Red Cross Garden

Until 2005, this tiny park looked orphaned. Crumbling tarmac and a scabby lawn. Originally designed by social reformer, National Trust founder and Hampstead Heath saviour Octavia Hill (check out her blue plaque), she included social housing, a library and a village hall. Bankside Open Spaces Trust took it on with vigour and conjured up a biodiversity miracle with its own micro-climate, voted one of London’s best secret gardens. Peace personified, and awe-struck Shard views.