Visit

Autumn arrives at Chelsea Physic gardens The gardens are a delight any time of year. As autumn arrives, there is plenty of colour from late flowering shrubs and trees; berries and turning leaves. We went to see the recently restored glasshouses - not quite finished but almost there. One house with the scented pelargoniums, another with cacti and then the long greenhouse with tropical plants. The fernery was also looking green and lush. Part of the gardens are a traditional botanical garden with plants arranged in order by family. More recent planting includes vegetables and other edible plants. The location in london and high walls give it a very mild climate, where plants that otherwise only grow in warm climates still thrive. It has the UK's largest olive tree, a fruiting grapefruit outdoors, and pomegranates with fruit. We joined one of the guided tours - an interesting mix of history, plants of seasonal interest and anecdotes about the medicinal properties of the plants. It takes about a couple of hours to look around, but you can easily spend longer finding out more about the fascinating history of the plants. On the practical side, there is a small shop with well selected, plant related gifts, and a cafe that does a small but tasty range of hot and cold food - we enjoyed a reasonably priced tomato soup. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It is about 12 minutes walk from Sloane Sq tube, or a 170 bus stop directly outside.

Very interesting, particularly with guided tour This is one of those places that is a peaceful little green oasis in the middle of the city. Of course, it has particular appeal for anyone interested in botanical sources and history of medicines. There is an entry fee, but we felt this was quite good value as we were able to join an excellent guided tour with a volunteer guide (Valerie), which really added to the interest. (Although of course, the tour can only cover some selected highlights of the garden - So there is always more to see!) We were also lucky that the glasshouses had apparently just reopened before we visited. The cafe/restaurant on-site was also very good.

London’s Oldest (1673) Botanical Gardens enhanced significantly by attending one of the Guided Tours Together with a friend, my wife and myself visited the Chelsea Physic Garden earlier today which is not only a 10/15 minute walk from Sloane Square but celebrating its 350th Anniversary - making it London’s oldest Botanical Gardens! It has good facilities (good Cafe/Restaurant and Toilets) but the biggest bonus is that the £12.50 Entrance Fee includes a free 60 minute Guided Tour which - to my mind - should not be missed by anyone seeking a good understanding of both the contents and history of the 4 acre Gardens. We went on the 1130 hours one and our guide Valerie did an excellent job retaining the interest levels of our 30+ Group. There is certainly no shortage of interesting things to see - provided, of course, you know what you’re looking at! Our first visit and probably not our last!!

One of London's green lungs. On a sweltering day, we visited the Chelsea Physic Garden a haven of tranquility and beauty. An incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining guide, Valerie, walked us from shady spot to shady spot. It was a fabulous day out that felt good for the soul. Thank you.

Don't miss the tour with Clare! This is the best peaceful idyll in London. Packed with beautiful flowers, plants and trees. I took the tour with Clare - would highly recommend. She knows her plants so well, and has a host of intriguing backstories - her tour is the best I've taken in London.

Unexpectedly fascinating I was taken not expecting much, but I found it fascinating. To get anything out of you have to the guided tour. Otherwise the whole garden, not particularly beautiful, would be meaningless. I can highly recommend it, and the very small basic outdoor cafe in the old taxi shelter on the other side of Albert bridge.

Wonderful Day Out in Cambridge - Sunny & Colourful Displays For All to Enjoy Stunning. Relaxing. Such a variety to see and enjoy. We loved our afternoon there so much. Great cafe, also

What a great experience (and thanks to Janet) We went to this garden as we had an afternoon spare and entered just before the 14:00 guided walk started so we decided to join. Our host was Janet and she gave us a detailed history of the gardens, their purpose, and the contents. Her talk was loaded with interesting facts as we walked round and she pointed out particular plants and provided background information about each. It was a great afternoon which we thoroughly enjoyed. I know we won't remember everything Janet showed us, we might remember some but we will remember the enjoyment of the afternoon. We are sure the other guides are as good as Janet :-)

Calm and relaxing Had a fabulous lunch and a slice of cake with my dear friend, we nattered over delicious salmon finished with a slice of carrot cake. The gardens are very special with tours on Sunday. Would recommend