London may appear an unconventional escape, particularly in these times of the Coronavirus, yet few places rival the tranquility of the City of London outside typical office hours—especially considering the current state of office hours. Within the Square Mile, more than 100 ‘Secret Gardens’ remain tucked away in medieval alleys and beneath the shadows of skyscrapers. A weekend visit might afford solitude, devoid of encountering another soul, let alone a tourist.
Situated just off Great Tower Street, the remnants of a 12th-century church, St Dunstan in the East, present a picturesque ruin following reconstruction post the Great Fire and subsequent transformations after the Blitz. The garden, adorned with palm trees, exudes a tropical ambiance. The church’s central space now features a contemporary fountain encircled by eight wooden benches, while hidden corners within and beyond the church walls offer secluded spots. One such enchanting area is the entrance porch, shrouded in ivy-covered walls, providing a secret haven to gaze at the sky.
For a more contemplative experience, a five-minute stroll north to the opposite side of Great Tower Street unveils Fen Court Gardens. Once a churchyard, this modern garden retains a historical touch with scattered chest tombs. Amidst trees and benches contrasting with the skyscrapers, the centerpiece is the Gilt of Cain sculpture, commemorating the Abolition of Slavery in 1807, opened by Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Guildhall Yard, a 15-minute walk from Gresham Street, offers a fusion of Roman history and minimalism. Discovered in the 1980s, it houses the Roman Amphitheatre, visible through a black oval outline in the paving. Adjacent Guildhall Gallery allows free exploration of underground remains. St Lawrence Jewry, a rebuilt church from the Jewish era, showcases spectacular interiors and, uniquely for the City, a water garden with lush lilies and rushes.
Postman’s Park, a five-minute walk west, presents a different ambiance near the General Post Office building. A narrow entrance gives way to a fish pond with vibrant Koi carp, a church window featuring John Wesley, and expansive flowerbeds surrounded by plane trees and grassy slopes. The Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice stands out, composed of glazed ceramic tiles recounting tragic yet heroic deaths of everyday individuals. Continuing towards West Smithfield reveals historic landmarks like St Bartholomew the Great Church gatehouse and the oldest residential house in the City.
The park itself, enclosed by mature trees and shrubs, offers a quiet corner of London with a lawn and ample seating. Settle on a bench near the shrubs for a sheltered spot, surrounded by the distant chimes of St Paul’s, providing an idyllic respite in the heart of London. Spending a few hours here is truly unparalleled.
