A local’s guide to visiting the secret St Alphage Garden in the City of London with its peaceful vibe, church ruins, nature, and nearby Salters’ Garden!
I’ve loved the St Alphage Garden ever since I first came across it a few years ago, in the first year I moved to London for the first time.
You know me, give me anything ruin or churchyard themed, something in a Dark Academia vibe, and I’m your girl.
I guess that’s partly why the City of London is one of my favorite historic areas of the city; not only can you admire immaculate skyscrapers, but also come across old churches and secret gardens.
Close to the London Wall, the St Alphage Garden is also a perfect photo spot.
Lovers of historical sites, you’d do well to pop by, especially if you’re visiting London on a budget!
London’s Hidden St Alphage Garden: Church Ruins in the City
St Alphage Garden is a quite small public garden located on the site of the former church of St Alphage London Wall.
You can still spot the ruins of the church, since it was largely destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666, rebuilt, then again damaged in the WWII Blitz.
It’s one of the many church ruins in the city that have been turned into pocket parks like St Dunstan in the East and Christchurch Greyfriars, or on the site of former churches like the Reflection Garden and St Pancras Church Gardens.
The garden lies just north of London Wall, close to Barbican and Moorgate.
You can access it from the street as well as from the St Alphage Highwalk when coming from St Giles Cripplegate and the Barbican Centre.
We’re here in one of London’s medieval sites, with ruins of the Roman Wall and surprising calm; I love sitting there for a bit when I’m tired of walking around the City of London.
St Alphage Garden and Church Ruins, London Photo Gallery
London’s Hidden St Alphage Garden: Church Ruins in the City
When you’re done visiting St Alphage Garden, I definitely recommend walking the few steps to the Salters’ Garden, just a few steps away, with its piece of the Roman Wall.
You could walk around the City of London, enjoy free views at viewpoint Horizon 22, and admire the secret Tivoli Corner and the secret alleyways close by.
You could also visit one of the secret churches in the City of London, and lazily make your way to other historic areas, like Liverpool Street and Spitalfields.
And, if you’d like to visit other gardens in the City, I can also recommend the Postman’s Park with its Memorial to Self-Sacrifice!
St Alphage Garden and Church Ruins
Address: Barbican, London EC2Y 5DE
Website: City of London