we once stayed near Shepton Mallet and discovered this beautiful historical secret garden, Kilver Court. it was so tranquil, a perfect place to just visit and enjoy the view. we stayed at a lovely hotel, Ston Easton Park for the night, which was sheer luxury – beautifully furnished with antiques and set in beautiful grounds. The area of Somerset was lovely to explore, a lunch trip to Wells, the Mulberry Factory shop, the farm shop at Sharpham everything you need to make a weekend perfect.
i love the hidden gardens of london – tucked behind residential and industrial areas of london there are so many to discover; i recently visited st georges garden, just near to kings cross – a 300 year old burial ground, its a lovely breath of greenery in a somewhat park free part of town. my architecture buddy Maria, took me to the gagosian gallery in kings cross first, then through st georges garden to the dairy arts centre. both galleries are privately owned and show mainly contemporary art. stop off at nearby patisserie des amis for a cuppa and cake. Phoenix garden, right in the heart of Tottenham court road is a beautiful haven – Robert just took me there and what a delight. there is also a community centre that you can hire for parties.
other secret gardens in london are Abney Park Cementery nature reserve in stoke newington, hampstead hill gardens and pergola in a little known pocket of hampstead heath, built by Lord Leverhulme for his parties a century ago. the old english garden in battersea park is a more contemporary garden, recently revamped in battersea park. camley street natural park is in the heart of kings cross that has been turned into a floating forest garden with pond meadow and woodland habitats. so wherever you are , there is a hidden haven right in your city. and of course,, the secret garden of the inner circle of regents park, where I brought up all my children – brings back lovely memories.
christina wilson sweet nothings 
Lovely pictures! I would love to visit london sometime.
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