Buckingham Palace Gardens

The gardens of Buckingham Palace are an enchanting oasis in the heart of London, offering visitors a chance to experience the tranquility and beauty of one of the world’s most famous residences. Spanning 39 acres, these gardens have evolved over centuries, showcasing the finest in royal horticulture and landscape design. In this article, we’ll delve into the history, highlights, and visitor tips for exploring the Buckingham Palace gardens.

A Glimpse into History

The origins of the Buckingham Palace gardens date back to the early 18th century when Buckingham House was built. Over the years, the gardens have been shaped by renowned landscapers such as Capability Brown and William Townsend Aiton. The transformation from a private garden to a public attraction began under Queen Victoria’s reign when Buckingham Palace became the official royal residence. Today, the gardens reflect a blend of traditional English landscape design and modern elements, creating a serene environment for both the royal family and visitors.

The Lake & Island

The centrepiece of the garden is the serene 3-acre artificial lake, created in the 1820s. Its central island is a haven for wildlife and home to a colony of flamingos gifted by Chile in 1959. On calm days, the lake perfectly reflects the west façade of Buckingham Palace.

The Waterloo Vase

This colossal 15-foot Carrara marble vase weighs over 20 tonnes and was carved from a single block as a gift from Napoleon’s enemies to the Prince Regent. Surrounded by roses, it stands proudly on the South Lawn as one of the garden’s most striking monuments.

The Herbaceous Border

One of Britain’s longest herbaceous borders stretches 156 metres along the garden wall. Planted with bold blocks of colour that change with the seasons, it bursts into life each summer with delphiniums, lupins, peonies and dramatic grasses.

The Rose Garden & Summer House

A fragrant sunken rose garden surrounds the elegant wisteria-covered Summer House. In late spring the wisteria drapes create a purple waterfall, while summer brings hundreds of David Austin roses favoured by the Royal Family.

Wildlife & Wildflower Meadows

The garden supports over 325 wild plant species and is a certified wildlife sanctuary. Look for rare native black poplars, bee orchids in the meadows, and resident birds including herons, kingfishers and even the occasional tawny owl.

The Historic Tennis Court

Built in 1930 for King George V, this real-tennis court is still used by members of the Royal Household. In 1937 King George VI famously played (and lost) here against world champion Fred Perry – the only time a reigning monarch has faced a professional player.

Garden Party Lawns

Each summer these sweeping lawns host three royal Garden Parties, welcoming over 24,000 guests in total. The perfectly manicured grass, tea tents and pathways lined with thousands of guests in hats remain one of Britain’s most iconic traditions.