Dalston Eastern Curve Garden is a hidden oasis that offers an escape from urban chaos on a transformed railway line. This community garden provides an array of experiences - from educational workshops in the herb gardens to evening entertainment on their outdoor 'Woodburner' stage with live acoustic music. The Garden Café serves seasonal soups made from vegetables grown on-site, homemade cakes flavoured with garden herbs, and authentic wood-fired pizzas from their clay oven.

Year-round programming includes creative workshops ranging from needle-felting and botanical sun-printing to children's gardening sessions and craft activities. Seasonal highlights feature their spectacular pumpkin lantern festival with over 1,000 candlelit gourds, Christmas carol singing around the campfire, and summer evening concerts. The garden also serves as an outdoor classroom for environmental education and a therapeutic space for volunteer gardening sessions that bring the community together.

Why we love them:

• Regenerative land use: Transformed derelict railway into thriving ecosystem ✓

• Low waste: All garden material composted on-site + food waste recycling ✓

• Rainwater harvesting: Collected in recycled whiskey barrels ✓

• Chemical-free: Organic gardening practices ✓

• Biodiversity champion: Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation ✓

• Community access: Completely free entry for all ✓

• Local food production: Garden-to-table café using own produce ✓

• Circular economy: Café proceeds reinvested into garden programs ✓

What’s on offer: Free entry to gardens / Café: seasonal soups, homemade cakes, wood-fired pizzas / Regular workshops and events / Volunteer gardening sessions

Opening hours: Monday 1-8pm, Tuesday 2-10pm*, Wednesday-Friday 12-10pm, Sunday 12-8pm (*seasonal variations)