Chelsea Physic Garden

Not worth it!! I didn't realise there was an entrance fee and managed to easily walk straight in. Understandably a lady then came after me and told me I had to "log myself in" at the information desk which I was very apologetic for but clearly the lady didn't accept it as I was given horrible stares throughout my visit.

When I repeated to the lady at the information desk that I was told to log myself in she rudely told me I had to pay. There was a silence whilst I was waiting for the price to be told to me. I'm not sure maybe the lady thought I would turn away at the thought of paying (I wish I had). After asking for the price I was told it was £14 with the voluntary fee of £2 included with no other information on the different types of fees available. The negativity I was experiencing from this lady made me want to remove myself from her quickly into what I was hoping would be a more positive atmosphere within the gardens.

Sadly the gardens weren't great, it was small and the water feature was dirty. The gardeners were all very smiley and welcoming which was lovely to see but sadly the rest of the experience was abysmal. I would say walk a little further and go to Battersea Park or spend some time in the National Army Museum which are both close by, don't waste your money here!!

Customer Service goes a long way and value for money needs to be seriously considered!!

This isn't the best time to visit as none of the glasshouses are accessible due to renovation also the garden is between times so there are some highlights but I wouldn't say there is a huge amount to see. Also there are more weeds than I have ever seen which detracts from the usual excellent appearance. Finally the cafe is disappointing, it is very expensive indeed so a can of Coke was £3.50.

From embankment Road you get a glimpse of this secret garden through the Kings gate( fertiliser gate) walk round to royal hospital road to building to entre £12.50 entry fee. Initially thought it was expensive but included as many tours of garden as you like. Went to cafe and waited. David volunteer guide was very engaging and gave a brilliant informative 45 min tour . One of our party obviously regular visitor and between 2 a full interesting time spent. Supporting this charity is well worth it. Then spent another hour exploring ferns and other parts of gardens. This is a historical and botanical garden , not a park for little children. Interesting for those interested in herbal medicine and origins of medcine

Although only a four acre site, there’s a huge amount to see, hear and learn in this oasis of serenity in the heart on SW London. We have been keen to visit for years, and finally made it here due to other plans having been cancelled, and what a brilliant day out we enjoyed.

Once we realised how much is packed into this garden we decided to take the advice of the lady on the desk and join one of the (free) guided tours. I have to say that was one of the most informative and enjoyable guided tours we have ever taken anywhere. Chris, the volunteer guide, spent over an hour explaining the history of the garden dating back to the apothecaries, as well as the importance of so many of the specimens on display whether to medicine (still actively involved here), global culture, or global cuisine.

Lunch in the cafe was excellent, not overpriced given where you are, and although very busy the staff were efficient and took orders at a reasonable pace which I imagine the kitchen needed. We sat in the marquee which was very clean, with a tank of chilled water freely available.

The glasshouses are due to reopen in 2023 so we plan to return in the Spring as there is so much to see in this fascinating gem of a working garden.

This is a lovely garden situated along the Thames directly across from Battersea Park. The thing I loved most about this location besides the care of the landscape is how each plant has a small sign identifying name, where from and when introduced to the garden. If you are in to apothecary and are looking for a quiet way to send a couple of hours, do visit. They also have a cute gift shop and a small restaurant with outdoor seating. The restaurant offers coffee and cocktails along with desserts and delicious chartrutiere boards. It was simply lovely #gardens #visitlondon #chelsaphysicgardens

Exquisite and fascinating gardens well worth a visit. We took the guided tour that is included in the price, which was led by a very knowledgable and gifted guide calledValerie, and it was so interesting and entertaining. The gardens are beautiful, the diversity of plants and their history and relevance is fascinating and absorbing. To top it all, there is a cafe in a beautiful old building, with outdoor seating, that has very good food and cakes. What more could you want?

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.

This garden reminds us that, beyond their beauty, plants have so much more than that to offer! Do take a tour with one of the excellent guides who will share fun facts about the history of the garden as well as the way plants are used medicinally. Visiting in early April meant I missed the famed snowdrops but the woodland garden to the rear was beautiful as well as informative. I had a delicious lunch and although I didn’t participate I did see some lovely Japanese “kokedama” that kids were making in a workshop today.

I had a couple of hours to myself while my husband and grandson were doing ‘boy things.’ So I had a treat exploring the Chelsea Physic Garden, even managing the tube by myself. I arrived early but was unable to go in (friends of the gardens only before 11am) so I was directed to the Army Museum down the road for a cuppa in their cafe!

It was worth the wait! It’s only small but perfectly formed, a walled botanic garden with a micro-climate dating from the 1600’s when it was made for the apothecary’s of London.

I had a browse on my own and then joined a guided tour given by a volunteer which was extremely interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I would have liked to have a drink and cake but sadly ran out of time. The greenhouses were also shut for renovation ready for their anniversary next year.

Even though we are heading into Autumn there is a lot to see here both in the glasshouses and outside. We spent nearly 1.5 hours looking around. The cafe is very nice for coffee and cake too plus they do various hot and cold meals.