Where to see roses in London

After blossom and wisteria, London moves on to the next big botanical bloom — roses. In the capital rose season normally runs from mid-May through to August, with various colours and species flowering across London. I’ve spent a lot of time outdoors over the last few years exploring the city’s green spaces and trying to locate the best rose spots in the city. To share them with you, today I bring you The smell of roses guide to the best rose gardens and other rosy spots in London.

Welcome to my guide to where to see the best roses in bloom in London! What better way to spend a day than looking at roses? Luckily the rose season is at its height right now. So let’s make a start.

List of places to see roses in London:

1. Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, Regent’s Park
2. Hyde Park - Rose Garden
3. Kew Gardens - Rose Garden
4. Holland Park - Rose Garden
5. Hampton Court Palace - Rose Garden
6. Ranger’s House, Greenwich Park - Rose Garden
7. St Paul’s Gardens
8. Notting Hill - roses in the neighbourhood gardens
9. Mapesbury Dell - Secret Rose Garden
10. Leathermarket Gardens - Rose Garden
11. Morden Hall Park -  Rose Garden
12. Eltham Palace - Rose Garden
13. Wimbledon Park - Rose Pergola
14. Cannizaro Park - Rose Garden
15. Hampstead Hill Gardens and Pergola
16. Rosary at Chiswick House - Rose Garden
17. West Ham Park - Rose garden inside the Ornamental Gardens
18. De Beauvoir Square's Rose Garden in London
19. The Museum of the Home - Secret Rose Garden
20. Battersea park - Rosery Garden
21. St Thomas' Riverside Rose Garden - For the view of Big Ben in roses

1.) Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, Regent’s Park

Queen Mary's Rose Gardens: A Rose Lover's Paradise in the Heart of London

Step into a world of floral enchantment at Queen Mary's Gardens in Regent's Park, one of London's most cherished horticultural treasures. This spectacular rose garden, opened in 1932 and named after the wife of King George V, is a feast for the senses with over 12,000 roses in a kaleidoscope of colors and varieties.

As you wander through the garden's diverse sections, you'll be captivated by the formal elegance of the Inner Circle, where roses stand in precise rows like nature's own royal guard. Contrast this with the more relaxed charm of the Queen Mother's Garden, where roses mingle with winding paths and a serene pond, creating a picturesque tableau straight out of a romantic novel.

Rose enthusiasts will delight in the collection of hybrid tea roses, known for their large, fragrant blooms. Keep an eye out for standout varieties like the 'Champagne Moment', 'City of London', and 'Princess Alexandra of Kent'. For a truly magical experience, stroll beneath the Rose Pergola, where climbing roses create a living canopy overhead.

David Austin rose aficionados are in for a special treat with the English Rose Border. This dedicated area showcases 45 of the best David Austin varieties, generously donated by the breeder, offering a unique opportunity to see these beloved English roses in all their glory.

For the most enchanting visit, arrive early in the morning or as evening approaches. The soft, golden light bathes the garden in a magical glow, perfect for finding a quiet bench beneath a cascade of climbing roses with a good book in hand. If you're hoping to catch the Rose Pergola at its blooming best, plan your visit for early June.

While Queen Mary's Gardens is a popular spot, especially during peak rose season, its beauty and tranquility make it well worth navigating the crowds. It's not just a garden; it's a living testament to the timeless allure of the rose, offering a moment of floral bliss in the bustling heart of London.

To find a list of all roses growing in the garden, click here.

2.) The Rose Garden, Hyde Park

One of the most popular parks in London is Hyde Park. This park is big and beautiful, this rectangle of greenery is home to some of the city’s most attractive flower beds. However, since the park is so big lots of visitors miss its gem Hyde Park’s rose garden. Although its variety doesn’t compare to that of Regent’s Park, it’s hard to believe such a beautiful space can be found right in the city centre. It’s not just roses — other lovely plants are mixed in too. Throw in fountains, statues and a pergola and you’ve got a fantastic tranquil beauty, right in central London.

3.) Kew Gardens rose paradise

Venture into the world-renowned Kew Gardens, and you'll discover a horticultural wonderland where roses play a starring role.

At the heart of Kew's rose display is the magnificent Rose Garden, a floral spectacle boasting over 1,700 roses. This fragrant oasis is thoughtfully divided into themed sections, each telling its own story of rose evolution and diversity. Wander through the Tea Rose Garden to admire delicate blooms, step back in time in the Old Garden Rose Garden, or explore the fascinating variety in the Species Rose Garden.

But Kew's rose story doesn't end there. Seek out the enchanting rose pergola in the Woodland Garden, a structure that transforms into a cascade of blooms each summer, creating a romantic tunnel of color and scent. And don't miss the chance to spot the 'Kew Gardens' rose, a variety named in honor of this botanical paradise.

For rose enthusiasts with a penchant for modern varieties, the recent replanting and expansion of the Rose Garden is a treat. Expect to find an array of stunning David Austin roses, showcasing the best of contemporary rose breeding.

