A unique ecosystem in central London

The Medicinal Garden has been beautifully designed and is a wonderfully calm space in the centre of London. The real joy of the garden is in its unique and bespoke collection of over 1,100 plants that offer living examples of the history of medicine from the era of the pyramids of Egypt to today’s life-saving prescription drugs.

These spaces, initially created with the guidance of a designer and under Head Gardener Jane Knowles' stewardship since 2007, meticulously follow the categories outlined in the Pharmacopoeia. 

Each garden represents a different plant part: flower, root, leaf, or seed. Despite space and climate constraints, our dedication to preserving this historical legacy ensures that the garden remains a living representation of 17th-century medicine, as documented by Culpeper's Herbal and other early herbals housed in the RCP's collection.

"We curate communities of plants that complement each other, paying attention to their natural aesthetics while ensuring they feel cohesive within their geographical backgrounds. Particularly at the front of the garden, we pay homage to the 17th century by exclusively featuring plants documented in the Pharmacopoeia Londinensis of May 1618, the College's first official list of authorised medicinal ingredients"
Jane Knowles - Head Gardener
Royal College of Physicians garden tour

Garden tours

Open tours of the Medicinal Garden are given by senior physicians from the RCP on the first Wednesday of each month at 2pm from April to October. Please call +44 (0)20 3075 1200 to book.

Group tours can also be arranged on Tuesdays or Wednesdays between 11am and 3.30pm. To enquire about bookings, please email garden@rcp.ac.uk with the subject 'Garden tour'.

Enquire Now

We look forward to hearing from you, if you would like to talk to us, or make a booking, please click below to let us know what your requirements are, or call us directly on 020 7034 4900.
Map image

How to find
RCP London

RCP London Events is situated 5 minutes from Regent’s Park Station and Great Portland Street Station.