Giles Guide: Scenery and Greenery in the City

Even in the heart of the busy and bustling city you can still find amazing spots of serenity and tranquillity. Take a relaxing break from the ever-moving feel of London during your next visit, at one of these incredible green spaces. 

Hampstead Heath 

Over 800 acres of beautiful green scenery with woodlands as well as meadows, this stunning spot is home to some of the most incredible views of the city. This is the park that inspired C.S. Lewis to write the Chronicles of Narnia, and we’re sure you’ll see why when you spend the day exploring and enjoying a picnic taking in the scenery Hampstead Heath has to offer. If you’re up for a more active day out, why not take a refreshing dip in the women’s or men’s only swimming ponds.

Find out more at https://www.hampsteadheath.net/. 

Sky Garden

Standing tall as London’s highest public garden, this unique space provides incredible 360 views of the city’s iconic skyline. Filled with luscious greenery, observation decks and an open air terrace to enjoy on a nice summer day. The exquisitely landscaped gardens were designed by award winning landscape architects, and are created from Mediterranean and South African species. Each plant was chosen to work in harmony with the space to ensure it is full of colour all year round.

Find out more at https://skygarden.london/. 

Garden at 120 

A beautiful rooftop garden which is comprised of four different areas which are made up of a huge amount of different plants including Wisteria Trees, climber plants, blubs, grasses, perennial borders and so much more. Enjoy the continuous walk around the perimeter of the garden offering views of the London skyline in every direction whilst taking in the views of the stunning plants and water feature as you wander. Get a drink on your way up from the Deli on Level 14 to enjoy with your friends or family.

Find out more at https://thegardenat120.com/. 

Isabella Plantation 

Established in the 1830’s, this stunning 40 acre woodland garden is set within a Victorian plantation. Known for its evergreen azaleas, lining the ponds and streams, this garden is one of the most beautiful spots open to the public in London. Take in the views of the gardens filled with extensive collections of thousands colourful flowers and plants as you wander and explore or have a picnic amongst nature and wildlife. The gardens are open all year round and have all the facilities you would need to send the whole day here with the family.

Find out more at https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/richmond-park/isabella-plantation. 

Holland Park

The Royal Borough’s largest park at 54 acres of gardens to wander and filled with activities for all the family, such as children’s play facilities, sports areas, woodlands filled with wildlife to explore. This beautiful park is also home to Kyoto Garden, an incredible Japanese garden donated by the chamber of Commerce of Kyoto in 1991. The gardens are located in the old grounds of Cope Caste which was built in the early 17th Century, but badly damaged during World War Two. Some of the castle was saved and used as a youth hostel and the gardens.

Find out more at https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/parks-leisure-and-culture/parks/holland-park. 

After your relaxing day spent at one of more of these stunning spaces, return back to the St Giles London hotel for a delicious dinner at the Cucina restaurant before heading to the comfort of your room. Enjoy great savings with up to 20% off your stay in one of our newly refurbished rooms when you book directly through our website with the promo code SGNT. We look forward to welcoming you!