London Open Gardens Weekend

One of my favourite weekends of the entire year is nearly upon us- London Open Gardens Weekend. Taking place on 6–7 June, it’s a city‑wide celebration of London’s green spaces.

I’ve been going for years, and what I love most is the sheer variety: neat Georgian squares, community‑run gardens, rooftop terraces, and even gardens made famous in movies. The maps are organised by area, which makes planning super easy, and there’s genuinely something in every borough.

Now in its 27th year, London Open Gardens is run by London Parks & Gardens, a small charity dedicated to protecting and celebrating the capital’s green spaces. Their work documents these landscapes, champions their value, and highlights the pressures they face — from shrinking budgets to the realities of climate change.

Over one June weekend, 120 gardens take part. With only 18% of London’s green spaces open to everyone, London Open Gardens is all about revealing the city’s gardens and hidden gems. While the weekend includes usually locked residential squares, exclusive rooftops or other spaces only open this weekend; it also takes place across many spaces that are open throughout the year.

One of this year’s highlights is 25 Cannon Street, an exclusive rooftop garden overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral. We visited this week and loved taking in the sweeping views of St Paul’s and the London skyline. This stunning 7,000‑sq‑ft rooftop garden is a serene, contemporary space. It’s functional, with wooden seating and tables, yet firmly rooted in sustainability — it’s even home to bees. The herbaceous borders create a calm atmosphere, punctuated by pops of purple, pink and blue flowers. Set against the steel and glass towers of the City, it’s a striking example of how thoughtful landscape design can transform corporate rooftops into tranquil, biodiverse spaces that connect people with nature in the heart of London.

What I love most about London Open Gardens is that it isn’t just about pretty spaces. It’s about the people who care for them, the communities who fight for them, and the creativity that keeps them thriving. It’s a celebration, but also a reminder of how vital these green pockets are to the city.