Chelsea Physic Garden
Chelsea Physic Garden
4.5
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
London's oldest botanic garden, containing a unique living collection of around 5,000 different edible, useful and medicinal plants that have changed the world. Established in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London as a Physic Garden, it is now open to the public with events, workshops and family activites.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Chelsea
Wealth courses through The King's Road, Chelsea's upmarket artery of West London life packed with shops, eateries and glitzy nightspots. For people-watching at its best and luxury retail therapy that's largely unrivalled, this area cannot be missed. But if this showy street starts to overwhelm or a moment of price tag shock sends you reeling, a quick detour down pretty much any of many King's Road veins will reveal a quieter side of Chelsea. Here the stately Royal Hospital hosts its world-famous flower show, and the Thames rolls along at a lazy pace, with leafy Battersea Park and its Peace Pagoda beckoning from across the river.
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See what travellers are saying
- Caroline A1 contributionVery few snowdrops and had to book table in the cafeWe went on the first day of opening for the snowdrops walk, but there were far more available to buy then in the ground. Went into the cafe at 12.45 and went to sit down at a table, only to be told that all tables had been booked in advance. We were able to take our coffee outside though. Don't know where it said you had to book a table? Would like to revisit when there's more on display as do believe it must be gorgeous in the summer.Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 January 2023
- TinaLondon, United Kingdom12 contributionsDisappointing overpriced cafe spoiled my experience.Decided to visit for a winter walk to view the gardens and snowdrops. Gardens are always a pleasure to visit regardless of the season. However the coffee shop was hugely overpriced, service charge for a coffee (not table service) and amaretto biscuit £3.50! I questioned if been over charged as £8.89. Shocking, spoiled my visit, enough to write this review.Visited February 2023Travelled soloWritten 26 February 2023
- nicola j6 contributionsJune visitA wonderful day out. Peaceful, beautiful and very enlightening. Recommend joining one of the free garden tours led by enthusiastic, engaging and knowledgeable volunteers which enhanced our visit even more. Highly recommend a trip there - am I allowed to say I might even have preferred it to visiting Kew because its still a bit of a secret garden; charming and obviously much smaller but full of interestVisited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 19 June 2023
- Erica2 contributionsOne 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.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 8 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
672 reviews
Excellent
434
Very good
181
Average
33
Poor
11
Terrible
13
AlinaRC
Hertfordshire1,515 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
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.
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.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsFuzzyBear
West Midlands, UK289 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
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.
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve Buckley
London, UK6,301 contributions
London’s Oldest (1673) Botanical Gardens enhanced significantly by attending one of the Guided Tours
Sep 2023 • Friends
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!!
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!!
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erica
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
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.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiger086
London, UK13 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
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.
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John
Kingston upon Thames, UK30 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
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.
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda P
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
Very disappointing. We joined the guided tour, but gave up after about half an hour of looking at practically empty beds with pathetic half-dead plants. The guide was giving very in depth descriptions of their medicinal properties, but there was nothing to appreciate. It took us another twenty minutes to have a wander and we left.
The garden looked promising as we entered, but that seemed positioned for the appreciation of the diners in the restaurant, and there were signs to keep off the grass.
£25 wasted.
The garden looked promising as we entered, but that seemed positioned for the appreciation of the diners in the restaurant, and there were signs to keep off the grass.
£25 wasted.
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa K
London, UK9 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Stunning. Relaxing. Such a variety to see and enjoy. We loved our afternoon there so much. Great cafe, also
Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rexgom
Christchurch, UK168 contributions
Aug 2023
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 :-)
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 :-)
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda H
Purley, UK706 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
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
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a tram or ground travel at the Garden, like there is at Kew Garden?
Brian T
London, UK6,782 contributions
No. The garden is only small, just over 3 acres, and does not cover the vast space that Kew Gardens covers. You can walk around the entire garden in about half an hour! There is no need for a tram / ground travel.
Gloria
Tiverton, UK
Are mobility scooters available for hire
plushkin_inna
Tampa, FL141 contributions
I did not see any but u should email them.
Is it wheelchair friendly
Angie S
Bournemouth, UK31 contributions
Yes it is - though might be difficult to access the greenhouses
Any special events planned for Friday afternoon this week?
zarazaranis
Luang Prabang, Laos42 contributions
Do not know of any attraction.
Telephone the Chelsea Physic Garden direct
claire
Tunbridge Wells, England, United Kingdom3 contributions
Can you eat a picnic in the garden?
mike-john-c
London, UK109 contributions
Could you ? Possibly.
Should you ? Frankly - NO.
Why not ? Simply because it is not the right place for picnickers splattered across the limited grassy spaces.
.
It is not a great park, like Battersea Park on the south side of the river where there is plenty of space and you could happily have a picnic, but a compact, manicured garden where such an activity would despoil the look of the garden for other visitors.
There is a café there with outdoor tables and seating, where I suspect you could eat your own sandwiches, but courtesy suggests that you should at least buy part of your meal there.
Hello. Do they sell plants on site to visitors? Thanks in advance.
Drurygal
London, UK30 contributions
Yes, there are lots of plants for sale, many of which have been grown by the team of volunteer “growing friends”. At snowdrop time there are lots of snowdrop varieties for sale as well as hellebores, iris and Christmas box. In the summer the famous Rosa odorata is for sale which flowers pretty much all year round!
Gina S
Oulton Broad2 contributions
Is there a facility to leave luggage?
largogoldoni
London, UK48 contributions
Perhaps ... if you ask at the shop inside. Otherwise no.
Sarah B
Poole, UK11 contributions
How long should I allow for my visit?
eleanorpatricia
Ballymoney, County Antrim40 contributions
I think two hours would be fine. It's a gorgeous wee oasis in London.
Sonia B
131 contributions
Hello!
Can I enter the gardens without paying the tours?
Thank you
Sarah B
Leeds, UK48 contributions
Every visitor is required to pay the Entrance Fee; you can either choose to join the tour, or not. You will not be charged extra for the tour. This is an oasis of peace, and the history and information provided are excellent.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chelsea Physic Garden
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- (0.08 mi) Heart of Chelsea Kings Road. 2 bedrooms and bathrooms
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