Also the Queens back garden, these beautiful grounds are great for a Sunday stroll to see the pelicans or to feed the squirrels. Duck Island Cottage is worth a look too, a idyllic little cottage situated in the grounds which was specially built as the bird keepers home.
The Garden is nestled behind walls and positioned close to the River Thames in Chelsea. The Thames location is no accident as back in 1673 the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries chose their Chelsea village site for its proximity to the river to make the most of its warm air currents. It also gave them a base to moor their barge, allowing them to conduct plant finding expeditions in surrounding areas and to teach their apprentices to identify plants.
I'm a big fan of Richard Serra. As this is the train station I use to pass in and out of London. I think it's safe to say i've spent more time gazing and contemplating this art work than any other on earth! The steel monolith sits in a rather petite amphitheatre with surrounding step/seats. During the week, it's packed with picnicking stray commuters. I just love sitting there.
The Princess Louise, was a Victorian Gin Palace, with mirror and tiles galore, segregated seating and extraordinary urinals. With pints of beer just over £2 you're laughing. It gets packed so we come for a lunchtime pint.