The Chelsea Physic Gardens (with kids)

Heavenly Idyll in Bustling Chelsea ... If you don’t mind keeping your children from trampling rare species of plants and herbs gathered from around the world.

From inside the walls of the Physic Gardens, one feels a surge of nostalgia taking in the views of ordered rows of trees, blossoms and plants set against the red brick walls of the gardens and the Victorian mansion blocks and houses outside.  One might even sappily confess to feeling what Chelsea may have been like during Queen Victoria’s reign.  The contrast of the grass and gravel paths, flowering shrubs, lazy willow branches to the unseen, but presence nonetheless, of chaotic traffic outside the garden makes the case for a trip to the Chelsea Physic Gardens.

Covering 3.8 acres, the Physic Gardens are not merely beautifully maintained gardens; they are a museum of living plants.  Founded in 1673 by the Society of Apothecaries of London, The Physic Garden was originally conceived to grow and study medicinal plants.   Some of the more interesting innovations the Physic Gardens can claim include being the site of the first heated glasshouse and the oldest man-made rock garden in Europe.  The Gardens continue today to promote research, conservation and education of botany. 

Before you bring the little ones along, be aware that the varied trees and plants are grown in beds that are not protected, so small children are not free to run wild.  They must be carefully watched to stay on the lawns and not wander into the beds or near the ponds, as they are strictly off-limits to children.  The volunteers who labour to keep the gardens beautiful may pause in their work to help keep an eye on your children with you, should you not appear to understand these rules.  Bearing this in mind, the Gardens really are a wonderful way to pass an afternoon.

You are allowed to bring in your own picnic; and an even better treat is the cafe!  Located next to the main lawn in the middle of the gardens, there are large tables where adults may sit and enjoy lovely hot drinks and snacks or delicious meals while their children wander near-by.  This main lawn is also the logical place, but not only spot, to lay down your own blanket.  Check the closing times.  In the autumn, they close at 5PM; in which case you can walk over to the Royal Hospital Gardens with your picnic, which close at sunset.  

The Gardens also boast an excellent gift shop with a good variety of gifts and toys that are unique, inexpensive and imaginative. 

The Chelsea Physic Gardens is located at 66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, SW3 4HS; Tube: Sloane Square or South Kensington; Bus: 19, 22, 11, 319, 170. Admission £8 per adult (children free) or annual membership is £30

This post was written by Laura Vogel, a former primary school teacher and full-time mother of two who is enjoying every minute of her life in London discovering the city with her children on her extended maternity leave.

Photo credit: dagboshoots

Comments

[A Modern Mother]

Thanks for this Laura, it sounds like a magical place and I think mine are just old enough to stay off the grass!

[nutrition sportive]

Hello
You have given nice information about physic gardens.This seems really good place.I like the way you have written.Thank you very much for giving such a good information.