Natural London: five gardens to enjoy some calm in the city

Popular and sprawling, Hampstead Heath isn’t necessarily the perfect spot for some secluded alone time. Instead, visit this surprising remnant of faded grandeur on the West Heath where you’ll be able to truly find some pleasure. There are impressive gardens overgrown with vines and wisteria, but it’s the raised walkway with its overhanging canopy that makes this spot magical, spiriting you away from everyday life. Soak up the stunning views of the Heath and Hampstead Hill Gardens, indulge in a sweet treat (Galaxy® wholeheartedly recommended) and let yourself relax.

Stumbling onto Oxford Street to find yourself swept up in a sea of tourists, shoppers and fellow sweaty busybodies is the perfect moment to choose pleasure instead of stress. Make your way just south of Bond Street Station where you’ll find a spot of calm in the shape of Brown Hart Gardens. This raised terraced garden is home to pockets of plant life amid benches and a cute café if you’re feeling parched. A real gem in the midst of London’s most hectic shopping area.

Canary Wharf isn’t more than the concrete jungle that it’s ultra-modern tube station and skyscrapers suggest. It now also boasts one of London’s dreamiest spaces: the Crossrail Place Roof Garden. Built above what’s soon to be Canary Wharf’s stop on the Elizabeth Line, this indoor park is thrillingly futuristic, with a latticed timber roof that opens at the centre to let the light in. The greenery is wonderfully overgrown and the polar opposite of the office blocks that surround it.

Flanked by the hipster paradises of London Fields and Victoria Park, it’s Dalston’s Eastern Curve Garden that offers a much-needed shot of tranquillity when you’re keen to escape the heave of the hectic junction. Step through the green wooden door and breathe deep, grab one of the benches dotted in and amongst the shrubbery and a cuppa from the cafe to take some much needed you-time.

You might have hit up Brockwell Park for the Lambeth Country Show or this year’s Field Day festival but scout around on a regular weekend and spend some time in the hidden garden near the western edge of the park. Once the kitchen garden for Brockwell Hall, this enchanting but overlooked spot is vibrant with plants, flowers and secluded benches - a reminder that even in middle of London’s chaos there’s still serenity to be found.