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How to Visit London’s Secret Elm Court and The Temple Area

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how to visit inner temple gardens london hidden gems - elm court, pump court, fountain court, temple church, hare court and hands of justice sculpture, fig tree court, elm court sundial and armillary sphere city of london, middle temple hall and gardens - medieval historical sites in london - lincoln's inn chapel, maughan library, fleet street - most secret places in london gardens

A local’s guide to London’s secret Elm Court, Fountain Court, Hare Court and the Inner Temple Gardens around Temple Church, off Fleet St in the City of London!

I have lost track of how many times I’ve shared my love for London’s secret gardens here.

Inner Temple Gardens and the whole area around Temple Church are one of my favorite places in the city.

The City of London itself is filled with hidden gems, each richer in history and symbolism than the last.

If you’re planning your first visit to London, or even if you’ve been living here awhile, you’ll find that these secret courtyards are perfect places to rest, write, read, off the beaten path and still in the City.

How to Visit London’s Secret Elm Court and The Temple Area

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Walking around Temple area is but one of the most peaceful, free things you can do in London.

Nearby, Fleet Street is a historical street filled with other must-visit places for history and architecture lovers, with the odd sculpture high up, like Queen Mary of Scots nestled on a beautiful, historical building higher up the road.

Inner Temple Gardens themselves, the biggest of the gardens in the Temple area, is only open to the public on weekdays from 12:30 to 3 pm.

However, lots of courtyards and other gardens are open year round for anyone willing to tread off the busy streets of Central London.

Visiting the Temple Area in London: Historic Roots and Everyday Details

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The Temple area has deep roots, and if you’re looking for gorgeous medieval sites in London, that’s definitely a spot I recommend.

The Knights Templar moved here in the mid-1100s and built their London headquarters, including Temple Church, which was consecrated in 1185.

After the Templars were suppressed in 1312, lawyers gradually took over the site.

By 1388, the Inner and Middle Temple were recognized as two of the four Inns of Court.

They still operate today, and the buildings, from the structure of the area to the heavy breath of history floating about, reflect that long, almost monastic legal tradition.

Inner Temple Gardens

Tucked between the River Thames and Fleet Street, Inner Temple Gardens is one of those places you might walk past without realizing what’s behind the gates.

This three-acre green space belongs to one of London’s four Inns of Court, and it’s been here in some form since the early 1600s.

You’ll find it just south of the Royal Courts of Justice, a few minutes from Temple Station. Despite being right in the heart of the city, it stays surprisingly under the radar.

Step inside and you’ll find long lawns, benches under mature plane trees, and colorful flowerbeds that change with the seasons.

Temple Church

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Temple Church was built by the Knights Templar and consecrated in 1185, the only round church from the medieval period still standing in London, Romanesque in design, with carved stone effigies of knights laid into the floor.

The church was badly damaged during the Blitz in May 1941, like St Dunstan in the East or Greyfriars Christ Church, but rebuilt after the war and reopened by the late 1950s.

It’s open to visitors during the week, and one of the few places in central London where you can quietly stand inside a building that’s been here for more than 800 years.

Elm Court near Temple Church, Former Fig Tree Court

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Stairs leading down to Elm Court, and up to Temple Church

When you leave Temple Church, you can see on your right a building sustained by columns that do make for a great photo spot.

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At the far end, take the stairs down on the right, and you’ll reach one of the most secret gardens of London, and also one of my ultimate favorites: Elm Court, formerly called Fig Tree Court.

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A plaque reads:

Fig Tree Court adjoined this ancient buttery 1515-1666. It was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. Rebuilt in 1679 and again destroyed by enemy action 1940.

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During post-Blitz rebuilding, the narrow Fig Tree Court was absorbed into Elm Court to create a more spacious, cohesive courtyard.

The redesign was overseen by Sir Edward Maufe and Sir Hubert Worthington in the early 1950s, creating a calm, enclosed space framed by historic chambers on all sides.

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It’s simply a beautiful spot to come on a romantic date with your other half, or just reflect solo for a bit.

Elm Court Sundial and Armillary Sphere, City of London

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At the center of Elm Court is what may be my favorite sculpture in London; a traditional sundial and armillary sphere that reflects the area’s long history of timekeeping and measured tradition.

