A complete review of the Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf – the most romantic secret garden in London, with a straight view on the skyscrapers!
Now here’s a secret London spot I couldn’t wait to tell you about: Canary Wharf’s Crossrail Place Roof Garden.
It was freezing cold the last time I went there, on a morning to be able to capture pictures of this gorgeous little roof garden with open ceilings and views on the Canary Wharf skyscrapers.
London’s Secret Gardens: Crossrail Place Roof Garden, Canary Wharf
I realize that I haven’t been sharing all the reviews of London food spots and other hidden gems that I had planned to write more of this year.
I started with places like Donutelier on Charing Cross Road with their excellent donuts just a few days ago.
I have also already shared hidden gems like St Dunstan in the East and the Believe in Me mural in Quex Mews, West Hampstead.
To celebrate spring days coming back, let me take you to the Crossrail Place Roof Garden in the posh Canary Wharf area!
Crossrail Place Roof Garden: What Is It?
Here’s what the official Canary Wharf website says about the Crossrail Place Roof Garden:
Wander through and admire the exotic plants, relax on one of the many benches nestled in hidden pathways or enjoy a show in the amphitheatre.
Crossrail Place sits almost exactly on the Meridian line and the planting is arranged according to which hemisphere they are from with Asian plants such as bamboos to the east, and plants such as ferns from the Americas to the west.
Read: Visiting London: A Covent Garden Itinerary in 10 Top Spots
Crossrail Place Roof Garden: My Experience
I’ve been to the Crossrail Place Roof Garden quite a few times, both when I didn’t live and lived in London.
Canary Wharf is but one of my favorite areas to walk around in London, especially at night and at Christmas time: you’ll never find prettier Christmas lights!
I remember going to the Crossrail Place Roof Garden, located on top of the shopping center, when it was really early during the day to shoot these pictures.
As soon as spring and summer come round in London, this secret garden becomes not so secret anymore, but I was lucky to find just another couple of people there when I visited.
The pathways are clean, and at the time I visited, there were a few sculptures at the Crossrail Place Roof Garden, although I’m not sure if that was a permanent installation.
Read: Free Things to Do in Central London When It Rains
London’s Secret Gardens: Crossrail Place Roof Garden, Canary Wharf
The Crossrail Place Roof Garden is, per the website, free to visit and open daily to the public until 9pm or sunset in summer.
It’s interesting to visit if you’re looking for new photo spots, although there are many more in Canary Wharf, from the multicolor under bridge to the art trail closer to Westferry Circus.
There is also a small amphitheatre inside the roof garden, and you can attend or organize workshops and performances, too – really a cool date idea for the summer.
When you’re done relaxing at the Crossrail Place Roof Garden – or reading, or writing: it’s a perfect writing spot!, you can make your way to the shopping center.
Right outside closer to the Canary Wharf station, you’ll find the really cool Six Public Clocks by Konstantin Grcic, worth a glance.
And, if you’re into public installations and street art, I’d also recommend the short walk that leads to the incredible Traffic Tree Light!
Until next time!