These community-run gardens are flanked by the grand houses of Duncan Terrace and Colebrook Row, offering residents and visitors a peaceful retreat from Angel’s bustling streets. The gardens sit on the ancient site of the New River, London’s fabled early freshwater supply. Today, a wild display of perennials, bulbs and mature trees define this historic walkway. The original redesign of this linear canvas was auteured by Fanny Rolo Wilkinson upon the closure of the waterways and is graced with trailing weeping willows, reminiscent of the garden’s storied past.

In alignment with the borough’s ecological and sociological values, further additions have been made to the gardens in the 21st century. London Fieldworks has introduced innovative sculptural ‘habitats’ that support the local ecosystem, providing spaces for birds to nest and environments for insect species to thrive. The sculptures integrate seamlessly into the dense urban context, mirroring the architectural forms of both the surrounding Georgian town houses and 1960s developments.

Canonbury Square in North London was described as ‘London’s most beautiful square’ by the Evening Standard in 1956. The grade II listed terraced houses reflect the refined taste of the nineteenth century and have been resided in by artists, intellectuals and political figures, including George Orwell. 

The Victorian landscaped gardens, home to some of London’s oldest plane trees, are now cared for by local volunteers. Exotic vines and various herbaceous plants create a touch of wilderness in this formal, historic square. Visitors can sit and soak up the atmosphere, observing passers-by, or visit the neighbouring Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art which perches on the border of this Islington sanctuary.

Barnsbury Wood, London’s smallest nature reserve, tucked away within the Barnsbury conservation area of Islington, offers a natural sanctuary in an otherwise urban setting. Also referred to as The Barnsbury Square Woodland Walk, this small piece of woodland is home to mature deciduous trees, verdant undergrowth and wild flora and fauna, which in turn provide habitat to the long-tailed tit, lesser stag beetle, common toad and the 16-spot ladybird

In the late 20th century, the local council, community groups and dedicated volunteers somewhat tamed the area with additions that provide a welcome to visitors. The naturalistic design of the woodland, with meandering paths and educational signs, is unobtrusive to wildlife and demonstrates the love the local community have for this precious piece of wilderness.

Just beyond the Heath’s sprawling meadows, Gainsborough Gardens is a verdant enclave in the heart of Hampstead. The mature, sloping gardens were constructed in the 1880’s on the old site of the ‘Long Room Spa’ and are now lovingly maintained by local residents. 

Encircled by an array of beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes, the Horace Field facades have been retained and stand testament to the rich architectural heritage of Hampstead Village.

Providing views across the glorious expanse of Hampstead Heath, The Hill Garden and Pergola has enchanted visitors of North London for over a century. Designed by Thomas Mawson in 1904, this Edwardian treasure once hosted extravagant garden parties and is still a delight to all who traverse its elegant walkways. 

Elevated beyond the London skyline, Mawson’s Edwardian treasure is a grand raised structure with sprawling terraces, classical balustrades and cascading wisteria.  Beneath the Italianate pergola, intricate mosaics, formal ponds and exotic shrubbery are set within an array of manicured lawns.

The Hill Garden and Pergola, with all its atmospheric faded grandeur, will continue to provide a captivating interlude to visitors of Hampstead Heath.