The Nursemaids' Tunnel

London's Regent’s Park is often thought to be just the central area but within the Outer Circle lies much more, rarely accessible to the public. This special tour offers exclusive access to the private gardens of Park Square and Park Crescent, by kind permission of the Crown Estate Paving Commission (CEPC). These immaculate areas are normally reserved for local residents and subscribers. The two gardens are connected by the beautifully restored Nursemaids’ Tunnel.

Regent’s Park was conceived in 1810 by the Prince Regent and brought to life by James and Decimus Burton, and John Nash. The CEPC, a statutory body founded in 1813, manages certain roads, pavements, and gardens, but is independent of The Crown Estate.

The tour is led by Matt Higham and Rich Griggs, who are leading significant replanting efforts. Visitors will enjoy a wide variety of roses, bulbs, tropical plants and exotics, followed by refreshments and a two-course lunch nearby.

The tour will be led by Matt Higham, the Head of Landscape and Rich Griggs, the Head Gardener at the CEPC. They are currently undertaking a big project to replant and gap up areas. 

Guests will see:

• Philadelphus arches
• A range of seasonal flowering bulbs
• A range of roses including the bright white ‘Iceberg’ variety
• Japanese Banana - Musa basjoo
• Trumpet vine - Campsis x tagliabuana 'Indian Summer'
• Martagon Lily - Lilium martagon
• Peruvian lily - Alstroemeria ‘Indian Summer
• Daylily - Hemerocallis ‘Stafford’
• Black Rose - Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop
• Senecio – Senecio candidans ‘Angel Wings’
• Chinese rice-paper plant - Tetrapanax papyrifer
• Spurge - Euphorbia × pasteurii
• Agave 'Silver Fox' - x Mangave 'Silver Fox'

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