Best Botanical Garden in Hackney

"Amazing Kew Gardens in the southwest neighbourhood of Kew is one of London’s most picturesque parks; 132 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses that that house the world’s most diverse collection of living plants. Kew Gardens was founded in 1840 and is today London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with beautiful glasshouses, including the iconic Palm House and its exotic rainforest. There’s a magical children’s garden, the fantastic Treetop Walkway that soars into the tree canopy at a height of 18 metres, and Kew Palace, the former summer residence of King George III."

"After lunch we stopped at Kew Palace, a 17th century building that was the summer home of King George III in the 18th century. It’s actually the oldest building in Kew Gardens and it has been turned into a museum showcasing the history and bringing to life King George and his wife Queen Charlotte and their 15 children’s lives in the palace over the three levels. There is a perfectly manicured garden out the back which gives a stunning view."

"The King George III summer home, Kew Palace is one of London’s lesser-known royal residences and is the oldest building in the Gardens, built in 1631 for a Flemish merchant, Samuel Fortrey."

"This small Victorian woodland plantation was planted in the 1830s, but not opened to the public until 1953. It’s famed for its evergreen azaleas, which are best viewed in late April or early May. The garden includes the National Collection of Wilson 50 Kurume Azaleas, as well as other rare and unusual shrubs and trees."

"Established in the second half of the seventeenth century by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, the Chelsea Physic Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in England. Included among the London Museums of Health and Medicine, this botanical garden has some unique features attracting tourists interested in botany. Noteworthy mentions are Britain’s largest fruiting olive tree and the world’s most northern grapefruit that grows outdoors."

"Alternatives: There are many other things to see in the area (mostly in Chelsea), including the Chelsea Physic Garden (fee*), Leighton House Museum (fee), Design Museum, Portobello Road Market, Chelsea Football Club Stadium Tour & Museum (fee*), and the recently renovated National Army Museum. London Itinerary Day 6 – Greenwich or Free Day"

"Fulham Palace is a site dedicated to tracing its own history. Items found on the palace's grounds date all the way back to prehistoric times; the archaeological finds are part of the museum's impressive collection of artifacts and objects. The site has been a residence of the Bishops of London since 704 and played a major role as a hospital during World War I and a refugee spot during World War II."

"A beautiful open garden, glasshouses, flowers in bloom, and brick walls, all in a place less visited by tourists which make for one great location for a photo shoot or a private event. And if you’re looking for some diversity, just walk a few steps out of Fulham Palaceand you’re right on the shore of river Thames."

"The Davies Alpine House is a somewhat different greenhouse, it is quite long (16m) and high (10m) and was designed to provide ideal conditions, fresh with natural wind for the best conditions the mountain plants. The collection features a wide range of campanulas, dianthus, small ferns, helichrysum, small lavenders, primulas, saxifrage, thymus, tulips and verbascums along with lesser known species."

"Many of the plants at Kew couldn't survive in Britain's grey, damp climate. The Davies Alpine House supports those that thrive in dry, cool, windy conditions of mountainous areas such as succulents and campanulas,"

"Lose yourself amongst the stone pines, olive trees, and cypresses of this typical Mediterranean landscape. The King William's Temple stands in the middle of the garden, lending a sense of grandeur to the vibrant landscape."

"Gardens emerge in the unlikeliest of places, including this tropical beauty atop a railway station. Crossrail hasn’t quite reached Canary Wharf yet, but this stunning spot is open for business—as is the adjacent street food hall!. COVID-19 UPDATE: Crossrail Place Roof Garden is open 8am-9pm daily."

"The spa at the Mandarin Oriental in Hyde Park underwent a multi-million pound refurb before reopening in 2018, and is now arguably London’s most luxurious. Fancy features include an amethyst crystal steam room, 17-metre twin lane swimming pool, vitality pool and samarium, alongside 13 treatment rooms and the Oriental Suite, complete with an impressive Rasul water temple - a tiled steam room used for heat and mud therapies - that’s perfect for indulgent couples therapies. Be sure to arrive 45 minutes ahead of your appointment to enjoy full use of the facilities."

"Originally built in 1889 as an exclusive gentleman’s club, the building was opened as a grand hotel in 1902 and extensively refurbished in 2000. The Mandarin Group has hotel across the globe and their London residence is situated in fashionable Knightsbridge, overlooking Hyde Park. The hotel has 141 rooms, 40 suites and 3 restaurants and over the years has played host to a number of events involving royalty and celebrity guests."

"Perfectly perched between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, this glamorous hotel features opulent rooms, suites and a world-renowned spa. For added gastronomic delight, the hotel is home to the exclusive Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, which has two Michelin stars. The hotel has recently undergone a massive refurbishment making it more luxe than ever."

"A post shared by Pompi (@pompi.uk) on Nov 18, 2019 at 1:44am PST. 'Il Regno del Tiramisù', it says in curlicued letters across Pompi's logo: 'King of Tiramisù'. A bit boastful, and 100% accurate."

"Although it only opened in 1982, the Barbican is regarded as a home of London arts, showcasing the best in dance, film, music, theatre and visual arts. When the building first opened, it was labelled a “concrete pyramid” due to its looks, but was renovated with statues and decorations to look prettier and stand out from buildings around it. See a show at the Barbican"

"The Barbican is Europe’s largest performing arts centre, located right in the City of London. Its Brutalist styled architecture offers lots of opportunities to take some unique photos, like the one below by Chris Martin Scholl. Make sure to plan enough time to explore all the hidden corners of this fascinating landmark."