Address: 66 Royal Hospital Rd, London, SW3 4HS, United Kingdom
Phone: +442073525646
Rating: 4.6
based on 273 reviews.
Garden Experience
Pros:
"The Chelsea Physic is one of the most beautiful secret places in London."
"Enjoy the peace and quiet of this delightful physicians garden where you can learn about all the medicinal and culinary herbs and plants."
"Lovely botanic garden in Chelsea across the road from the Thames."
"This is a small but dense garden full of interesting plants. I would highly recommend going there when there is a (free) tour, as the real draw of this garden is its fascinating history and the stories behind all of the plants there."
"A beautiful, fascinating garden, wonderful for information about medicinal (and other) plants or just to stroll or sit to enjoy the scents and the peace."
"A magical space. The food was excellent today, lovely staff, but very understaffed for the numbers of visitors."
"Beautiful and serene green space in Chelsea. A gateway from the city."
Cons:
"Haven't been for a few years and was quite disappointed - admittedly August is a poor time to visit a garden such as this."
"Turning to the garden itself I was very disappointed in the level of maintenance or rather the lack of it."
"Some beds are being reorganised so maybe check before you go."
"The gardens themselves were in a poor state, looking quite straggly and weedy."
"However there was several areas bare with labels and no plants."
"The place lacks the atmosphere of old and seems to be a place for weddings and events."
"I didn't feel at all that I could spend time enjoying the gardens or learning about the history of the place."
Staff and Service
Pros:
"Staff in the reception and cafe were friendly and helpful which all added to a very enjoyable visit."
"From the time I entered the reception area, I was greeted with a smile and by helpful members of staff."
"Thoroughly enjoyed a tour with expert Richard who happily answered many strange questions about the medicinal and edible plants."
"Thank you to all the staff working there who are always very welcoming!"
"Staff was friendly and helpful."
"The staff are friendly and will share some insights about plants if you ask them."
"Wonderful visit with a great guide."
Cons:
"I haven't awarded five stars because on more than one occasion staff seemed unfriendly and there was a bit of a pretentious vibe."
"The gardens and ambience were wonderful however the staff were rude and dismissive even at the reception."
"The young man on the check-in desk was rude and unhelpful."
"There was an older lady with white hair who patrolled the gardens incessantly, making visitors feel like they were being watched and giving the gardens a wholly unwelcoming vibe."
"Unfortunately, the cafe leaves something to be desired - lacklustre menu, unfriendly attitude from the waiter, and an appallingly filthy restroom."
"We felt unwanted which is not a great feeling."
"Your staff members need to understand hidden disability and believe your customers who need concessions."
Cafe and Food
Pros:
"After your walk enjoy the coffee and the most amazing fresh food in the cafe located inside the gardens."
"Lunch in the Cafe was wonderful, caramelized onion and goat cheese tart."
"Food at the restaurant are 5 stars with value for money."
"The homely country style restaurant serves great food."
"The cafe is full of tempting goodies."
"Cutest cafe ever and lovely staff."
"Food was very good, the soup of the day is highly recommended."
Cons:
"The menu tried very hard to be a sleek central London kind of menu - with VERY central London prices."
"Food is very expensive relative to the places around, but I guess the premium is because of the place."
"Garden is a peaceful haven full of fascinating plants - all helpfully labelled but I was shocked when I got my bill for 2 (good) cappuccinos in the cafe with a discretionary 12.5% tip added - total £8.44!!"
"Had run out of nearly all of their food options on the menu."
"Cafe very slow in serving and chaotic during Chelsea Flower Show."
"The cafe was a real disappoint. Limited, uninteresting menu, tiny paper plates and the waitress looked miserable."
"However we had lunch at the cafe which was hugely over-priced and very disappointing."
Accessibility and Pricing
Pros:
"The student tickets were about 7 £."
"Chelsea is a non-profit and I think the price of the ticket is really fair."
"Parking on Sunday on the local streets was no problem."
"Great customer service and affordable entry price."
"Worth a visit and for £7 it's decent value for money too."
"Entrance fee is £9.50 which included a small donation towards the upkeep of the garden."
"Altough the entrance fee is a bit expensive in relation to other places in London, it is worth it."
Cons:
"I haven't awarded five stars because on more than one occasion staff seemed unfriendly and there was a bit of a pretentious vibe."
"But admissions are extremely expensive for what it really is and so is the restaurant/cafe!"
"A bit pricey for a garden with a £12.50 entrance fee but worth it when you know your contribution is going to the upkeep of this historic garden."
"Its also expensive for what it is."
"The homely country style restaurant serves great food but be aware that if you are booking to eat you are still obliged to pay the £7.50 entrance fee. No concessions."
"I would not recommend with a disabled visitor as gravel paths make pushing difficult."
"Do not go here if you're disabled and require understanding and accessibility."