Above the urban buzz of Kensington there’s a little-known oasis – or rather three of them. The Roof Gardens opened in 1938 atop Derry and Toms Department Store. There’s the Tudor Courtyard, the Spanish Garden, complete with a mock convent chapel, and the English Woodland Garden, home to exotic wildfowl including pink flamingos. The Gardens are now part of Virgin Limited Edition, with a members’ club, a function venue and Babylon Restaurant. It’s a popular spot for weddings and events. What many people don’t know is that, if the gardens aren’t booked, they’re open to the public during the day. So simply check at the reception or call ahead – you may just get a little patch of rooftop greenery all to yourself!
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