Situated in the heart of London overlooking the River Thames, the Physic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in London and was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries.

A four acre parcel of land in amongst established market gardens was enclosed with a high brick wall and planted with a wide selection of known medicinal plants for the purpose of training apprentices in identifying them.

As the great British plant-hunters like Banks and Fortune brought exotic species back, so the collection grew and subsequently became one of the most important centres of botany and plant exchange in the world.

Today the Chelsea Physic Garden has a unique collection of around five thousand edible, medicinal and historical plants on display in a beautifully green, sheltered, calm and relaxing oasis in the middle of a great bustling city.

Close proximity to the river, the enclosing wall and many mature trees and shrubs all contribute to the Garden’s uniquely warm microclimate, which means that many tender plants can flourish including many rare and endangered species. Beehives are also kept here to benefit from the great diversity of flora that they can feast upon. The honey produced is sold in the Garden Shop.

Amongst a host of fascinating plants of all sizes, these gardens feature the largest outdoor fruiting olive tree in Britain and the world’s most northerly outdoor grapefruit tree. 

From pomegranates to gingkos, mulberries to eucalyptus, there are over 100 different types of tree in the Garden, many of which are quite rare in Britain. 

While the glasshouses hold a collection of tropical and sub-tropical species, including some beautifully delicate geranium, which are complemented by a cool and moist Fernery and a small but interesting collection of cactus.

Although visitors now outweigh academics, the gardens retain their heritage focus with many information boards providing the herbal and medicinal backgrounds associated with the plants in question, along with much historical texture to provide a very satisfying experience for both eye and brain.

Celebrating the beauty and on-going importance of plants to everyday life, this hidden gem of a garden is also a wonderfully peaceful escape from the permanently busy rush of commerce that is London. 

It tends to be overlooked in favour of larger, more conspicuous gardens like Kew and of course the nearby, world Famous Chelsea Flower Show - but we recommend taking a ten minute stroll past the pressing crowds at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, you won't regret it.

Addendum:

When the Garden was founded the word ‘physic’ meant ‘pertaining to things natural as distinct from the metaphysical’. Now the New Oxford English Dictionary defines physic firstly as ‘medicinal drugs’, and secondly as ‘the art of healing’.

Sir Hans Sloane was a major benefactor gifting 4 acres of land initially. He was one of Britains great collectors - not just plants but books and cultural/historical artefacts. 

His collection was so large he bequeathed it to the nation forming the start of the British Museum.