Backpackers Guide to London
Chelsea Physick Garden
Backpackers' Guide to London's Tourist Information | Backpackers' Guide to London Tourist Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to London's Historical Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to Shopping in London | Backpackers' Guide to Sport in London | Backpackers' Guide to Entertainment in London | Backpackers' Guide to Food in London | Backpackers' Guide to London Museums When the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries founded the Chelsea Physic Garden (then known as Apothecaries’ Garden) in 1673 to train apprentices in identifying various species of plants, they did not know that their “Garden Club” would become London’s centre of education and relaxation. Located at 66 Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea, London, this 3.5 acre Garden is now one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. It is home to the oldest garden devoted to alpine plants, and has the largest fruiting olive tree in all of Britain. In the beginning, the Garden occupied a site owned by Sir John Danvers. Some years later, Dr. Hans Sloane, a physician, purchased the adjacent Manor of Chelsea from Charles Cheyne, and leased the entire 4 acres to the Society of Apothecaries for a paltry sum of £5 a year in perpetuity. The Society of Apothecaries managed the Garden from its inception until the 19th century, when the City Parochial Foundation agreed to run it. Back then, the Garden was still closed off to the public. It only allowed public access in 1983 when the Garden became a registered charity. Today, the Garden has a collection of 5000 plants including tropical and sub-tropical species, medicinal plants, and rare and endangered species. On occasion, the Garden may also be rented out for events. It has a reception room that can comfortably seat 135 people (buffet style). A lecture room, equipped with projector screens and a blackboard is situated just above the reception room. Plant enthusiasts can reach the Garden by three means: by tube, by bus or by car. Although the address states that it is located on Royal Hospital Road, you have to enter via a side street called Swan Walk. The Garden is located near Chelsea Royal Hospital, home to war veterans; the National Army Museum; and the Antiquarius Antique Shopping Road (King’s Road). Nearby lodging facilities include classic hotels such as the London Outpost, Draycott Hotel, Cadogan and The Pelham; as well as contemporary accommodations such as MyHotel Chelsea and Blakes, both located just along Sloane Avenue, and the Knightbridge Hotel.
Introduction
History
Getting There
Ashlee House, 261-265 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8QT, England
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 9400 Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9677
