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Hidden gardens in London

From nature reserves to community spaces, we’ve dug up some of London’s most secret gardens, where you’ll find pockets of splendid nature and forget about all your worries.

Queen’s Wood

Across the road from the better-known Highgate Wood, there is something more magical and quiet about Queen’s Wood— witness its hilly pathways through the mountain ash and cherry trees. It might be only a few hundred metres from Highgate tube station, but native bluebells and countless species of small animals make this a wonderful retreat.

Phoenix Garden

Behind Charing Cross Road this is a super spot for a leafy lunchtime break. Look out for frogs and sparrows, which are thriving thanks to an enthusiastic conservation initiative. The garden closed last autumn for redevelopment work but has reopened in time to take advantage of our long-awaited spell of improved weather.

Postman’s Park

A short walk from St Paul’s Cathedral lies one of London’s most touching monuments: George Frederic Watts’s Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice. Within the quiet Postman’s Park, nestled beneath a roof, are just over 50 ceramic plaques£¨ÅÆØÒ£©, each honoring the memory of an ordinary person who lost their life trying to save others.

Red Cross Garden

Originally intended to give Southwark children a space to play, this Victorian garden has been restored to its original design, complete with pond, cottage, bandstand and formal borders. While relaxing in the restored bandstand, it’s hard to imagine the view back in 1887 when it was surrounded by workhouses and factories.

21. Which garden is close to a subway station?

A. Queen’s Wood.                                                       B. Phoenix Garden.

C. Postman’s Park.                                                      D. Red Cross Garden.

22. What can you do in Postman’s Park?

A. Take photos of old workhouses.                               B. Swim in the pond.

C. Learn stories about selflessness.                                D. Enjoy a band show.

23. What do Phoenix Garden and Red Cross Garden have in common?

A. They have got some repair work.                              B. They were surrounded by factories.

C. They will be temporarily closed.                                D. They have the same original design.