Chelsea Physic Garden

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Lonely Planet review

Aa secret garden in the midst of an urban jungle, established by the Apothecaries' Society in 1673 for students working on medicinal plants and healing. One of the oldest of its kind in Europe, Londoners are relatively ignorant of its existence, which means that the many rare trees, shrubs and plants are yours for quiet exploration.

The fascinating pharmaceutical garden grows plants used in contemporary Western medicine; the world medicine garden has a selection of plants used by tribal peoples in Australia, China, India, New Zealand and North America, and there's a heady perfume and aromatherapy garden.

There is a statue of Sir Hans Sloane, the philanthropist who saved the garden from going under in the early 18th century. Opening hours are limited because the grounds are still used for research and education. Tours - informative and entertaining - can be organised by appointment.