Chelsea Physic Garden
66 Royal Hospital Road Chelsea London SW3 4HS
This little-known garden was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London to give its apprentices a place to study the medicinal qualities of plants and as such is London's oldest botanic garden (yes, this was pre-Kew). Today it remains an important centre for botanical education and provides the ideal place for a break from the nearby Kings Road. Numerous species of birds can be seen here, partly thanks to the nearby river Thames, and foxes, squirrels and pipistrelle bats are regular visitors too. The garden's two ponds also provide a habitat for invertebrates such as dragonflies and water beetles. One of the loveliest spots in this part of the capital.