Hidden inside Richmond park, Isabella Plantation is a botanical treasure that nature enthusiasts and photographers alike will fall in love with. Home to a stunning variety of flora, including magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias, and a spectacular collection of azaleas, this 40-acre garden was established in the 1830s, yet it only opened to the public in 1953.
With its winding paths, secret nooks and meandering streams weaving beneath a canopy of towering trees, this woodland retreat feels like something out of a fairytale. And the magic does not end there…The still pond, surrounded by fiery pink azaleas cascading over its glassy surface and reflected into the water, is particularly breathtaking. Isabella Plantation is well worth a visit year-round, yet truly comes alive during the flowering season, when its dazzling display of azaleas burst into bloom, transforming the landscape into a painter’s palette of pinks, purples, and reds.
Despite its growing popularity, it retains a sense of serenity and is a stunning spot for a sunny day out. Grab a picnic and your camera and prepare to be mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colours in one of London’s most enchanting botanical gardens.
Opening hours change depending on the season, but as with most London parks, access is generally from dawn to dusk.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
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222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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