When visitors think of Buckingham Palace, their minds often drift to its iconic façade, the Changing of the Guard, or the gilded State Rooms. Yet behind the palace lies a lesser-known but equally fascinating treasure: the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Spanning 39 acres, this private green oasis is the largest garden in central London, a haven for wildlife and a stage for royal occasions. Often described as the “royal backyard,” the gardens reflect centuries of landscaping tradition, blending formal design with naturalistic beauty. They are not only a place of relaxation and retreat for the monarch but also an important setting for ceremonial and state events.
Origins and Early Development
The origins of Buckingham Palace’s gardens date back to the early 17th century, when the land was part of the grounds of Buckingham House, the residence acquired by King George III in 1761 for Queen Charlotte. At that time, the area was semi-rural, dotted with mulberry trees planted by James I in an unsuccessful attempt to establish a silk industry. Queen Charlotte developed the grounds into a private garden, adding a menagerie and aviary to entertain her children.
When George IV began transforming Buckingham House into Buckingham Palace in the 1820s, architect John Nash also turned his attention to the gardens. He designed a grand, sweeping landscape to complement the palace, inspired by the English landscape garden tradition made famous by Capability Brown. This included rolling lawns, wooded areas, and a large lake. The gardens we see today are the result of this vision, refined and maintained over nearly two centuries.
Layout and Features
The gardens of Buckingham Palace are both formal and informal in design, combining manicured lawns, flower beds, and wilderness areas. Despite being at the heart of London, they have the atmosphere of a country estate, offering tranquility and natural beauty shielded from the bustle of the city.
The Lawn
The central lawn is one of the most striking features of the gardens. Spanning over 350 feet across, it is a vast expanse of immaculately maintained grass, ideal for large gatherings. Each summer, the lawn becomes the setting for the famous royal garden parties, when thousands of guests from all walks of life are invited to meet the monarch and members of the Royal Family. The sight of colourful dresses, parasols, and military uniforms against the backdrop of the palace creates one of the most quintessentially British images of ceremonial life.
The Lake
The garden’s lake is another highlight, covering three acres and home to over 30 different bird species. Swans, geese, and ducks glide across its waters, while a picturesque island at its centre provides a nesting ground for waterfowl. The lake’s planting and design evoke a naturalistic style, offering peaceful views from the surrounding paths. The water for the lake is sourced from the Serpentine in Hyde Park, linking two of London’s most famous green spaces.
The Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is a more intimate space within the grounds, filled with fragrant varieties that bloom in vibrant shades during the summer months. Carefully curated, the Rose Garden reflects the horticultural excellence for which the palace grounds are renowned. Visitors fortunate enough to tour the gardens in the summer often remark on the intoxicating scent and brilliant colours of the roses.
The Herbaceous Border
Another prominent feature is the Herbaceous Border, which stretches over 156 metres. It is the longest in London and is planted with an ever-changing display of flowering plants, designed to provide colour from spring through autumn. This border demonstrates the skill of the royal gardeners, who manage to combine classic and contemporary planting styles to dazzling effect.
The Summer House and Tennis Court
Scattered throughout the grounds are smaller features such as a summer house, used for relaxation, and a tennis court. The tennis court has historical significance: it was famously used by King George VI and Fred Perry, the British tennis champion, in the 1930s. It remains a reminder of the recreational role of the gardens for the royal family.
The Garden Parties
Perhaps the most famous use of the Buckingham Palace gardens is the royal garden party. These events have been held since the 1860s, when Queen Victoria opened her grounds to host afternoon gatherings. Today, the monarch continues the tradition, inviting up to 8,000 guests at a time.
Garden parties typically take place in the summer months, with around three held at Buckingham Palace each year. Guests include community leaders, volunteers, public servants, and others recognised for their contributions to society. For many, receiving an invitation to a royal garden party is a once-in-a-lifetime honour.
The event itself is steeped in tradition. Guests stroll the lawns, enjoy tea, sandwiches, and cakes, and listen to the music of military bands. Midway through the afternoon, the King, accompanied by other members of the Royal Family, circulates among the guests. The setting—the sweeping lawn, the palace as a backdrop, and the carefully cultivated flower beds—adds to the atmosphere of dignity and celebration.
Wildlife and Conservation
Despite its urban location, the Buckingham Palace garden is a thriving habitat for wildlife. The lake, lawns, and wooded areas attract a surprising range of species. Over 30 species of birds and 350 wildflowers have been recorded within the grounds. These include rare native plants and trees, many of which are carefully protected by the palace’s gardening staff.
In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on conservation and sustainability. Beehives have been introduced to the garden, producing honey served in the palace kitchens. Deadwood is left in certain areas to encourage insect life, while native wildflowers are cultivated to support pollinators. In this way, the palace gardens play a role in promoting biodiversity in central London.
The Garden as a Private Retreat
While the gardens serve ceremonial purposes, they are also a private retreat for the monarch and royal family. The vast lawns, secluded pathways, and shaded groves provide a place of relaxation away from public life. For Queen Elizabeth II, the gardens were known to be a cherished sanctuary, where she could walk her dogs or simply enjoy the peace of nature. For King Charles III, with his well-documented passion for gardening and the environment, the gardens are likely to remain a place of both solace and inspiration.
The balance between public and private use is striking. On one hand, the gardens are a stage for thousands of guests; on the other, they remain an intimate, personal space for the family who resides in the palace. This dual role adds to the uniqueness of the Buckingham Palace gardens.
Public Access and the Summer Opening
For most of the year, the gardens are closed to the public. However, during the summer months, when the State Rooms are open for tours, visitors are also allowed to explore parts of the grounds. The garden tour usually includes a walk along the Herbaceous Border, views of the Rose Garden, and access to the lawn and lake. For many visitors, it is an unexpected highlight of their visit to Buckingham Palace.
Walking through the gardens, one can scarcely believe that they lie in the heart of a bustling capital city. The contrast between the tranquillity of the grounds and the busy streets just beyond the palace walls is one of the garden’s most remarkable qualities.
Symbolism and Continuity
Like Buckingham Palace itself, the gardens symbolise continuity. They link past and present, embodying the tastes of successive monarchs and the traditions of British horticulture. Each generation has added its mark, from Queen Charlotte’s aviary to the modern sustainability measures introduced today. The gardens have evolved with the times, yet their essence remains the same: a private haven, a public stage, and a living work of art.
Conclusion
The gardens of Buckingham Palace are far more than an ornamental backdrop to the palace. They are a living, breathing space that combines natural beauty, horticultural excellence, wildlife conservation, and royal tradition. From the vast lawn that hosts grand garden parties to the tranquil lake and the vibrant herbaceous border, every corner of the grounds tells a story.
For the monarch, the gardens are a sanctuary; for the public, they are a symbol of tradition and continuity. They embody the dual nature of monarchy itself—both private and public, timeless yet ever evolving. In the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities, the gardens remain a serene oasis, a reminder that even amidst pomp and ceremony, there is room for nature, reflection, and quiet beauty.
