10 Downing Street Garden Opens for One Unique Weekend
Image: Chris Bradley
10 Downing Street will join over 100 unique places, not normally open to the public, taking part in London Open Gardens weekend on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June this year. This annual event, celebrating its Silver Jubilee in 2024, supports the charitable work of London Parks and Gardens to protect our city parks.
Tickets for two guided tours of the Downing Street gardens on Saturday 8th June will be issued through a random public ballot system. Lucky visitors will get the chance to explore the garden of the Prime Minister's official residence which has welcomed countless Premiers and Presidents for almost 300 years. Constructed in 1736, the iconic No.10 garden is dominated by an open lawn, rose beds commissioned by the late Baroness Thatcher, and houses a bronze sculpture by Barbara Hepworth. Expert gardeners from the Royal Parks will be on hand to answer questions about the half-acre site and offer insights into how the garden is becoming both increasingly sustainable and a haven for wildlife.
Downing Street joins over 100 special and often 'secret' green spaces, across 12 London boroughs, which will open their gates for one unique weekend, in support of the London Parks and Gardens (LPG) charity.
Also in central London, the serene Barkston Gardens joins a suite of stunning garden squares such as Cleveland Square, all uniquely un-locked for our event Containing over 1,000 plant species with medicinal associations, Royal College of Physicians’ Medicinal Garden, near Regent’s Park is a treat for the curious and the contemporary Aga Khan Centre’s Islamic Gardens showcases timeless Islamic Garden design.
Roof gardens are a favourite for many visitors, and this year we’re spoilt with 8 iconic high spaces showcasing our green capital from above. Next to St Paul’s Cathedral, 25 Cannon Street’s stylish 5,400 sq ft roof garden is a beautiful, recently created city jewel.
Nathan Oley, Chair, London Open Gardens, said: “This much-loved event has opened London’s secret treasures, and enabled London Parks and Gardens to protect public green spaces for over 25 years."
"We are thrilled that Number 10’s iconic front door will again open as a highlight of London Open Gardens, giving everyone a unique chance to see where our leaders have found relaxation, or inspiration, for centuries. We are very grateful to the Prime Minister, his family and the No.10 team for this opportunity. The corridors of power may be closed but LPG is thrilled to give everyone a chance to gander through the rose garden of government!"
“City gardens are oases of pleasure and refreshment but are also crucial for tackling both the climate emergency and protecting wildlife, so this weekend has never been more important. With free access for children, we hope that visitors of all ages will enjoy a day out and be inspired to keep our city green!” Each ticket sold supports the work of London Parks and Gardens (LPG), enabling the charity to protect London’s historic green spaces throughout the year. Event proceeds are also shared with the capital’s participating community gardens.
Weekend tickets give exclusive access to every open garden whilst historic-themed guided tours, suggested walking routes and ever-popular cycling tours, taking in a selection of the gardens, will also be on offer.
The event attracts up to 40,000 paid visits each year but members of LPG receive free or discounted tickets. As well as supporting LPG to protect our green capital, members also receive discounted access to lectures and a regular magazine to discover more about the rich history and future of London’s gardens. Weekend tickets and the ballot to apply for 10 Downing St tours are available at: londongardenstrust.org/log2024 The Downing St ballot will be open from 10am on 15th April until 23.59 on 7th May.