A ‘secret’ garden hides in one of London’s most beautiful areas — and it’s £8.50 to enter

Ever since the Londonmaxxing trend took hold this summer, it feels like every corner of the capital has been explored.

From finding the best ice cream shop to the best neighbourhood Italians, Londoners have sought out every lido and outdoor pool from Tooting Bec to Hackney.

But just when we thought there were no more hidden gems left to find, TikTok came through with a secret garden, perfect for whiling away a Sunday afternoon.

Fenton House is a stunning National Trust property tucked away in the heart of Hampstead.

Steeped in Georgian charm, the 17th-century merchant’s house (which is one of the oldest in the area) features a magnificent walled garden set on multiple levels. 

There’s an orchard full of ancient apple and pear trees, a sunken rose garden, and a garden kitchen for when an elevated summer picnic calls.

For those looking for somewhere to bask in the 28°C heat this weekend, it’s just the place.

What is there to do at Fenton House?

If you’re starting in the garden, lean into the past and indulge in traditional lawn games like croquet. During the warmer seasons, they are often available to play on the main terrace and lawns.

The kitchen garden features working vegetable plots where you can get inspiration for your own outdoor space.

Or, simply bring a picnic blanket or perch on one of the hidden benches, and catch some rays.

If you need to escape the heat, head inside and marvel at the art collections, Georgian furniture, 13th-century ceramics, 17th-century needlework and an intricately sewn 18th-century map of England.

There are also historical musical instruments on display, some of which date back to the Baroque period. This includes the harpsichord and clavichord (many of Bach and Handel’s works featured these historic keyboards), spinets, virginals, and pianos.

The unique collection of early keyboard instruments is kept in playing condition; volunteer musicians regularly tune and play them for visitors on open days.

Finally, step out onto the top-floor East balcony for panoramic views. Due to the house’s position at the top of the hill, you can see for miles across Hampstead, the City of London, and the Shard.

How much does it cost to visit the garden?

Hampstead is renowned for being one of the most affluent and exclusive areas in London.

Celebs like Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, Emma Thompson and Ricky Gervais are all residents of the area.

But despite its flashy reputation, entry to the Fenton House gardens won’t break the bank.

Adult tickets to the garden cost just £8.50, while for children up to 17, it’s £4.25. Kids under five go free.

You can also get two kinds of family tickets for the garden. The most expensive is £21.25, which covers two adults and up to three children.

Alternatively, a family ticket consisting of one adult and up to three children is £12.75.

You can also get access to the house (more on that later) and the garden. For entry to both, it’s £14 or £7 for kids.

For the latter two family tickets, it’s £35 or £21, respectively.

What events are on at Fenton House?

Want to ensure you catch the historic keyboards in action? Fenton House runs monthly musical tours, where said volunteers play works of the time.

The next tour is on Friday, July 24 at 2.30 pm. It lasts one hour.

There’s also the annual Idler Festival, held at Fenton House and Garden, which the Spectator called ‘Britain’s best arts and literary festival.’

Described as a ‘weekend of philosophy and merriment,’ the event takes place in the walled gardens and orchard. Ticketholders can enjoy philosophy talks, comedy, music, and workshops.

Other activities include Renaissance dancing lessons, walks, singing, ukulele, and beekeeping.

Heads up, festival tickets aren’t as cheap as the general entry to the garden. A weekend ticket costs £155, while day tickets are cheaper at £50 on Friday, and £75 on Saturday and Sunday.

This year’s festival takes place from July 10 to 12.

In August, there’s also a ‘summer’s night of Shakespeare retellings.’

With a ‘pay-what-you-can’ ethos, spend the evening in the garden watching a showcase of new stories inspired by the poet and playwright.

Find out more about what’s on at Fenton House’s website.

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