The Secret Garden(s)

Taking these bitter cold winter days that have crept up on us into consideration, going on a jolly stroll through a park might not be on the top of your to-do list. However, after feasting your eyes on these lesser known green havens, you will be filling your picnic baskets and tackling the mud for some fresh air gallivanting in no time.

Kyoto Garden

Or Cute-o garden, as it should be called. If you’ve ever walked past Holland Park and wondered what the odd screeching sounds are, fear not. They are the mating calls of the fabulous peacocks roaming around freely in the Japanese themed garden. Constructed by Japanese artists in 1991 for the Japanese festival, this garden, situated in the middle of Holland Park is incredibly calm yet always buzzing with excitement. From the Koi Fish pond to the waterfall, and various architectural structures in between, it is definitely eye catching and a great way to spend a couple hours. Also, being situated in the ultra romantic Holland Park, it is the ideal place to bring that lucky date.

Searching for his soul mate. Aren’t we all?

In the Kyoto Garden, everyone can walk on the bridge 

St Dunstan-in-the-East

This dream spot lies completely unsuspected in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, next to Tower of London. A former church, bombed during the WWII blitz, it has been reformed to a tranquil garden. This is the ideal place to relax and let your mind wander. It will inspire poetry in you. It is truly fairy-tale worthy.

Perfect location for your next group work meeting (Twitter)

Isabella Plantation

Taking yourself from the safety of central London to the lesser explored wild of Richmond Park may seem like an unnecessary risk, but spend a sunny day strolling through the Isabella Plantation, and you will quickly realize that it is a risk worth taking. Unsurprisingly more impressive in the spring months, when all the flowers blossom, the winter flora is still plentiful. Worst comes to worst you can spend some time ogling the deer in Richmond Park.

(Twitter)

Spot the deer

Camley Street Natural Park

Walking through the crowds at Kings Cross and St. Pancras International Station you may not believe that a green sanctuary is close by. In fact it is only a stone’s throw away. Squeezed in between the stations and Regents canal is the tranquil Camley Street Natural Park. Recently in the news with its floating architectural observation deck, aptly named “Viewpoint”, this is definitely a park worth visiting.

(Twitter)