Rooftop Garden Kensington

The rooftop gardens in Kensington are spectacular but what is even more surprising is that they are free to visit. However, the gardens are hired out for various events especially weddings so you need to check beforehand that they are open to the public.

The roof garden was the dream of Trevor Bowen, the vice-president of John Barker & Co. In 1936 he employed the landscape architect Ralph Hancock to realise his vision. The gardens cost £25,000 and took two years to build. They were opened to the public in May 1938. Seven trees remain from the original planting in 1936.

There are three themed gardens with over 60 full size trees, water features and lawns, which is surprising when you realise that the depth of the soil is only 18 inches. The gardens have been acknowledged as having 'Specific historical interest' and given a Grade II listing by English Heritage.

As well as the Tudor and Woodland gardens there is the Spanish garden based on the Alhambra, Grenada, Spain. The colours and layout are all from the original plans of 1938.

The space on the 6th floor was run as Regine's a restaurant and nightclub until 1981 when Sir Richard Branson became the owner and transformed the interior into an amazing events space, private members club and restaurant.

From street level you can just about see the rooftop gardens.