One of London’s secret-est of secret gardens had a major overhaul back in 2022 and Londoners are only just now finding out. The tiny park, next to 25 Cannon Street, features an oval reflection pool that perfectly frames an upside-down view of the dome of St Paul’s. It’s become a hotspot for London’s photographers, and those seeking a moment of quiet in the middle of the city. It’s stunningly picturesque, and a lovely little inner-city oasis.
A mid-city oasis
Foliage hides the minuscule park from the street, and in turn, hides the city from the park. You won’t really see it from the outside, and from the inside, you’ll all but forget you’re in London.
Back in 2022, they brought in new shrubs and plants to make the park a gorgeous place year-round. And in the warmer weather, it’s a delightful place to cool off in the shade.
Despite appearances, and all the signs warning you that you’re on CCTV, it is open to the public. It may be private land, but it’s a public park on the land. It’s part of Pembroke’s efforts to transform the building and surrounding land into a mixed-use property. The overhaul was a collaboration between landscape design practice, Tom Stuart-Smith, and Andrew Ewing, who is famous for his water features throughout London.
Pembroke’s Nick Moldon had the following to say about the development upon receiving planning permission back in 2020:
“We are excited to receive planning consent for this ambitious project, which will create new out-door user experience for the City of London. Accessible to all, 25 Cannon Street gardens is an important oasis which promotes wellbeing in the heart of the City and compliments the elegant green spaces nearby.”
Swing by, check it out, and smugly upload an upside-down St Paul’s to your Instagram before the rest of London finds it. Although, if we’re writing about it, you don’t have much time left!
While it is free to attend church services at St Paul’s Cathedral, you can get a sightseeing ticket to explore the building here.
đź“Ť Find the tiny park at 25 Cannon Street, EC4M 5TA.