Ever wanted to poke around in all those locked off square gardens London has in abundance? This weekend (18-19 June 2016), the gates are open on more than 200 green spaces, all over the capital. It's Open Garden Squares Weekend.
The tally includes many classic square gardens that are normally closed to the public. Examples are Manchester Square Gardens (home of the Wallace Collection), Mecklenburgh Square in Bloomsbury and Fitzroy Square — one of the rare bits of turf in Fitzrovia.
You can also snoop around more unusual locations, like the Kensington Roof Gardens, Garden Barge Square on a series of moored boats near Tower Bridge, a hanging indoor garden at the City Centre (pictured below) and an urban park on top of Stratford shopping centre. Our pick would be the Blue Fin roof garden in Southwark, which commands 10th floor views over the river and the newly built Tate Modern extension.
One ticket gets you into nearly all the gardens over both days (a few of the more sensitive venues were allocated by ballot, now closed). It'll cost you £12 if you book now, or £14 on one of the gates. Many of the gardens will host refreshment stalls and entertainment. A gratifying and green way to explore the capital.
Open Garden Squares, 18-19 June 2016. £12/£14.
