Open:

Sunday 08:00–11:00

Description:

Originally above Derry & Tom's department store, which opened in 1933, The Roof Gardens were conceived by the vice-president of Barkers, Trevor Bowen, who employed landscape architect Ralph Hancock to realise his vision. The gardens opened in May 1938.

There are three themed gardens: the Spanish Garden, Tudor Courtyard and English Woodland Garden. All three have been extensively restored and replanted. The Spanish garden is now planted in the style of the 1950s, while the Tudor Garden planting is based on the Biba ethos and planting from the 1970s. The English Woodland, which contains trees from the original planting, is managed as a 21st-century environmental and wildlife garden.

The gardens still have a selection of exotic wildfowl including four flamingos.

Owned by Richard Branson since 1982, the gardens are part of Virgin Limited Edition. They host a members' club, a private function venue and, on the seventh floor overlooking the woodland garden, the Babylon Restaurant.

Head Gardener:

David Lewis

Activities:

The head gardener will be present.

Entrance:

99 Kensington High Street (actually in Derry Street)
Nearest postcode: W8 5SA
Sells tickets.

Buses:

9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 52, 70, 328, 452

Station:

High Street Kensington

Access:

While wheelchair access is possible, one or two very small areas of the garden are not accessible.

Dogs:

Working assistance dogs only

Conditions:

No picnics or alcohol. Please note closing time of 11am, when the garden must be vacated.

Further information:

• Street Map
• Map of nearby gardens
• London Gardens Online
• Garden's web site
• Printable version