If you’re going to be in London the first week of June, you’re in for a treat. London has many private gardens and squares that are closed off to the public. One weekend a year, they’re opened up for the public to explore in Open Garden Squares Weekend.
Here are the details:
Open Garden Squares Weekend
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June 2013, London, United Kingdom
Over 200 private, hidden, unusual and little known gardens open to the public across 27 London boroughs to raise awareness and appreciation of the capital’s urban, green space network. Presented by the London Parks & Gardens Trust in association with The National Trust. Over 200 gardens typically take part including hidden places like the minimalist Zen Garden at The Hempel Hotel, Little Abbey near Westminster Abbey, the Royal College of Physicians’ medicinal garden and the garden at 10 Downing Street. With art installations, musical performances, Punch and Judy shows there will be lots of activities for everyone to take part including pop-up bar The Gin Garden popping up in Arlington Square, serving gin-based cocktails complimented by herbs and flowers grown in the square and Edible Walks in The City of London.
- Advance weekend ticket: £10 (including fees/p&p) available from www.opensquares.org or City Information Centre (CIC) at St Pauls.
- Ticket bought over the Weekend: £12
- Children under 12: Free admission
- National Trust Members: Half Price tickets (£5 advance/£6)
For more information about Open Garden Squares Weekend and full listings for each participating garden, visit: www.opensquares.org
This is a great opportunity to explore a part of London you may not normally be able to explore.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.