While the roses are undoubtedly spectacular, Kew offers a cornucopia of other botanical wonders. Take a tropical journey in the Palm House, marvel at aquatic plants in the Waterlily House, or explore the vast Temperate House. For a unique perspective, ascend the Treetop Walkway for breathtaking views of the gardens and beyond.

Located just behind the iconic Palm House overlooking a serene lake, the Rose Garden at Kew has been delighting visitors since the 1920s. Its recent revitalization ensures that it continues to be a must-see destination for rose lovers and garden enthusiasts alike.

Kew Gardens offers more than just a display of beautiful roses; it provides a comprehensive journey through the world of plants. Here, roses are set against the backdrop of global botanical diversity, creating an unparalleled experience that engages all the senses and deepens one's appreciation for the natural world.

You can find more about the rose garden and rose varieties growing at Kew Gardens here.

4.) Holland Park rose garden

While this rose garden is less famous compared to the above-mentioned ones you may already know about it as I already posted an article about this location – check here for more detail. Head for the Orangery right in the centre of Holland Park to hunt down its rose goodness, which you’ll find between the cafe and the stable yard. This rose garden is small, with just nine flower beds, but they’re planted with precision, each species keeping itself to itself.

5.) Hampton Court Palace

The rose garden is a fairly recent addition to the stunning Hampton Court Palace, in the past, the area was used as a kitchen garden. The beautiful scents and gorgeous colours are only enhanced by the royal backdrop. The Hampton Court gardens can be an exhausting excursion since it occupies 60 acres— but make sure the rose garden at Hampton Court Palace is on your route.

6.) Ranger’s House, Greenwich Park

Not only is Ranger’s House the place to Instagram famous cherry blossom it’s also an excellent spot for a bit of rose appreciation. Greenwich Park's rose garden is located on the eastern side of the park and forms the backdrop to the Ranger’s House. The garden offering a sea of yellows, pinks, maroons and creams. Sure, it’s a bit of an uphill trek from the centre of Greenwich, but in the season there’s a satisfying symmetry about it which makes it all worth it.

The Rose Garden was originally planted in 1960-61. It was enlarged and replanted in 1993-1994 at which time it was enclosed on a yew hedge.

The beds are laid out in a semi-circular design and planted with predominantly hybrid tea and floribunda roses.

Please note that in 2024, the Royal Parks, the organization responsible for managing this rose garden, initiated a three-year regeneration project. The garden managers stated on their website that the Rose Garden urgently required restoration. The existing roses were exhausted due to Rose Replant Sickness, a soil-borne fungal root disease prevalent in areas where roses have been cultivated for an extended period. This disease can hinder the growth of or cause the death of newly planted roses. Additionally, a buildup of rose-specific pests in and around the rose garden area made new roses more susceptible to disease and damage. So this is not the best rose location to visit until the works are finished.

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7.) St Paul’s Gardens

Take in the imposing cathedral from a bench in the surrounding gardens, which have a pretty rose garden and a range of interesting plants and trees including plane and walnut.

8.) Notting Hill

If parks are not your cup of tea you can stroll in Notting Hill and appreciate roses growing in the front gardens, climbing houses in the beautiful mews, and communal gardens.

Here you will be able to find communal gardens of the Ladbroke estate as well as a small rose garden dedicated to Doris Besant MBE.

9.) Mapesbury Dell –  London secret rose garden

The Dell is Northwest London’s best-kept secret. An award-winning park, it is the jewel in the heart of Mapesbury, a truly magical garden hidden behind a row of residential houses. Nestled between the houses of the Mapesbury Estate in Willesden Green, blink and you’ll miss Mapesbury Dell. Following a campaign run by local residents, it was transformed by the community from an underused green space into a park that can be enjoyed by everyone. There’s a children’s play area with a pirate ship, a pond and even the diamond jubilee rose garden! Once you have discovered it, you’ll keep coming back.

10.) Leathermarket Gardens

Leather Market Gardens is a vibrant and picturesque garden in London, located in the heart of Bermondsey. It features a beautiful rose garden with the iconic Shard in the background, providing a stunning backdrop for visitors. Just a few steps away, the vibrant Bermondsey Street offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature in the city.

Laid out in the 1930s, the gardens are overlooked by flats from the same period. There is a rectangular sunken area with a formal layout of four large rose beds and an additional raised circular rose garden in the middle. The garden features over 20 varieties of various roses.

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11.) Morden Hall Park Rose Garden

Morden Hall Park is part of the grounds of Morden Hall. Once a deer park, the estate was owned from mid 16th century to later 19th century by the Garth family, for whom the moated Morden Hall was built c.1750-65. From 1867 Gilliat Hatfeild began to purchase parts of the estate and created the park from lands surrounding the Hall. He made changes to Hall’s gardens including replacement of the boundaries to leave lawns sloping down to the moat but retained a fountain and formal walk. His son inherited the estate in 1906 and made few changes apart from planting a new rose garden. A philanthropist, he also allowed the Hall to be used as a convalescent home. In 1942 he left the park to the National Trust, which did not directly manage it until 1980. The park has survived largely intact and includes a number of historic buildings.

