When Taylor Swift sings, “I go to secret gardens in my mind,” this is exactly the place I imagine.

Hidden away inside Richmond Park is one of London’s prettiest summer gardens – a peaceful rose garden tucked behind Pembroke Lodge that feels like stepping into a real-life fairy tale. Think climbing roses winding around a beautiful pergola, colourful cottage garden borders buzzing with bees, butterflies dancing through the flowers and birdsong providing the soundtrack.

If you’re looking for beautiful places to visit in London this summer, add this one to your list.

Where is the Pembroke Lodge Rose Garden?

The rose garden sits within the grounds of Pembroke Lodge in the heart of Richmond Park, one of London’s eight Royal Parks.

If you’ve watched my guide to the nearby Isabella Plantation, you’ll already know this part of Richmond Park is one of my favourite places in London. Whilst Isabella Plantation steals the spotlight in spring with its spectacular azaleas, Pembroke Lodge comes into its own during the summer months.

It’s around a 40-minute walk from Richmond Station, making it a wonderful destination if you fancy a scenic stroll before rewarding yourself with coffee and cake.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

I visited on a sunny Friday morning at around 8am, and honestly, I couldn’t have picked a more peaceful time.

The gardens were wonderfully quiet, with just a handful of visitors enjoying the sunshine alongside the birds and buzzing bees. If you’re hoping to photograph the gardens, I’d definitely recommend arriving early before they become busier later in the day.

Although I’d just missed the very peak of the roses, they were still absolutely beautiful. If you’re hoping to catch them at their fullest, I’d recommend planning your visit towards the end of June and into early July.

A Secret Garden Hidden in Richmond Park

As you follow the colourful borders towards the garden entrance, you’ll spot it marked on Google Maps as Pembroke Lodge Gardens.

Climbing the steps, you’re greeted by what can only be described as an English cottage garden dream.

Beautiful climbing and rambling roses weave around an impressive pergola, creating the sort of romantic setting that feels straight out of a storybook. It’s easy to see why so many people describe this as one of Richmond Park’s hidden gems.

Tucked away in the corner is Pembroke Cottage, the former gatekeeper’s lodge dating back to the late nineteenth century. It’s now a private home (and reportedly went on the market for around £5 million a few years ago!). With 2,500 acres of Richmond Park quite literally on your doorstep, I have to admit… I was slightly tempted!

More Than Just Roses

Although the roses are undoubtedly the stars of the show, they’re far from the only flowers worth admiring.

The garden bursts with colour at every turn.

One moment you’ll find delicate baby’s breath dancing in the breeze, the next you’ll discover vibrant Peruvian lilies in shades of orange, pink and yellow. Lavender fills the air with its unmistakable fragrance, whilst cheerful daisies, lupins, yarrow, phlox, chamomile and speedwell create a wonderful patchwork of colour throughout the borders.

I spent far longer than planned wandering around with my camera, constantly spotting another beautiful flower to photograph.

If you’re anything like me and can’t resist stopping every few steps to admire another bloom, you’ll absolutely love it here.

Don’t Miss the Views

Once you’ve explored the rose garden, don’t rush away.

Just beyond the gardens you’ll find King Henry’s Mound, one of Richmond Park’s most famous viewpoints.

On a clear day, you can see the protected view of St Paul’s Cathedral through the telescope, an incredible sight considering it’s around twelve miles away.

Nearby you’ll also find peaceful wildflower meadows and beautiful shady pathways that make this part of Richmond Park feel wonderfully removed from the busy streets of London.

 

Stop for Coffee at Pembroke Lodge

No visit would be complete without popping into Pembroke Lodge itself.

The Grade II listed building is well known as a café, wedding venue and one of the most picturesque spots in Richmond Park.

If you visit in late Spring in April or May, you’ll be treated to the spectacular wisteria-covered entrance, which has become something of an Instagram favourite.

Inside you’ll find cosy interiors with dark wood, vintage teacups, roaring fireplaces and plenty of homemade cakes and pastries. There’s also a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens and surrounding parkland – the perfect place to sit with a coffee and soak up the views.

Make a Day of It

One of the best things about visiting Pembroke Lodge is that it’s so easy to turn into a full day out.

After exploring the gardens you could:

• Wander through Richmond Park in search of the famous deer.
• Visit the beautiful Isabella Plantation in spring.
• Enjoy lunch at the café or nearby Petersham Nurseries.
• Walk down to Richmond Riverside for pubs, restaurants and riverside views.
• Explore some of Richmond’s famous filming locations, including those featured in Ted Lasso.

I’ve already created a guide to Richmond featuring many of these places, so be sure to watch that next if you’re planning a day out in the area.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the best places in London are the ones hiding in plain sight.

Whilst thousands of visitors head straight for Richmond Park’s famous deer or Isabella Plantation, this charming little rose garden offers something quieter, slower and perhaps even more magical.

It’s the sort of place where you can sit on a bench, listen to the birds, watch the bees drift from flower to flower and forget you’re still in one of the world’s busiest cities.

If you’re searching for beautiful summer gardens in London, I’d wholeheartedly recommend adding Pembroke Lodge Rose Garden to your list.

And if, like me, you’ve always dreamed of wandering through a secret garden… I think you might just have found it.

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Read next: My Guide to Richmond

Read next: My Guide to Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park

Read next: Rose Garden in Regent’s Park