London’s Secret Gardens: Exchange Square, Liverpool Street

A local’s visit to Exchange Square, behind Liverpool Street Station – one of the most secret gardens in London, with sculptures and a beautiful waterfall!

I love coming across secret London gardens unexpectedly, and from the St Alphage Church Garden to the St Paul’s church garden in Covent Garden, I’ve found a lot already.

There are always more to discover, though.

London’s huge and you’ll find, in many neighborhoods, pocket parks and tiny little natural spots to relax for a little bit.

Some, like the St Pancras New Church garden, are located close to churches, and others, closer to the City of London, were turned into gardens on the site of former churches.

That’s the case of places like Greyfriars Christ Church and St Dunstan in the East, or a quirky garden I recently showed you, the St Pancras Church Gardens, with its engraved medieval-inspired benches.

For now, we’re going to be focusing on Exchange Square behind Liverpool Street Station.

Unlike the aforementioned places, this one is a really modern, sleek, manicured garden!

London’s Secret Gardens: Exchange Square, Liverpool Street

Exchange Square is nestled directly over the railway tracks of Liverpool Street Station – you can easily access it from Broadgate Circle (and see the art trail while you’re at it) and Sun Passage.

Designed to transform ‘what used to be a fairly bland corporate plaza into a bucolic, multi-layered landscape’, Exchange Square is mostly visited by locals.

It really has kept this quiet, hidden gem atmosphere.

The pocket garden, imagined by British Land and DSDHA, almost feels like a Japanese garden with its winding paths and manicured lawns – of the kind you usually see in places like the Dutch Garden or Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.

What struck me when I first came across Exchange Square a few months ago is that there’s a small waterfall fountain in the middle, with a supple aesthetic and clear water winding down.

There’s a clear view of the back of Liverpool Street Station and its beautiful architecture – you can sit close to the waterfall or choose a nearby bench.

Now, while Exchange Square is already a gorgeous spot to visit for some peace (like the Reflection Garden close to St Paul’s), it’s also made to bring biodiversity to the space, with over 140 different plant species planted throughout the small park.

Exchange Square London Photos: A Hidden Oasis Near Liverpool Street Station

London’s Secret Gardens: Exchange Square, Liverpool Street

The first time I came across Exchange Square was totally unexpected – I’d been looking for the Broadgate Venus sculpture, and was in awe when I saw how beautiful this garden is.

I even found another sculpture there, the Segal ‘Rush Hour’ sculpture depicting commuters that I love to see every time I pop by Liverpool Street.

Close to Exchange Square is also located another sculpture from the Broadgate Art Trail, that of a Leaping Hare, and the famous Eataly grocery store with its delicious Italian produce and recipes.

And, if you’re into historical sites, close to Bishopsgate is also located the colorful Victorian Bathhouse – a really quirky place to visit.

I’m a lover of all things secret gardens, and if you’re the same, you may want to discover these hidden spots next:

• Visiting London’s Duck Island Cottage, St James’s Park
• City of London’s Secret Gardens: Postman’s Park and Memorial
• London’s Secret Courtyards: How to Visit Guy’s Hospital