Read more about The Rose Garden at Morden Hall Park here.

12.) Rose Garden at Eltham Palace

Nestled in the southeast corner of London, England, within the regal confines of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, lies the expansive Eltham Palace and its historical gardens. This grand house is a harmonious blend of past and present, featuring the medieval great hall of a bygone royal residence, seamlessly extended in the 1930s with an Art Deco annex.

The gardens of Eltham Palace are a horticultural delight, with the Sunken Rose Garden being a standout feature. This garden is lovingly planted with fragrant hybrid musk roses, creating a sensory experience that is as pleasing to the nose as it is to the eyes.

Equally captivating is the Rock Garden, a tranquil oasis featuring a series of pools and cascades. This garden offers a serene escape, where the soothing sounds of water and the beauty of nature combine to create a truly enchanting environment.

13. Wimbledon Park - Rose Pergola

Nestled within the delightful Wimbledon Park, the Rose Pergola offers a delightful oasis for rose enthusiasts. Its winding structure is adorned with a variety of climbing roses, creating a fragrant and visually stunning walkway. Enjoy the tranquility of this urban sanctuary as you admire the vibrant blooms.

14. Cannizaro Park - Rose Garden

Cannizaro Park boasts a beautifully curated rose garden featuring a diverse collection of roses. From classic hybrid teas to fragrant climbers, this garden offers a feast for the senses. Take a leisurely stroll among the blooms and savor the sweet fragrance of the air.

You can find more information about the Cannizaro Park's Rose Garden here.

15. Hampstead Hill Gardens and Pergola

The Hill Garden and Pergola hidden away an the Hampstead Heath park is a serene escape for the rose lover. The pergola, draped with climbing roses, provides a unique and enchancing atmosphere.

16. Rosary at Chiswick House

This garden is a must visit boasting over 1000 roses of various varieties and many old roses from the Daviaustin collection. the meticulously maintained beds and the stunning layout make it a perfect spot for a leisurly strall or picturescue picnic.

For more information about this rose garden check here.

17. West Ham Park - Rose garden inside the Ornamental Gardens

West Ham Park's Ornamental Gardens feature a charming rose garden. Explore the diverse collection of roses, from vibrant hybrid teas to delicate floribundas. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and the sweet fragrance of the blooms.

Here is my blog post about the West Ham Parks Rose garden.

18. De Beauvoir Square's Rose Garden in London

This hidden gem in Hackney offers a peaceful retreat amidst the city. The rose garden is filled with a variety of roses, creating a colorful and fragrant display. Relax on a bench and enjoy the tranquility of this urban oasis.

19. Secret Rose Garden at the Museum of the Home

Discover a hidden treasure at the Museum of the Home. This secret rose garden offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Admire the vibrant blooms and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding historic buildings.

You can find more information about the Museum of he Homes Rose Garden here.

20. Battersea Park Rosary Garden and Russle Page Garden

Battersea Park, a verdant oasis in the heart of London, boasts a spectacular display of roses that captivates visitors throughout the blooming season. The crown jewel of this floral showcase is the Rosary Garden, nestled near the Rose Gate at the park's southeast entrance. Lovingly restored during the Millennium project, this garden bursts with vibrant colors and intoxicating fragrances. But the beauty doesn't stop there – rose enthusiasts can continue their journey through the Russell Page Garden and the charming Old English Garden, where these beloved flowers add touches of elegance and romance to the landscape. Whether you're a dedicated horticulturist or simply someone who appreciates nature's wonders, Battersea Park's rose collections offer a delightful escape into a world of petaled perfection.

21. St Thomas' Riverside Rose Garden for view of Big Ben in roses

This rose garden is offering a breathtaking view of Big Ben, this rose garden combines historical landmarks with the natural beauty of roses. It's an ideal location for a picturesque photography session or a quite moment of reflection.

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Conclusion

London is one of the most romantic cities in the world, and features many rose gardens. Whether you're looking for a botanical park or just want to enjoy the beauty of roses, there are plenty of places to see them in London. From the Royal Parks to the Chelsea Flower Show, this article lists some of the best places to see roses in London.

The Royal Parks are a great place to start your search for roses. Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Greenwich Park all have beautiful rose gardens, with a variety of different species of roses. The gardens are open to the public and are a great place to take a romantic stroll.

The Chelsea Flower Show and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show are great places/events to see roses in London. These annual events showcase the best of British horticulture, and roses are always a highlight.

If you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, you can also find roses in some of London’s hidden gardens. The Leathermarket Gardens in Southwark is home to a beautiful rose garden, and Notting Hill is a great place to see roses in an urban setting. No matter where you go, you’re sure to find some beautiful roses in London. Whether you’re looking for a romantic gesture or just want to enjoy the beauty of roses, these are some of the best places to see them in the city.