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A family walking through Osterley Park, framed by tree brances
A family in the garden in spring at Osterley Park and House | © National Trust Images Megan Taylor

Gardens and parks in London

Late spring in and around London

Warmer days on their way, and while some gardens are still wrapped in their soft clouds of blossom, others are already shifting into summer mode, with vibrant perennials starting to show. You might even notice the very first rose buds appearing.

Things to see and do in the garden at Ham House 

Late spring at Ham House brings the Kitchen Garden to life. Irises add splashes of colour to the garden and peonies begin to unfurl from the end of May. The first vegetable shoots emerge and the earliest roses open with bright petals and a gentle fragrance.

Outside the Orangery Café with a table, parasol and chairs in the foreground with the Kitchen Garden in the background, full of vibrant flowers at Ham House and Garden, London

The garden at Osterley Park 

Mrs Child’s Flower Garden is in full bloom during late spring and summer, with a colourful display of flowerbeds radiating out from the Garden House. Flowerbeds are filled with campanulas, sisyrinchiums, lupins, geraniums and peonies, contrasted by taller plants and shrubs, making it a real summer highlight. And you can spot lemons growing in the Garden House, too, echoing Mrs Child’s original planting scheme.

A view of Mrs Child's Garden with the Garden House at Osterley in the summer

Things to do at Morden Hall Park 

As May begins, Morden Hall Park comes alive. Meadows and trees frame the landscape, while birdsong and the quiet rush of water create a rare sense of escape.

The avenue of lime and chestnut trees in Morden Hall Park, London

Things to see and do at Rainham Hall 

Drop by this free Community Garden during summer and treat yourself to a peaceful walk along meandering borders, filled with colourful mixed perennials.

Rainham Hall and Stable Block

Things to see and do at Runnymede and Ankerwycke 

During late spring and early summer grasses and wildflowers grow long giving the meadows a hazy colour, perfect for keen photographers. There are plenty of shady patches to enjoy under the trees of Coopers Hill Woods and the cafe will be on hand with cooling treats

A couple reading an information board using their phone to scan a QR code in order to listen to an audio guide.

Lend a hand in the places you love

Join our team of brilliant volunteers at National Trust places across London. You'll have a chance to learn more about gardening, to meet other people who are just as interested in pruning, mulching and garden design as you are, whilst making a difference to these special pockets of green.

Volunteering in London 

Find out how you could help to look after special places across London as a volunteer. You could join the teams at Ham House, Osterley Park and more.

Three people pour buckets of water into a newly dug pond to create habitats for wildlife
The Cherry Garden showing frosty lavender in winter with Ham House and a blue sky in the background

Discover more in London

From thriving wetlands to sprawling estates, intimate spaces and modernist masterpieces, London has it all, if you know where to look.

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