With around 3,000 of them scattered across the city, London is filled to the brim with gorgeous gardens and picturesque parks. In fact, 47% of our (not-so) concrete jungle is actually made up of green space. But only one of them reigns supreme as the oldest park in London. And that accolade falls to Finsbury Circus Gardens; a lush and leafy spot in the heart of the City of London, that’s been welcoming Londoners and beyond since it first opened its gates as London’s first public park in 1606.
Having (on-and-off) spent well over a decade closed to the public; the news of Finsbury Circus Gardens reopening is pretty darn tree-mendous. Between 2010 and 2020, the two-acre park was used as a Crossrail construction site. It then reopened ever-so briefly, before shutting up shop again in 2023 to receive some rather well-needed TLC. But the wait is finally over, folks. Finsbury Circus Gardens is now officially back in action, and once again open to the public.
What work has been done at Finsbury Circus Gardens?
Just in time for the sunny(ish) seasons, Finsbury Circus Gardens has been transformed into a horticultural haven, ready to, once again, provide a space of peace and tranquility in the heart of the (fairly chaotic) Square Mile. The Grade II listed spot (oh yes, it’s a blooming important park) now boasts new planting, an expanded lawn area, and some little islands, filled with bedded plants.
The redevelopment of the park comes courtesy of Realm and Studio Weave who worked together on the designs. The new-and-improved Finsbury Circus Gardens are now home to come new pathways and seating, making the space more welcoming and accessible. A Grade II drinking fountain that dates all the way back to 1902 has also been restored for the occasion. Some pretty hefty improvements have also been made to the biodiversity of the space. A variety of plant and tree species have been planted, and habitats for birds, bees, and bats have been added to the park.
You can find out more about the redevelopment here.
đź“Ť You’ll find the recently opened Finsbury Circus Gardens at Finsbury Circus, EC2M 7DT. The nearest station is Moorgate.