London can be a hectic place, and sometimes you need to step away from the noise to find a pocket of calm. Luckily, South East London has some glorious gardens that offer just that. From the historic grandeur of Lambeth Palace Garden to the Victorian charm of Red Cross Garden in Borough, there are plenty of places where history, planting, and community spirit come together. Walworth Garden is alive with tropical planting and community-led projects. At the same time, the Flower Garden at Kennington Park is a romantic retreat with a pond, pergola, and sundial at its heart. And in Lewisham, the St Mary’s Therapeutic Garden brings wellbeing and horticulture together in a space designed to support the local community. Each of these gardens has its own story to tell, but all share the gift of slowing you down and giving you space to breathe.
Lambeth Palace Garden
Tucked behind Lambeth Palace, Archbishop’s Park is a green surprise in the heart of the city. Covering over 10 acres, they are among the oldest cultivated gardens in London, first laid out in 1197. Open to the public on selected days from May to September, the grounds include a rose terrace, chapel garden, woodland planting, and a historic White Marseilles fig tree dating back to 1556. There are also beehives, wildflower meadows, and formal lawns, with entry fees supporting local charities. Visiting on an open day feels like stepping into a hidden world of history and horticulture, with the bonus of glimpsing one of London’s most significant landmarks. Read my Lambeth Palace Garden review.
Address: Lambeth Road, London SE1 7LE
Nearest Station: Lambeth North (Bakerloo line)
Website: Lambeth Palace Garden
Red Cross Garden
Red Cross Garden is a hidden gem in Borough, Southwark. Established in the late 19th century as part of a social housing initiative, it now offers a peaceful sanctuary filled with flowerbeds, a small pond, and benches tucked away in cosy corners where visitors can escape the city’s hustle. The garden feels well-loved and maintained, with a sense of history evident in its design. Read my Red Cross Garden review.
Address: Redcross Way, London SE1 1HA
Nearest Station: Borough (Northern line)
Website: Redcross Garden
Walworth Garden
Walworth Garden is a hidden treasure near Elephant and Castle in Southwark, blending a beautifully cultivated garden with a vibrant community spirit. It’s home to an impressive variety of flowers, shrubs, and tropical plants, creating a lush space that feels worlds away from the busy streets outside. The garden also functions as an educational charity, providing horticultural training and volunteering opportunities, so there’s always a sense of people working in harmony with nature. It’s also a garden centre, so you can purchase plants. With wildlife-friendly planting, seasonal colour, and quiet spots to sit, it’s the kind of place that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the natural world.
Address: 206 Manor Place, London SE17 3BN
Nearest Station: Elephant and Castle (Northern, Bakerloo lines and National Rail)
Website: Walworth Garden
Kennington Park Flower Garden
Established in 1931 and restored in 2015, the Flower Garden at Kennington Park in Lambeth is a beautifully maintained space featuring a sunken pond, winding paths, and a pergola draped with climbing plants. The borders burst with seasonal displays, while a hand-carved Welsh slate sundial provides a historic focal point. Surrounded by benches and shaded areas under the pergola, it offers a romantic and timeless retreat to relax and find peace in London. Read my Flower Garden at Kennington Park review.
Address: Kennington Park, Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4BE
Nearest Station: Kennington (Northern line)
Website: Kennington Park
St Mary’s Therapeutic Garden
Behind St Mary the Virgin Church in Lewisham, you’ll find the St Mary’s Therapeutic Garden, a tranquil and restorative spot established in 2017. It aims to improve wellbeing through nature, featuring perennial beds, wildflowers, an orchard, and raised vegetable beds. Volunteers care for the garden, and there are weekly sessions if you’d like to get involved. Even if you’re passing by, it’s a lovely place to pause and enjoy a moment of calm. It’s near Ladywell Fields.
Address: 346 Lewisham High Street, London SE13 6LE
Nearest Station: Lewisham (National Rail, DLR) or Ladywell (National Rail)
Website: St Mary’s Therapeutic Garden
Calm Gardens In London
Visiting gardens like these is more than just a way to enjoy beautiful planting or historic landscapes; they remind us how essential green spaces are in a city like London. They offer places to walk, rest, or reflect, and connect us to the seasons in ways that busy streets never can. They encourage wildlife, improve air quality, and provide moments of mindfulness in our daily lives. Whether you’re wandering through a restored Victorian garden, sitting quietly by a pond, or joining a local volunteering session, these spaces demonstrate how nature can enrich urban living. So, next time you’re looking for stunning gardens to visit in South East London, make time for one of these special places; you’ll leave feeling calmer, lighter, and more connected.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.