London roof gardens: the best, hidden rooftop spaces and terraces to visit for free

High above our heads are some of the most spectacular, unusual green spaces in the capital. Here are roof gardens that are open for all to enjoy the plants — and the views
Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank
Arnaud Mbaki
George Hudson28 July 2023

It is not uncommon to catch a glimpse of greenery poking out from the roof of a London building, but the chances of getting up to visit it are fairly slim — the majority of rooftop gardens in London are private.

But there are a few options for those who want their greenery served with a side of view and many of them are less well-known than you might expect. Here are a few to visit this summer.

Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank

Potentially one of the most established roof gardens in London, on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, this is a verdant world away from the hustle of the South Bank. Dense planting and scruffy lawns soften the surrounding brutalist buildings. It is home to more than 200 varieties of wildflowers, herbs, fruit trees and a cocktail bar. You might spot Head Gardener, Paul Pulford, taking care of the space, or leading eco therapy sessions.

Open Wed-Sun, noon-dusk; café & bar: Wed-Fri, 4pm-dusk; Sat & Sun, noon-dusk

Beech Gardens on the Barbican Estate
City of London Corporation

Beech Gardens, Barbican

For a long time much of the Barbican planting was simply lawns and rows of bedding plants. This all changed in 2015 when landscape architect Nigel Dunnett was invited to redesign the planting in Beech Gardens. He devised a naturalistic scheme for the raised planters that cycles through flushes of colour as the year progresses. A modern masterpiece.

Accessible via the footbridge at Barbican tube station, or from the steps outside the Barbican Theatre.

SOAS Japanese Garden, Bloomsbury

I didn’t know about this garden until very recently. Just off the West Corner of Russell Square (itself a greenspace worth visiting) you’ll find the SOAS Brunei Gallery, inside which is a small, tranquil Japanese roof garden.

Many of the elements of a Japanese garden can be found there, such as raked gravel, a checkerboard of low growing thyme and a wisteria clad pergola providing a shady space to sit and enjoy the garden in the cool of the summer shade.

Access from the 1st floor of the Brunei Gallery.

Open Tues to Sat from 10.30am to 5pm (Thurs until 8pm)

Covered roof garden with central fountain. Aga Khan Centre Kings Cross, London, United Kingdom. Architect: Maki and Associates, 2018.
The Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross
Alamy Stock Photo

Aga Khan Centre, King’s Cross

The Islamic cultural centre features gardens dedicated to reflection, learning, light and tranquillity. Each of the spaces is designed with reference to traditional Islamic gardens, using the channels of water to divide the garden into quarters representing the four gardens of paradise. To see these gardens, you’ll need to book a free tour through the Aga Khan website.

Outside the Aga Kahn centre is Jellicoe gardens, inspired by the Persian Bagh-e Fin garden in Iran, which is always open.

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