Secret Gardens: The Walled Garden in Brockwell Park

Quietly tucked away behind the tall brick walls in the heart of one of South London’s most loved parks, a stone’s throw from the splashing water of summer paddling pools and Lido, lies a hidden garden. The walled garden in Brockwell Park, once a part of a grand private estate, is a free-to-visit oasis offering a piece of tranquillity in one of London’s busiest parks.

With its sculpted hedges, wisteria-covered trellis and pergolas covered in fragrant roses, this secret space feels like something plucked straight from the English countryside. If you’re looking for a quiet escape in South London, the walled garden in Brockwell Park is your perfect retreat.

The history of Brockwell Park’s walled garden

Brockwell Park was once the grounds of Brockwell Hall (now a Grade II* listed building), a grand country estate built by wealthy London glass merchant John Blades after he purchased the land in 1807. The walled garden served as the private kitchen garden for the Hall’s residents. Enclosed by tall red-brick walls, it was designed to grow fruit and vegetables for the Blades family and their staff.

When the estate was acquired by the London County Council (LCC) in 1891, it became a public park. Renowned park designer and Chief Officer of Parks at the LCC, J. J. Sexby, was responsible for this transformation, redesigning the kitchen garden into a formal walled pleasure garden for the enjoyment of the public. The “Old English Garden” as it was known, has gradually transformed into the ornamental English country cottage style garden we enjoy today.

The space underwent restoration in 2012, restoring the fountain and pathways and the Temple ‘folly’ structure at its entrance and securing it as a landmark for future generations to enjoy inside this beloved park.

A country cottage garden in the city

Walking through the gate you are immediately transported to another world; the noise of the surrounding park fades away, replaced by the buzz of bees and the rustling of leaves. The English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens describes the garden as a “formal but exuberant scheme of massed bedding, roses and topiary around a central pool.” Meandering walkways float around flower beds, travel beneath arches covered in climbers and converge at several seating areas around the space.

In the summer, yellow and pink hollyhocks tower above a carpet of soft lamb’s ear, swarming with bees. Winding paths are lined with herbaceous perennials, climbing plants and flowers, from euphorbia and shrub roses to thistles and giant yellow scabious. An impressive mature Yew tree has been hollowed to create an arched walkway reminiscent of estate gardens in the English countryside, and it’s hard to believe you are standing in the middle of a busy London park.

A well-established climbing wisteria provides cover on a hot day beneath its long trellis walkway, encouraging visitors to languish in the shade. Benches pepper the edges between tall poppies and are enjoyed by readers seeking respite from the busy city beyond the wall.

Against the shelter at the back of the garden is an exotic border with canna, purple castor oil plant and tall banana. The garden is carefully maintained by Lambeth Council alongside local volunteers, Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses and the Friends of Brockwell Park who dedicate time to its upkeep, ensuring that the garden flourishes throughout the year.

Brockwell Park’s community greenhouses

Just beyond the walled garden is an area of community greenhouses, originally created to serve the walled garden and estate, they are now a volunteer-led space and excellent community resource that includes an orchard, educational gardens and a programme of workshops. Visitors are welcome to explore the gardens, learn about plants, and even lend a hand in seasonal tasks.

How to get to Brockwell Park’s walled garden

The walled garden is located near Brockwell Hall and the park’s paddling pools. If you are coming from the direction of the Lido, head up towards the tennis courts and follow the signage.

Train/Tube: The nearest stations are Herne Hill (2-minute walk to the entrance of Brockwell Park), Tulse Hill (10-minute walk) or Victora Line to Brixton (10-minute walk).
Bus: Several routes including the 3, 37, 196, 322 and 468 stop nearby the park.
Entry: free.
Opening hours: Usually from 7:30am to before sunset.