There is very few information about the sundial in the center of Elm Court.

I’ve never found who made it or when exactly it was installed (maybe sometime around 2016 when Elm Court was remodeled?) but as I said, it is one of my favorite historical sculptures in London.

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A rather small piece compared to other quirky sundials in London, like that of Holland Park with the turtles or the huge one between Tower Bridge and St Katharine Docks.

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This one bears beautiful words of reflection:

Make Time
Save Time
While Time Lasts
All Time is no Time
When Time is Past

Middle Temple Hall, Fountain Court and Middle Temple Gardens

Middle Temple Hall, City of London

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Middle Temple Hall was built between 1562 and 1573 and has been in constant use ever since.

It’s where new barristers are called to the Bar, where members gather for qualifying dinners, and where occasional lectures or events are held.

The building hasn’t drifted from its purpose.

It’s still a working legal space, formal, wood-paneled, and almost unchanged since the 16th century.

Fountain Court, City of London

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Fountain Court sits just outside Middle Temple Hall, with a small stone fountain at its centre dating back to 1681.

It’s not a public square or a true tourist spot, but part of the working legal precinct.

Chambers line the edges, and most people passing through are barristers on their way to or from court or tourists.

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There are a few benches under tall plane trees, but it’s not a place for lingering for locals; it’s quiet, formal, and mostly used as a throughway, although it’s an amazing place to write in peace.

Middle Temple Gardens, City of London

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Middle Temple Gardens run along the south side of the precinct, just above the Thames.

They’re private and mostly used by members for receptions, outdoor meetings, or garden events.

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Sometimes they open to the public during Open Garden Squares Weekend or other heritage days, but they’re not casual or open-access.

The layout is formal and carefully maintained. Again, for locals, it’s a place for quiet walking, not lounging; everything in the Temple area has a purpose, and it really shows.

Pump Court near Temple Church

Pump Court is one of the oldest parts of Middle Temple, laid out between 1625 and 1637.

It’s named after the original water pump that still stands in the centre, historically used by barristers and staff to draw water, and now surrounded by barristers’ chambers with brick Georgian fronts.

There’s also another sundial (!) on the wall dated 1686 with the Latin phrase “shadows we are and like shadows depart.”

Today it’s mostly quiet, used by working legal professionals and rarely noticed by passersby.

Hare Court near Temple Church

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Hare Court is just north of Pump Court, and from this other secret courtyard, you have a wonderful view of Temple Church to take pictures.

It’s smaller, more enclosed, and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

The original buildings date back to the late 1500s, but much of it was rebuilt after a fire in 1679.

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The layout is simple: stone paving, inward-facing Georgian buildings, and a soothing feel that hasn’t changed much.

In one corner, there’s still a water pump next to an old well, left over from when this was a lived-in working court.

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You’ll also see a sculpture here called Hands of Justice by Tanya Russell; two oversized bronze hands, commissioned by the Inner Temple and installed in 2010 and made by Tanya Russell.

Like the rest of Hare Court, it’s understated, tucked away, and easy to miss unless you’re looking.

What to See After Visiting Inner Temple Gardens in London

Lincoln’s Inn Chapel

If you’re already in the Temple area, take the time to walk over to Lincoln’s Inn Chapel.

Located just a few streets away, it’s one of the most overlooked ecclesiastical buildings in the city, filled with memorials and stained glass.

The grounds around it are calm and ideal for a peaceful break; we’re in the heat of London’s history here.

The stairs leading to the chapel and the chapel itself are absolutely gorgeous; don’t forget to pop by the base of the chapel, filled with beautiful columns.

They’re always empty and quiet, and do make for a very instagrammable place.

Maughan Library

Also nearby is the Maughan Library. Now part of King’s College London, it used to be the Public Record Office and still holds that gothic, academic feel.

You can admire its courtyard and architecture from the street, and even if you’re not going inside, it’s worth a walk-by.

Fleet Street

Fleet Street itself is worth a slow wander; secret alleys are scattered about, and you’ll also find old signage there and hidden churches.

Two of my favorite; very secret City of London churches, are St Dunstan in the West, with its intricate façade and wooden galleries inside, and St Bride’s Church, known for inspiring the tiered wedding cake and its deep crypt tours.

Visiting Inner Temple Gardens and its Courtyards in London: Good to Know

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Access to the Inner Temple Gardens is through Tudor Street or the arched gateways along Fleet Street and the Embankment.

You’ll also find a few different alleyways leading to Temple Church and Elm Court from Fleet Street, and once you’re in, it’s all pedestrian paths.

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There are no cafes or shops inside, so I’d suggest grabbing a coffee on Fleet Street or near Temple Station before heading in.

Bring water, especially on warm days, and maybe a little picnic to enjoy on the benches with a nice view of the quiet legal district.

More Photos of London’s Temple Area

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how to visit inner temple gardens london hidden gems - elm court, pump court, fountain court, temple church, hare court and hands of justice sculpture, fig tree court, elm court sundial and armillary sphere city of london, middle temple hall and gardens - medieval historical sites in london - lincoln's inn chapel, maughan library, fleet street - secret places in london gardens
how to visit inner temple gardens london hidden gems - elm court, pump court, fountain court, temple church, hare court and hands of justice sculpture, fig tree court, elm court sundial and armillary sphere city of london, middle temple hall and gardens - medieval historical sites in london - lincoln's inn chapel, maughan library, fleet street - secret places in london gardens
how to visit inner temple gardens london hidden gems - elm court, pump court, fountain court, temple church, hare court and hands of justice sculpture, fig tree court, elm court sundial and armillary sphere city of london, middle temple hall and gardens - medieval historical sites in london - lincoln's inn chapel, maughan library, fleet street - secret places in london gardens
how to visit inner temple gardens london hidden gems - elm court, pump court, fountain court, temple church, hare court and hands of justice sculpture, fig tree court, elm court sundial and armillary sphere city of london, middle temple hall and gardens - medieval historical sites in london - lincoln's inn chapel, maughan library, fleet street - secret places in london gardens
how to visit inner temple gardens london hidden gems - elm court, pump court, fountain court, temple church, hare court and hands of justice sculpture, fig tree court, elm court sundial and armillary sphere city of london, middle temple hall and gardens - medieval historical sites in london - lincoln's inn chapel, maughan library, fleet street - secret places in london gardens
how to visit inner temple gardens london hidden gems - elm court, pump court, fountain court, temple church, hare court and hands of justice sculpture, fig tree court, elm court sundial and armillary sphere city of london, middle temple hall and gardens - medieval historical sites in london - lincoln's inn chapel, maughan library, fleet street - secret places in london gardens
how to visit inner temple gardens london hidden gems - elm court, pump court, fountain court, temple church, hare court and hands of justice sculpture, fig tree court, elm court sundial and armillary sphere city of london, middle temple hall and gardens - medieval historical sites in london - lincoln's inn chapel, maughan library, fleet street - secret places in london gardens
how to visit inner temple gardens london hidden gems - elm court, pump court, fountain court, temple church, hare court and hands of justice sculpture, fig tree court, elm court sundial and armillary sphere city of london, middle temple hall and gardens - medieval historical sites in london - lincoln's inn chapel, maughan library, fleet street - secret places in london gardens
how to visit inner temple gardens london hidden gems - elm court, pump court, fountain court, temple church, hare court and hands of justice sculpture, fig tree court, elm court sundial and armillary sphere city of london, middle temple hall and gardens - medieval historical sites in london - lincoln's inn chapel, maughan library, fleet street - secret places in london gardens

How to Visit London’s Secret Elm Court and The Temple Area

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You’ll hopefully have found here all you need to visit the Temple area and its hidden courtyards, sculptures, and street furniture.

The secret sundials are definitely one of my favorite facets of London, which you can find in lots of historic neighborhoods and even in tourist spots.

Down Fleet Street and The Strand, when walking towards Trafalgar Square, you will also find other secret female sculptures on Milford Lane, historical gems I love to see when I’m around.

If you’re the type of person who quickly overthinks, you may also enjoy discovering my soothing hidden gems of London, East London, West London, North London and South London.

Plus, if you’re into secret gardens and other hidden spots, these are a few reviews you may enjoy reading:

If you’re more into secret cafes and food spots, these guides are perfect to complete any itinerary in London: