Take a peek inside these secret gardens including Keats House, Hampstead Parish Church Burial Grounds and Highgate Day Centre with the Open Garden Squares Weekend

Ham & High: Keats House, NW3 will be open between 11am and 5pm on Saturday and SundayKeats House, NW3 will be open between 11am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday (Image: © Nigel Sutton email pictures@nigelsuttonphotography.com)

In June, the Open Garden Squares Weekend will return to London with a whole host of north London gardens opening their gates to green-fingered visitors. Guests will be able to explore the gardens, learn about their history, speak to the gardeners and purchase traditional British summer garden fare at around 40 gardens participating in the scheme in Hampstead, Islington, St Pancras and Marylebone.

The weekender is London’s biggest garden visiting event and is organised by the London Parks and Gardens Trust. The aim of the scheme is to raise awareness of the contributions that gardens and squares make to London on a social, cultural, environmental and economic level.

Ham & High: Freightliners Farm, N7 will be open for Open Squares from 10-5pm on Saturday and SundayFreightliners Farm, N7 will be open for Open Squares from 10-5pm on Saturday and Sunday (Image: Archant)

2017 is the 20th year of the initiative which expects to welcome 18,000 attendees, totalling 50,000 individual garden visits. The 230 gardens on show will range from modern to traditional, from the innovative to the imaginative and will feature allotments, railway platforms, water gardens and roof gardens.

New this year is a Hidden Gems competition which will see a London-wide treasure hunt set in 18 designated gardens. The prize will be an afternoon tea at Duck Island Cottage in St James’s Park. The gardens chosen as Hidden Gems have been selected for their secrecy and lesser-known locations. Barnsbury Wood, N1 will be north London’s ‘hidden’ garden.

Ham & High: Caledonian Park and Community Garden N7 will be open on Sunday 18th from 11-5pmCaledonian Park and Community Garden N7 will be open on Sunday 18th from 11-5pm (Image: Archant)

Ed Ikin, chair of the London Parks & Gardens Trust said: “Now in its 20th year, Open Garden Squares Weekend is much broader than the ‘Open Garden Squares’ title suggests and offers visitors unrivalled access to some of London’s most unique green spaces. Organised by the London Parks and Gardens Trust, the Weekend offers people a chance to visit, explore and learn about the capital’s exciting and diverse green spaces. There is no better opportunity to experience first-hand London’s ability to grow in extraordinary spaces.”

The Open Garden Squares Weekend will take place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June. Advance tickets are available for £13 here, under 12s go free. Below is a list of all the events taking place across north London:

Ham & High: Waterlow Park Kitchen Garden, N6 will be open on Sunday 18th from 10-4pmWaterlow Park Kitchen Garden, N6 will be open on Sunday 18th from 10-4pm (Image: Archant)

Hampstead Parish Church Burial Grounds, NW3. Saturday 10-5pm, Sunday 2-5pm

Hampstead Parish Church will offer tomb trails, quizzes and activities for children alongside refreshments and guided tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on Saturday and 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Sunday.

Keats House, NW3, 11-5pm

New for this year, Keats House will offer garden tours on Saturday from 2-3pm and Sunday from 11am-12 noon. The tours will focus on Keats’ poetry and its influence on the gardens of the house. On Sunday, there will be a family day between 1 and 4pm with a mini safari and bug hotel making. Tours are free but booking is recommended here. keatsevent.eventbrite.co.uk.

World Peace Garden, NW3, 10-5pm

An event for children, the World Peace Garden will offer little ones the chance to tie a tag to the Tree of Hope on the theme of ‘what I want the world to be like when I grow up’, and take part in music, story-telling and art classes.

Highgate Day Centre, NW5, Saturday 11-4, Sunday 10-4pm

This hidden gem garden will offer up beginner-friendly botanical art workshops at 12 noon on Saturday run by illustrator and architect Jaco Nel. Materials will be supplied, there will be a plant and herb sale and refreshments.

Waterlow Park Kitchen Garden, N6, Sunday 10-4pm

The kitchen garden will be open for visitors to explore the plants and vegetables on display, and take part in talks and walks accompanied by the gardeners.

Caledonian Park and Community Garden, N7, Sunday 11-5pm

Pre-book a trip up the clock tower should you wish, or with little ones explore the natural play area and historical exhibits. There will also be orchard tours and woodland walks.

The Regent’s Park Allotment Garden, NW1, Saturday 10-3.30pm

Children will be kept occupied with a garden hunt trail and activities, whilst adults can tour the garden and shop for plant and produce to take home.

Freightliners Farm, N7, 10-5pm

Alongside a plant sale and vegetarian café serving produce from the farm, there will be growing activites for children run by the young farmers’ club on Saturday morning.

King Henry’s Walk Garden, N1, 12-4pm

As well as exploring the gardens on Saturday and Sunday, there will be a traditional British summer fête held on Saturday afternoon.

Skip Garden, Global Generation, N1, Saturday 10-5pm, Sunday 10-4pm

Visitors will be able to tour the garden and enjoy a light lunch in the garden café.

The Growing Kitchen, N1, Sunday 10-5pm

After a guided tour of the garden, guests can purchase refreshments, peppermint tea and homemade cakes.

Pooles Parks Primary School, N4, Saturday 1-5pm

Workshops will leave guests with a hanging basket and willow art gift to take home, alongside the many other environmental workshops on offer. There will be garden tours available as well as face painting and music for little ones.

Royal College of Physcicians’ Medicinal Garden, NW1, 10-5pm

Guided tours will show visitors how plants were used in traditional medicines over centuries and how they till are today.

Barnsbury Wood, N1. Sunday 10-5pm

A hidden gem, visitors will be able to explore this garden and find out about its secrets.

The full list of gardens is available here.