Activities Christmas Free lights

The Ever After Garden of illuminated roses remembers lost friends and family

Daniela SheppardBy

As the autumn chill settles over the capital, one of London’s most moving winter installations is set to return to Duke of York Square this November. The Ever After Garden, the enchanting glowing sea of over 30,000 illuminated white roses, reopens its gates to offer a quiet haven of remembrance amidst the bustle of Christmas shopping in London’s Chelsea.

A night scene featuring a field of glowing white roses, with people strolling through amidst softly lit trees and a historic building in the background.

A garden born from remembrance

First created in 2019 in Grosvenor Square, the installation was conceived by designer and Royal Marsden Cancer Charity Trustee Anya Hindmarch alongside fashion writer Camilla Morton. The duo sought an inspiring way to pay tribute to their late friend, production designer Michael Howells, naming the display after the film Ever After for which he designed the sets.

Since its debut, this sanctuary of light has raised over £1.7 million for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, helping fund life-saving cancer research, state-of-the-art medical equipment, and specialist staff training across the UK and globally.

How to dedicate a rose

Visitors are invited to dedicate an illuminated rose in memory of a cherished friend, relative, or partner.

  • In-person dedications: Head to the timber chalet within Duke of York Square to make a recommended donation of £15 per rose. You will be handed a dedication marker to handwrite your personal message before placing it beside a glowing rose with the help of garden volunteers.
  • Online dedications: If you cannot attend in person, online dedications can be made up to 48 hours before the garden closes. A volunteer will carefully handwrite your message and place it within the garden for you.
Christmas Lights Bus Tour
With Live Guide – £25
THE PADDINGTON BEAR EXPERIENCE
£34
Harry Potter LONDON Walking Tour £15
(Kids Go Free)

Visitor information & event essentials

The Ever After Garden is a key fundraising event for Royal Marsden Cancer Charity that helps to fund their work saving the lives of people affected by cancer, everywhere. Your donation helps to develop life-saving treatments and ensures that nurses, doctors and research teams provide the very best care.

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Local tip for visitors: Please be respectful of other visitors. This is a commemorative garden that should be enjoyed quietly. While there are no food or drink stalls inside the installation itself, the garden is situated directly off King’s Road, with plenty of family-friendly cafés, restaurants, and seasonal window displays nearby.

The garden is open every day between 3pm – 9pm (it looks best after dark), between 5 November – 21 December.
Location: Duke of York Square, King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 4LY

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