Location: West Heath, Hampstead Heath, London, UK [MAP]
Designer: Thomas Mawson
Project Type: Public Garden,
Completion Date: 1925
Visited: 19.10.2014
Access: Located in-between Hampstead and Golders Green. Walk toward West Heath. and look out for Inverforth House. The Pergolar and HIll Gardens are just behind it. The gardens are also accessible via Inverforth Close.
A well concealed Secret Garden in West Heath- a not so easy to stumble across as you must walk through a side street full of housing before veering off on to a public track to access this marvel. There is a low bridge to walk under which marks the transition into this beautiful garden.
Thomas Mawson was the Landscape Architect who, acting on behalf of Lord Leverhulme, designed the Pergola and Hill Gardens. It was an Edwardian vision to create a promenade for summer parties and leisurely strolls that extended into the gardens. It is now a grade two-listed structure. The gardens are really well maintained and are a great example of that period.
The raised walkway is built beautifully and offers stunning views over the heath. It’s a fascinating place to explore with many twists and turns that lead to the discovery of beautiful spaces. Even more so during the autumn with the bright yellows, reds and oranges from the changing foliage.
The Secret Garden Atlas 