Founded by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries to help train apprentices in identifying plants, the garden and its collection of around 5,000 useful, exotic and medicinal plants form one of the world’s oldest botanic gardens.

Expansions and additions from successive head gardeners mirror discoveries in botany and horticultural fashion. Two examples are a fascinating pharmaceutical garden, and the UK’s oldest rockery – compete with giant clam shells brought to London by Captain Cook on HMS Endeavour!

Free guided tours by well-informed volunteers help bring the garden to life for those more interested in the history than the horticulture of the garden. These are usually available two or three times each day (timings vary).

Currently appearing at the garden is “Pertaining to Things Natural“, a series of outdoor sculptures by more than 20 leading artists. Each of these artworks responds in some way to its surroundings, ranging from a beautifully fluid marble screen to a pink metal spiral.

“Pertaining to Things Natural” runs until 31 Oct. The garden is open until 10pm every Wednesday until 5 September. Tickets to the garden are also 2-4-1 until 9 September if you present your Oyster card. Find out more on visitlondon.com.

Are you a fan of London’s gardens and parks? Let us know your favourite in the comments section below.

Psst! We want you to tell us a secret! What’s your favourite offbeat place in London?

London might be famous for world-renowned attractions like the Tower of London and Big Ben, but sometimes it’s the city’s hidden treasures that make a trip to the capital special.

Yes, Hyde Park is lovely, but what about the secluded Chelsea Physic Garden? And we know there are stacks of plays and musicals in London, but have you thought about seeing the hidden magic behind the shows at a backstage tour of the National Theatre or the Royal Opera House?

Enter our Only in London competition, and you could win an amazing prize for you and a friend:

• two nights in a luxury boutique hotel
• two London Passes giving you free entry to 55 top attractions
• a martini-making masterclass; two tickets to a Royal Academy show and much more.

So you’ll have the chance to explore all your favourite offbeat places in London for free!

Let us know your favourite offbeat places in London in the comments below.