Garden Details
Royal College of Physicians' Garden of Medicinal Plants
The Garden
The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP) Garden of Medicinal Plants contains almost 1,000 different plants connected to the history and practice of medicine worldwide. They are arranged in borders according to their geographical origin around the modernist headquarters of the 500-year-old Royal College of Physicians. All plants are labelled and some have colour-coded texts highlighting themes such as doctors in medicine, modern pharmaceuticals, conditions affecting the lungs and the heart, and Shakespeare's poetry. Notable collections include citrus, cycads and the flora of South Africa. A unique series of small gardens showcases plants used by 17th Century physicians as documented in their first Pharmacopoea Londinensis published in 1618. The garden aims to give delight and generate interest, displaying beautiful plants from around the world while offering insights into their qualities and uses.
Head Gardener: Jane Knowles
Further information on London Parks & Gardens Inventory
Visitor Information
- Open
-
Saturday 10:00–17:00
- Activities
- Tours will take place throughout the day, no need to book. The guides are all physicians and fellows of the college, keen to share stories about the medicinal properties of plants and their place in the history of medicine. The display of the college's notable collection of apothecaries jars will be accessible. The cafe will be open for light refreshments.
- Picnics allowed.
- Entrance
- Garden gate at the eastern end of St Andrew's Place, off the Outer Circle opposite the SE corner of the Regent's Park. Please note that there is NO access via Peto Place
Nearest postcode: NW1 4LE - Buses
- Map of nearby bus stops
- Stations
- Regent's Park, Great Portland Street
- Cycle hire station
- Longford Street (Map)
- Toilets
- Accessible toilet on site
- Car Parking
- No parking on site.
- Access
- Garden not fully accessible to wheelchair users.
The garden is on a slope and there is a brick path with a handrail down one side of the main lawn. Most of the garden is accessible via brick paths. Step access only to the lower terrace. There are lifts inside the building. - Dogs
- Dogs on leads welcome
