but the Barbican Conservatory — just one tube stop away from The Hoxton, Holborn, and a 10-minute walk from St Paul’s Cathedral — is an urban jungle you simply must experience at least once. I’ve taken a few friends here and adore watching their faces light up in childlike awe at the surrounding tropical treasures, from tree fern to Swiss cheese plant. I’m forever grateful a place like this exists in the city. It is free to enter, but you do have to book a time-slotted ticket prior.
Silk St, London, EC2Y 8DS
The Onion Garden
A five-minute walk away from Buckingham Palace you’ll find this new, and completely unique, wonderland. Brought to life by Danish florist Jens Jakobsen who saw the potential of an empty concrete corner of Westminster, transforming it into a space to inspire and connect those who enter. To delight in, yes, onions (legend goes that Egyptians valued the humble root vegetable like gold), but also mindful words of wisdom decorating pathways, cute ponds, lemon trees, flowers, a cosy greenhouse with blanket-covered nooks to read from the floral-themed library (whilst sipping on a coffee, or Espresso Martini, from the Onion Garden Café). Jakobsen is often milling around, tending to his garden, and is infectiously cheery company.
5 Seaforth Pl, London SW1E 6AB

Kyoto Garden
Last year it felt like every newly married couple on my Instagram feed was honeymooning in Japan. Envy is a real sting, especially if you’re watching people’s adventures from an arguably less adventurous spot: the sofa. My advice is to go outside and venture southwest to the beautifully tranquil Kyoto Garden, situated within the equally charming Holland Park (a short journey from The Hoxton, Shepherd’s Bush). Each feature, from the tiered waterfall, large pond and cherry trees makes for a transportive afternoon jaunt, minus the air mileage.
Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA
Brockwell Park Walled Flower Garden
Jane Austen-style, quintessentially Old English flower garden, scenes more your vibe? Pin this sanctuary nestled inside Brockwell Park. When I was living in Brixton during the pandemic this was a regular hangout of mine to simply detach from societal chaos or gossip (albeit, quietly) on a bench with a girlfriend, whilst admiring the bounty of roses, dahlias and more.
Grab a coffee and a croissant to go at the Blackbird Bakery by Herne Hill station, before meandering through the park nearby.
Brockwell Park Gardens, London SE24 9BN