Favorite squares and small parks in London

We have come across some lovely and interesting small gardens and squares while doing walking tours of the Inns of Court. One was downloaded from the web, and another was in a book of walking tours. Lots of history as well.

St. James Park is my favorite for flowers and waterbirds, but it is probably not new to you. The Chelsea Physic Garden is also interesting and educational, with lots of photo ops depending on the season. In May it was lovely. Admission is charged, but it is not high. We like to combine this with a return downriver by Thames Clipper.

I like Maryon Park in Charlton, but for personal reasons. It is the location of the outdoor photo sequence with Vanessa Redgrave, Ronan O'Casey and David Hemmings from the 1966 film Blow-Up - which had a major influence in my decision to visit London as a teenager. I wound up living there for two years.....but that's another story.

There’s a small park adjacent to St James of Piccadilly. Used to be a hidden respite but now with the Cafe Nero a less solitude. Still it’s a lovely spot for a respite.
Other nice patches of green:
St. Dunsten in the East Church Gardens
The rooftop Garden atop Queen Elizabeth Hall at the SouthBank Centre.
St John’s Lodge Garden In Regents Park
Westbourne Square Gardens
Grosvenor Square Gardens

1. St Dunstan in the East, church remains from WW 2 turned into a small park garden- stunning
2. Postman’s Park, wonderful for a moment of reflection.

Travel safe

One Fast Bob

Thanks for the replies. I'll definitely check out St Dunsten. Some of the other's I've also not heard of . St James' is my favorite as well, plus I'm staying right near it so will probably be walking through it almost daily.

I'm wondering what you mean by "There’s a small park adjacent to St James of Piccadilly." Could you be more specific?

If you walk into the courtyard in front of St James of Piccadilly ( it’s on Piccadilly just down from the entrance of Fortum and Mason) towards the Cafe Nero the small park is to the right. You can enter from there or if on the adjacent Jermyn Street enter that way.

Thanks Claudia. Now that you describe it I think I've been there. It's very tiny?

Postman’s Park nr. St. Paul’s. Many tributes to those who died saving others. Nothing to do with Postmen. Museum of London right next to it.

Yes the park is small.

If you ever venture to the Brunel Museum in Rotherhithe you can enjoy the nearby Southwark Park.

Mount Street Gardens is a quiet oasis in the busy West End, albeit March weather maybe a little cold for sitting there.

Manchester Square is a private garden in the middle of the square, but you can walk round the edge and see into the garden.

Surrounded by UCL and SOAS (University College London and what used to be School of African and Oriental Studies of UCL, but now only known as SOAS, for those not yet in the know), and perhaps not the prettiest square in London, but one of my favourite places, is

Gordon Square.

In the heart of Bloomsbury, you probably wouldn't just happen in here, but you might want to.

It has special history for me because when I was going in and out of London with the railway - my career before retiring - this was my little bolt hole for a lovely time in a park or garden. Plenty of benches and places to sit, but the big appeal for me is that the square takes you right down to SOAS. (by the way, when the building works is complete (when? - how long is a piece of string?) SOAS has a Japanese Roof Garden.

And even more is that it surrounded by buildings with blue plaques on them, and the memorials in the garden are unique. I had never expected to find a memorial to Ghandi in London. There is a wonderful statue in Tavistock Square Gardens right next door (a mirror twin square and I see them as one), with lots of other memorials.

Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf? Or John Maynard Keynes?

Postmen's Park is called that because when it first opened it was next door to the old headquarters of the UK Post Office.

A bit away from the center, but if you get off at Hammersmith Station, it is a short walk to the Thames and a lovely walk along the Thames through Furnivall Gardens. Nothing overly spectacular about the Gardens, but quiet and bookended by the pubs The Dove and The Blue Anchor with river views. You might catch rowing crews out practicing, but just quiet time sipping an ale by the river is nice compared to the hustle and bustle along the river in Central London.

Hi, few know about this little patch of green in a very busy part of London. Right behind Parliament is a small little green park just off the hustle and bustle of the Big Ben area. Go down the right side pathway, past the Statue of Cromwell and tell the guard at the booth you want to see the Burghers of Calais statue in the back. It's right along the Thames.

There have been some really great suggestions so thanks every one. I now have quite a long list. Interestingly, when I googled some of the places that I did not know about I found websites with even more places. Wonderful thing about the internet, one click leads to another. So many places to explore that aren't in any standard guidebook. Maybe after my trip I should do a trip report just on favorite squares and parks in London.

Yes, please do!

I follow @aladyinlondon on Instagram. She has a blog as well. She’s an American living in London and she always posts pictures and tips on hidden London gems. I’m going back to London for the 6th time in April and I still have so many things to see.

Like Claudette, I am also a big fan of a Lady in London. On her website, she has many self-guided walks around London. I did many of them this past summer. I especially liked her walks centered around the mews.

https://www.aladyinlondon.com/2018/08/london-walking-tours.html

I’m in London for the Holidays.

Yesterday discovered Ranelagh Gardens which are on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Its a beautifully groomed park.

I’d entered the grounds off of Royal Hospital Rd. Believe that’s the East Gate. Adjacent to this leafy park is the gorgeous open law space in front of the large Royal Hospital Chelsea, home to the Pensioners. Seeing a few pensioners in their impressive attire made me smile.

Unfortunately the museum was closed but I did enjoy the small gift shop and my latte in the cafe.

I noticed Ranelagh Gardens on the map right near Chelsea Physic Gardens so I'll check it out since the Physic Gardens is on my list. I've been in that vicinity on previous trips but must have missed it.

I've also been on the 'lady in London' website but didn't see the post about the 'walks' so thanks for that link. I had found her post about day trips from London which was good. Unfortunately I don't find her site easy to find things - it seems you either have to know what you are looking for and search or just slowly go back though past posts till you find it. But I do like the things she does.

This upcoming trip will be my 12th trip to London but there are still so many great places to discover. 99% of what you can find in guidebooks and on the web are the 'biggies' and the city is so large that just to wander around and hope to discover a place (while there is a lot of merit to that) doesn't always find those great 'secret' gems so the answers I'm getting here are really useful.

BTW -there are numerous books titled "Secret London", some of which aren't bad, but of course they include all sorts of things I'm not interested in. So getting suggestions based on my specific interests is helpful.