From the hedonistic Pleasure Gardens, historic Garden Museum to little green pockets of paradise, here are some of our favourite green spaces to seek solace from the grey of the concrete jungle.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

If only the trees could talk! The very place that put Vauxhall on the global map, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens was a place where adults across all social classes came from all over to indulge in debauchery. Despite the antics that happened within its gates, it was the one place where people put their differences aside and intermingled as one.

Drawing an impressive number of people every evening, the Pleasure Gardens had many attractions, hosted many concerts and elaborate firework displays inspiring many Pleasure Garden imitations around the world!

Today the Pleasure Gardens is a family-friendly space. Close to Vauxhall and Stockwell train stations and other lovely attractions such as Lambeth Palace and The Garden Museum nearby, the park is a great place to take in the skyline while surrounded by lush greenery a view that is truly unique to a park in the middle of the city.

Garden Museum

You don’t need to have a green thumb in order to appreciate the beauty of the Garden Museum founded after discovering the burial place of John Tradescant in the abandoned church of St Mary’s at Lambeth, who is said to have pioneered the art of English gardening with his love of plants and travel, bringing back various specimens from different parts of the world.

Aside from strolling through the gardens, there is plenty to see and do at the Museum, with permanent displays that delve into the history and a variety of events and activities held throughout the year which makes every visit different.

Vauxhall Park

Opened in 1890 by Albert, Prince of Wales, Vauxhall Park is a charming green area and is home to central London’s only lavender field and an adorable model village. The Victorian park is little-known by many but holds a special place for those who have encountered it. There is something for everyone in this park with a kids play area, a fenced-off section where dogs can happily frolic and a cafe for small bites and hot beverages. Despite being close to the main road and other local amenities, there are still plenty of quiet spots to be enjoyed in the area.

Bonnington Square Gardens

An homage to the Original Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Bonnington Square Gardens is located only 100m from its namesake. A beautiful collaboration between the local residents and an architectural firm, Bonnington Square seeks to provide harmony between nature and inner-city living, with a couple of cafes nearby so you can grab a bite and hide away in this little gem.