Hampton Court Gardens, Richmond upon Thames

Hampton Court Gardens is another exquisite London garden with a strong royal connection. Part of the famous Hampton Court Palace grounds, these ornate gardens are located just under an hour away from central London by rail or tube and are well worth visiting.

Established in the 1500s and once only accessible to royalty, these days these magnificent gardens can be enjoyed by all. Highlights include extensive formal flower beds dating back to Victorian times, a spectacular 17th-century fountain garden, as well as the practical Kitchen Garden. You can also see the Great Vine; dating from 1768, it's said to be the world's oldest and largest vine. Visitors with kids are well taken care of because there is a separate, enjoyable garden area for them to play in. The Magic Garden is a delightful kids' adventure playground with ramparts, bridges, and towers for climbing and exploring, as well as mythical creatures to advance their adventure.