Hidden gems
LOOK OUTSIDE THE BOX WHEN HUNTING FOR A GREEN SPACE IN LONDON
WE all need to escape for some peace and relaxation in our hectic capital city.
London has lots of beautiful parks, gardens and squares that are perfect to head to for a break, but finding a quiet spot to yourself is not always easy.
Many of the city’s major parks are tourist destinations in their own right and can often fill up with visitors. If you are looking for somewhere to avoid the crowds but stay within the heart of London, then here is a selection of some hidden gems for you to enjoy.
■Postman’s Park (City of London)
This central spot is named after postal workers from the nearby Old General Post Office who used to have their lunches there.
A more appropriate name might be ‘Heroes Park’ due to its remarkable permanent homage to London’s brave lifesavers.
The Watts Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, created by Victorian artist George Frederick Watts, was built in 1900 to honour heroic men and women who died when trying to protect others.
A gallery of glazed tablets set into the wall details each courageous act, be it rescuing someone from a fire or saving a child from drowning. The park also features flower beds, a small fountain and shady benches to enjoy a book or sandwich on.
■St George’s Gardens (Bloomsbury)
In the heart of Bloomsbury, St George’s Gardens is actually the former burial ground of two nearby churches. Victorian campaigners managed to convert the land into a public park, which was renovated by lottery money in the late nineties.
Ageing gravestones poke out through flowerbeds that wind around green lawns and benches.
Some notable people buried here include one of the founders of University College London and the granddaughter of Oliver Cromwell.
■Christchurch Greyfriars Garden (City of London)
This former Franciscan church was burnt down twice, during the Great Fire of London in 1666 and The Blitz during the Second World War.
Only the west tower of the church still stands with a rose garden now filling its empty shell, offering an island of calm in the busy city. The rose garden is designed to reflect the layout of the old church, with flower boxes positioned where pews once sat.
Trees mark out the former nave and wooden towers represent the long-lost pillars.
■Gibbons Rent (London Bridge)
Well and truly a hidden gem, Gib- bons Rent is tucked away in London Bridge.
The community garden was devised as a way to transform an old cut-through between Magdalen Street and Bermondsey Street.
Architects worked with local residents to fill the narrow walkway with all manner of potted plants, creating a wonderful green spot. There’s even a mini library.
■The Barbican Conservatory (City of London)
Hidden within the sprawling Brutalist Barbican Centre is an amazing tropical oasis.
This huge conservatory (the second biggest in London) features 2,000 species of plants and trees – and some cute little turtles.
Its meandering paths, spread across different levels around the Barbican theatre’s flytower, are a joy to explore.
Visitors can join special tours of the space, an afternoon tea or even hold a wedding there.
It is only open on selected Sundays each month.
■The Phoenix Garden (Covent Garden)
In the centre of London is this gorgeous volunteer-run garden sandwiched between Soho and Covent Garden.
Established in 1984, the community garden is a former car park and is a wonderful green retreat. Volunteers use sustainable techniques to sustain a range of plants and wildlife, including the West End’s only frogs.
The garden is also available to hire for private or corporate events and the building is approved for marriages and civil partnerships.
■St Botolph without Bishopsgate Churchyard (Liverpool Street)
Next door to the humming Liverpool Street station is this pleasant churchyard and garden.
It is made up of the churchyard of St Botolph without Bishopsgate and land donated from the Common Council in 1760.
In the Middle Ages the site was just outside the city walls near the ‘Bishop’s Gate’ after which the street is named. The garden even includes its own tennis and netball court. From October to May it is for netball bookings only and May to October for tennis and netball.
■Japanese Roof Garden (Bloomsbury)
On top of SOAS University of London is an elevated island of zen calm.
The Japanese Roof Garden opened in 2001 as a place where people can relax and meditate.
There is minimal planting in the garden, with climbing wisteria offering cool shade in the summer and lemon thyme used in a chequerboard pattern set among carefully positioned stone paving.
A small stage can be used for musical performances or shows, for ceremonies, or it can be used simply as a place to sit.
■Camley Street Natural Park (King’s Cross)
A two-acre wildlife haven in the midst of the hurly-burly of King’s Cross, Camley Street Natural Park, on the banks of Regent’s Canal, is home to an abundance of trees, plants, birds, bats and insects. A new bridge will soon link the park to Coal Drops Yard, part of the huge King’s Cross development. On the canal itself is a floating platform that helps bring visitors closer to waterside life.
■St John’s Lodge Gardens (Regent’s Park)
Regent’s Park is one of the most famous parks in London, but many visitors may never have stumbled into St John’s Lodge Gardens.
Located to the north of the park’s Inner Circle, the gardens are linked together by archways covered in plants and sculptures are dotted around.
There are plenty of benches tucked away in the gardens, a lovely pergola walk and a Grade II listed centre piece pond with a Hylas and the Nymph statue.
■St Dunstan in the East Church Garden (City of London)
A hidden gem in the City of London, this centuries old ruined church has been converted into a beautiful garden.
Creeping vines cover the still standing walls that surround flowerbeds and a quiet bench-lined courtyard. The church tower still looms over the public garden which provides the perfect spot to escape from the noise of the city centre.