Open Garden Squares Weekend: The Royal College of Physicians' Medicinal Garden

As the oldest medical college in England, the Royal College of Physicians (founded by royal charter in 1518) has one of the most impressive and fascinating medicinal gardens in the country. Opened in 1965 and replanted in 2005, it contains some 1,300 plants, each used in some way as medicine somewhere in the world over the past 3,000 years. A tour of the garden will reveal plants used as anaesthetics and botanicals that fight leukaemia, cancer and intestinal worms, as well as those used in illegal drugs and hallucinogens. Inside, the college museum collection is packed with books, manuscripts, portraits, silver and medical artefacts. Tours run throughout the day. Drinks and snacks are available. Open Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm.