What a treat to be invited by Malcolm Ball, founder of Beyond The Map London, with the promise of refreshments (very important for the London Gin Drinker), the opportunity to win prizes and meet up with like-minded people. As part of the London Open Gardens event, we had the chance to wander around some of the most attractive and interesting parts Kensington and to visit some of the private gardens. Like many people, I watch time and time again the scene in the film “Notting Hill” when Hugh Grant nearly does himself mischief clambering over the iron railings after Julia Roberts, to steal some intimate moments in one of the private gardens in west London. Fortunately we did not have to break any rules when we visited.
These private gardens grace a surprising number of places across the capital. In fact, there are over 100 residential Squares in London, which were created during the 18th and 19th centuries as central communal gardens, often originally used for pasture, as well as recreation. Today, lucky residents who live around these Squares are given a key to the garden to use it for their own enjoyment. But one weekend a year they are opened to the general public.
Each summer, “Open Gardens” weekend gives visitors the chance to discover a diverse collection of green spaces, from the historic and traditional to the new and experimental, which open to the public for a special weekend. All funds raised help the London Gardens Trust to continue its work, protecting the green heart of the capital.
This sunny afternoon’s event had been devised by Beyond the Map London experts, Rob and Ginny, who have created many of the self guided walks and other offerings that BTML provide – further information can be found at beyondthemaplondon.com.
There were a variety of challenges on this occasion – first we had to form teams with various roles as we walked – the scribe, the navigator, the safety officer, the photographer etc, in order to end up in the right place at the right time, and meet up with the other groups doing the challenge that day. Second, we had to answer some clues to find out which of the many garden squares available to us in this area we were supposed to visit, and to plot the best route. Some turned out to be traditional garden squares, like the one in Notting Hill, but others were on a much “higher plane” and well hidden.
Some of the gardens had information and entertainment laid on, and cake to buy; others were more private, and enabled you to get out of the sunshine for a moment and absorb the calm and tranquillity that these special, green spaces afford. However, in all of the gardens we visited, we were made to feel very welcome by the organisers, and we came away knowing lots more about the history of the place. We all want to come back again next year to explore the places further another time.
The afternoon ended when we successfully answered 3 clues to give us the exact location in Hyde Park using ‘What 3 Words‘ – it worked and the London Gin Drinker ended a perfect afternoon sipping her favourite beverage.
If you fancy doing this walk next year, keep a look-out on the BTML website for further details. Early booking is advised.