Roof Gardens in Kensington

Just down Kensington Street from the Baglioni Hotel there is a most remarkable rooftop garden that, if open, makes for a lovely afternoon break from sightseeing and shopping in Kensington.

The building was originally known as the Derry and Toms Building and the rooftop gardens, built in the 1930s were appropriately called the Derry and Toms Rooftop Gardens. In the 1980s, Sir Richard Branson bought the gardens and today the Virgin mega-group has an exclusive restaurant and nightclub up there. Call it the Derry and Toms Gardens, The Virgin Group Gardens or Babylon (the restaurant) at the Rooftop Gardens and most anyone in the area will know what you are talking about.

There are in fact three gardens spread over the acre and a half rooftop space. The Spanish garden features Mediterranean flora that manages to grow quite well in England’s less-than-Mediterranean climate. We didn’t see the seasonal blooms as it was winter but this garden was lovely nonetheless. The woodland garden lives up to its name by having a wonderful variety of trees to view. It is remarkable that these trees do so well in only a few feet of soil. The Tudor garden will help remind you that you are in England with it walled spaces and local flora.

While there wasn’t much in bloom in the middle of the winter, the view of west London on a clear winter day was really remarkable. Since the gardens are now mainly marketed as a high-end event space, they are not on the tourist path anymore as they are often closed to the public when events are happening. If the space isn’t booked (as is often the case in the winter), visitors are welcome to head to the roof for a look around. Call ahead to make sure you can see the gardens. It is a wonderful, off-the-beaten-track experience that you shouldn’t miss.