Peace and quiet in the heart of London’s financial hub? It turns out that it’s not impossible, particularly if you make a beeline for Crossrail Place. There, away from the hordes of stressed-out workers, you’ll find the oasis of calm known as Crossrail Place Roof Garden – a rooftop garden that’ll take you away from the action and into a calming bubble of greenery.
It’s a beautiful little spot, where funky geometric windows offer great views back over Canary Wharf. But we’d expect nothing less from the architects responsible for the Gherkin, City Hall, and the British Museum’s swanky roof amongst their creations. The plants are just as pretty, too, encompassing trees, shrubs, and flowers from all over the world.
Crossrail Place Roof Garden is divided into hemispheres, with east and west represented on different sides of the park. Australasian ferns and American sweetgums give way to Chinese bamboo and Japanese maples, meaning you can literally (sort of) walk across the globe. Perfect for a sunny lunchtime stroll! Although having said that, it does look rather nice when the sun goes down, too – much like many places in this beautiful city.
The garden also features a sixty-seat performance space, which can be hired should you fancy giving your one-man show a run out. In summer, the owners put on a programme of music and drama, turning Crossrail Place Roof Garden into London’s leafiest theatre.
Most of the time, it’s a lovely spot to munch on your meal deal before you head back out to the grind, but one can never underplay the effect of nature on getting you through a tough day. That little bit of tranquillity might give you the boost you were after throughout the week.
Crossrail Place Roof Garden was once also connected to a street food hub, Giant Robot, though this sadly closed down. Still, there are plenty of places around Canary Wharf for you to grab some nosh and combine the splendour of the garden with the pleasure of a food coma.
Crossrail Place Roof Garden is open daily until 9pm. Find out more and plan your visit here.
