Best Botanical Garden in London Paddington

"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."

"The botanic gardens at Kew, in Richmond, were first opened to the public in 1840 after the royal family established the gardens initially and started to bring plants from overseas from 1759. Because of the royal family’s continued interest in Richmond, the areas of Kew and Richmond became one of the most fashionable places to live, especially in the 18th century. Today, Kew Gardens focuses on plant and fungi research whilst housing the largest collection of plants in the world."

"Plant Houses Nos. 7 to 14b inclusive were collectively known as the "T" Range because of their T-shaped plan. The extant Aroid House (now the Nash Conservatory) was designated Plant House No. 1 and the Water Lily House was Plant House No. 15."

"One of London’s Historic Royal Palaces, Kew Palace is located within the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s not open in the winter months, but in the spring and summer, it’s worth entering this intimate royal family retreat. You can also access The Great Pagoda and climb its 235 steps for stunning views across London."

"Full of rare and unusual trees and shrubs, the Isabella Plantation is a beautiful spot set in the depths of Richmond Park. It’s a green space for most of the year, but in April & May, the azaleas bloom and Isabella Plantation becomes a perfect pink paradise. COVID-19 UPDATE: Isabella Plantation is currently closed to the public."

"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,"

"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."

"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."

"Tahini cookie with finely chopped hazelnuts and dark chocolate chips, it’s earthy and nutty, with a lovely crispness from the sesame seeds on top. 11 Goldhurst Terrace, London NW6 3HY.Open for take-away and local delivery."

"Restaurants Bakeries Belgravia. Looking pretty in pink, this cute candy-floss emporium from patisserie queen and cake designer extraordinaire Peggy Porschen is an absolute wow – whether you’re purchasing some of her outrageously elaborate confections from the posh boutique or sitting down for cake and a cuppa in her self-styled parlour. There aren’t many tables, so be prepared to wait for your chosen treat – perhaps ‘glorious Victoria’ sponge, dark chocolate truffle cake or something seasonal such as the Easter-themed ‘speckled nest vanilla cloud’ topped with mini chocolate eggs."

"That’s what you’ll find at these posh, pink patisseries in Belgravia and Chelsea. Creating not only beautiful and flavour-filled baked goods, Peggy Porschen is famed for its dreamlike setting which will make you feel like an absolute queen."

"A post shared by Peggy Porschen (@peggyporschenofficial) on May 6, 2018 at 1:19am PDT. Head to Belgravia to discover Peggy Porschen's Parlour. The shop is as pretty as the cupcakes and sweet treats found within the sugary pink walls."

"In spite of their best efforts not to categorise the work they show, StolenSpace has quite a name for showcasing the best street art in the city. This unique artist-run area lies in the famous Truman Brewery building on Osborn Street and has a history of entertaining energetic and high-profile programs. Over the years, the likes of Shepherd Fairey, D*Face and David Bray have all exhibited here at some time."

"This classical gallery was opened in 1897 and is home to iconic British art from the 16th century to the present day, including works by the Pre-Raphaelites, J. M. W. Turner, Henry Moore and William Blake. The Tate Boat runs between the Tate Modern and the Tate Britain every 40 minutes, taking you through the heart of the city. Get a spot on the outdoor deck for the best views of both sides of the river."

"Tate Britain focuses primarily on historic and contemporary British art. The pieces on display are always changing, but you can expect to see famous masterpieces from artists like J.M.W. Turner and William Hogarth. The gallery’s Rotunda staircase is one of the most impressive sights inside the building."

"While the Tate Modern focuses on more recent art, Tate Britain is all about the past with a big collection of historical British art."

"Art fans were a very happy bunch when the Hayward Gallery reopened its doors in early 2018 after two years off, and were even happier when things kicked off with an exhibition by large scale photographer Andreas Gursky. The Brutalist building focuses largely on contemporary art with the occasional nod to its modernist roots, and its exhibition programme is diverse as group shows on gender identity and retrospectives on major artists like Bridget Riley. Southbank Centre, 337-338 Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX, southbankcentre.co.uk"

"Housed within the brutalist Southbank Centre, the Hayward Gallery is one of London's leading contemporary art galleries. Be captivated by boundary-pushing and thought-provoking shows from some of the world's most adventurous artists, as part of the year-long programme of exhibitions."

"The Fuzzy Bear can provide you with comedy, cocktails and live music. Whatever night you are after having you will be able to enjoy at The Fuzzy Bear. They have some amazing DJ’s that play the best music around."

"This is the kind of comedy night that hosts the intellectual clever comics of Radio 4 and the Guardian. The kind that weave a whole story, or create funny characters before hitting you with their comedy. This is grown up comedy for all those who like comedy mixed with fine dining, good conversation and a nice glass of whisky."