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Unique rooftop garden in Kensington.
Now more a clubbing and “event” venue, these extraordinary roof gardens are still accessible to the general public during the day if there are no functions taking place (ring to check before your visit). Hidden on top of the old Derry and Toms (later Biba) department store, one hundred feet above Kensington High Street, visitors wishing to explore the gardens just need to go to the reception and sign in - entrance is through an ordinary looking door down a side road. Once you emerge out of the lifts a 1.5 acre expanse with spectacular views opens up to you. The gardens are divided up into three distinct areas; traditional English, formal Spanish and Tudor. The English garden, with its wild woodland theme, appears the most extraordinary, considering its position on top of an office block. Over 100 trees (all of which are under a preservation order), a stream and garden pond with flamingos and ducks combine to create a magical environment that defies its unique elevation. Fountains, vines and palm trees define the Moorish idyll, while the Tudor garden provides a delicate contrast with roses, wisteria, ivy and leafy arches. This really is one of London’s secret treasures and worth the small effort required to arrange a visit.
Best for:
Flamingoes and fountains, palm trees and ponds, rooftop views and roses.
Did you know?
Sir Richard Branson owns the Roof Gardens, which form the Virgin “Limited Edition” brand, alongside Necker Island and two properties in Africa. |
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Alternative
Parks and Gardens Near Kensington Roof Gardens |
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Holland Park Avenue / Kensington High Street,
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14 minutes distance from Kensington Roof Gardens
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Local
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5 minutes distance from Kensington Roof Gardens
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Kensington Gardens,
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8 minutes distance from Kensington Roof Gardens
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Local
Hotels Near Kensington Roof Gardens |
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Wrights Lane,
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Kensington and Chelsea,
London,
W85SP
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2 minutes distance from Kensington Roof Gardens
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Scarsdale Place,
Kensington,
Kensington and Chelsea,
London,
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3 minutes distance from Kensington Roof Gardens
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Local
Event Near Kensington Roof Gardens |
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| London Event |
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Royal Albert Hall,
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14 minutes distance from Kensington Roof Gardens
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Royal Albert Hall,
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14 minutes distance from Kensington Roof Gardens
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Local
Shopping Near Kensington Roof Gardens |
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| London Shopping |
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The Barkers Building,
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3 minutes distance from Kensington Roof Gardens
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| London Shopping |
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28a
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Local
Dining Near Kensington Roof Gardens |
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| London Dining |
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99
Kensington High Street,
Kensington and Chelsea,
London,
W8
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0 minutes distance from Kensington Roof Gardens
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| Richard Branson's rooftop restaurant is a favourite with the glam girls of Kensington, who can be seen at all hours sipping cocktails in the Spanish ...More...
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| London Dining |
| Wagamama |
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26
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4 minutes distance from Kensington Roof Gardens
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Local
Education Near Kensington Roof Gardens |
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| London Education |
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23
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1 minutes distance from Kensington Roof Gardens
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| London Education |
| London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art |
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226
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Kensington and Chelsea,
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10 minutes distance from Kensington Roof Gardens
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Local
Leisure Near Kensington Roof Gardens |
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| London Leisure |
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Perks Field,
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8 minutes distance from Kensington Roof Gardens
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Holland Park Avenue / Kensington High Street,
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| Small, pretty park in west London.
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Pubs Near Kensington Roof Gardens |
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Nightlife Near Kensington Roof Gardens |
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Local
Business Near Kensington Roof Gardens |
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