A Visit to Chelsea Physic Garden

London's Oldest Botanic Garden Is a Green Gem by the Thames

Jul 31, 2008

From 1673 apothecaries used the Garden to train their knowledge of medical plants. Today the historic garden recreates images of the past - and reminds of climate change.

Much smaller than the famous Kew Gardens this exquisite botanic garden is not a standard sightseeing recommendation – but it is well worth enjoying the 3.5 acre walled park with its exotic trees and beds full of herbs, fruit, vegetables and flowers of all kinds. This oldest botanical garden of London is the second oldest in Britain, after the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, which was founded in 1621.

City Heat and global Warming Create Microclimate

Situated directly by the Thames Chelsea Physic Garden benefits from the heat generated by the city: Temperatures are generally a few degrees higher than in Kew, which is only a few miles away, but more exposed. Thus the Chelsea Physic Garden is able to grow some species outdoors than Kew.

Even global warming adds to this effect. The Garden's about 60-year-old grapefruit tree for example has only born fruit in the last decade. Also there are banana plants, a big olive tree bearing fruit and some cold sensitive plants from Madeira that prove the cosy microclimate.

Walking through Garden History

The collection of herb and medical plants is divided into four sections, which are

Rare endemic plants from islands like Madeira, the Canaries or Crete find their chance to grow far north in Europe. A fernery presents ferns from the Britain and Ireland, that would find the London summers to warm without protection. Hothouses present carnivorous plants, cacti, orchids and other warmth-loving plants.

A historic walk at the borders introduces influential gardeners linked to the history of Chelsea Physic Garden: One of them is Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820), who was a famous botanist and science patron and founded Kew Gardens. As a young man he studied with Philip Miller (1722-1770), who worked as gardener in the Garden for the Society of Apothecaries. Banks donated many of the seeds and plants, which he brought back from his extensive travels, to the Garden. Other botanists, who are portrayed through flower beds, include scientist and author John Lindley and William Curtis, publisher of The Botanical Magazine.

There are free guided tours available frequently throughout the opening hours, in which the history of the garden and selected plants are explained.

Tangerine Dream Café and Garden Shop

Founder Hans Sloane is still watching over his garden from a central point in form of a memorial, on the intersection of the main paths. Follow his gaze and you will come to the Tangerine Dream Café with its lovely terrace, and the shop, which sells souvenirs and plants.

The café offers nice afternoon tea including delicious homemade cakes, lunch meals and hot and cold beverages. There is indoor seating and a shady terrace overlooking the Garden – and some visitors just wander of with their coffee and tea to sit on one of the many benches in the Garden.

Visistor Information

The Chelsea Physic Garden is open from spring until late October. Those who join the Friends of the Garden are entitled to visit the garden all year round and enjoy further benefits.

Admission: 8 GBP for adults, 5 GBP for children aged 5 - 15, students and unemployed. Free admission for one person accompanying a disabled person. Please note that dogs are not welcome unless they are assistance dogs.

The Garden is very interesting for children, but they should be supervised by adults at all times, as there are ponds, possibly harmful plants and other risks. Also check the website of the Chelsea Physic Garden for special events for children.

How to Get there

The closest tube-station is Sloane Square (Circle Line and District Line). Walk up Lower Sloane Street and Royal Hospital Road past the National Army Museum. Turn left into Swan Walk, where you find the main entrance of the Chelsea Physic Garden.

The bus number 170 to Roehampton takes you directly to the Chelsea Physic Garden from Victoria tube and train station – get off at Flood Street, walk back and turn right into Swan Walk.

Visiting the Chelsea Physic Garden can also be combined with a stroll on the nearby Thames Walk or a visit of Battersea Park, situated across the Thames.

The copyright of the article A Visit to Chelsea Physic Garden in England Travel is owned by Renate Oetjens. Permission to republish A Visit to Chelsea Physic Garden in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.