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26 Secret Church Gardens in London Perfect for History Lovers

By: Author The Working Line

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Many burned down churches in London were turned, after the Great Fire of London of 1666 and the WWII Blitz, into tranquil, verdant spaces perfect to relax and reflect.

I’ve been passionate about finding secret churches in London and church gardens for years now, but only recently focused on walking from one to the other, especially in the City of London.

Some of them, which used to be some of London’s best hidden gems like St Dunstan in the East, are now influencer havens, but many of them are still very secret.

26 Secret Church Gardens in London Perfect for History Lovers

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A visit to some of the city’s beautiful churchyards makes for one of my favorite free things to do in London; I love reading and writing, and they make for really peaceful places to gather your thoughts.

Before we get started, there are many more abandoned churches in London than I will show here with, for instance, St Dunstan in the East and Greyfriars Christ Church.

However, I wanted to focus on some really beautiful church gardens I’ve also only discovered a few weeks ago, which I now consider favorites when I want to reconnect with nature.

Today, we’ll travel together from the City of London to Rotherhithe, Limehouse, and many other beautiful places perfect for some quiet time with your feelings and thoughts.

Most Secret Church Gardens in London: St Anne’s Limehouse, East London

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Located in the Limehouse neighborhood, St Anne’s Limehouse is one of the churches I most recently visited, and what caught my attention from the get-go is actually the peaceful church garden.

For those looking for things to do in Limehouse, I would say this architectural gem, with its imposing tower and pyramid in the middle of the churchyard, is a place to visit absolutely.

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Built in the early 18th century, St Anne’s offers clean Baroque architecture and is a fine example of Hawksmoor churches.

It’s probably one of the most secret churches in London, with faded ceilings and visible links between the modern and the old, and a visit I very much appreciated before walking down Regent’s Canal towards Poplar Union for breakfast.

Read: How to Make Friends in London

Most Secret Church Gardens in London: Postman’s Park (Off St Botolph Without Aldersgate)

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Now, when we talk about secret church gardens in London, I feel like we mostly think of those abandoned churches turned into pocket parks after the WWII Blitz.

However, there are other secret gardens to visit because of their history and beauty, hidden behind churches that are still in activity.

That’s the case of the Postman’s Park, tucked away of St Botolph Without Aldersgate in the City of London, a cute little park that makes for a great writing spot.

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Set on the site of a former churchyard attached to St Botolph Without Aldersgate, the Postman’s Park still has corners occupied by tombstones that make the place even more interesting to visit.

But, if I may, the Watts Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice is the one reason to hang around the garden, as it honors individuals who lost their lives to save others.

Names, ages, and heroic acts are all engraved on ceramic tablets, and really tug at your heart – once you read one, you just can’t stop.

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Abandoned Churches in London: St Dunstan in the East Church Ruins

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I have lost track of how many times I’ve written about the St Dunstan in the East Church ruins, located in the City of London.

Yet, the more I write about it, or talk about it, the more fascinating it becomes to me – it is, after all, one of the most beautiful church gardens in London.

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Built in the 12th century, the church was damaged during the Great Fire of London in 1666 and the World War II Blitz.

The Gothic architecture, very well-preserved despite the damages, has helped St Dunstan in the East become of London’s best photo spots.

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Climbing vines, squirrels and birds, flowers and even old tombstones make St Dunstan in the East an all-around wonder.

You can still spot traces of the damages the church suffered on some parts of the remaining architecture, and that’s something that simply takes you back in time in a heartbeat.

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: St Mary’s Church, Rotherhithe

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Rotherhithe is one of my favorite maritime neighborhoods in London, one where old warehouses blend with winding streets and picturesque pubs.

And there, in this quiet neighborhood, St Mary’s Church offers yet another very secret garden.

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Built during the Middle ages, St Mary’s Church is actually famous for more than its tranquil garden; Rotherhithe was indeed the departing point of the Mayflower in 1620, on which the Pilgrim Fathers sailed to what is now known as America.

A secret memorial garden can be found at St Mary’s Church Rotherhithe, a beautiful churchyard with bent tombstones protected by an ironwork gate.

If you’re ever looking for things to do in Rotherhithe and are a history slash architecture lover, you will most definitely enjoy a moment there.

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: Greyfriars Christ Church, City of London

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Located quite close to St Paul’s Cathedral and St Dunstan in the East, Greyfriars Christ Church is one of my favorite places to write in London.

We’re in the heart of the City of London, and walking around the Franciscan monastery built in the 13th century, you will be able to find traces of the Great Fire of London, which heavily destroyed the building in 1666.

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This is one of the Wren churches rebuilt in the 19th century by architect Sir Christopher Wren in a Gothic revival style, with pointed arches and intricate stonework.

Around the garden, which is by the way a great place to enjoy nature in London, you can find tombs, columns, and several memorials that enhance Greyfriars Christ Church’s beauty.

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: St Paul’s Church Garden, Covent Garden

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St Paul’s Church is one of the Covent Garden hidden gems I told you about some time ago, and one of the gardens which are really hidden in plain sight, as it’s accessible from the piazza.

Not only is St Paul’s Church one of the most beautiful churches in London, with its gold, white and purple tones, but the adjacent garden is nothing but peaceful.

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The rows of benches remind me a little bit of Grosvenor Square, a beautiful Mayfair spot I love to relax at from time to time.

St Paul’s Church is also known as the Actors’ Church because of its rich history hosting memorials and acting performances from its birth in the 17th century.

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If you ever find yourself shopping in Covent Garden, a pop by St Paul’s Church garden could be a great addition to an already really cool day in London.

You also have plenty of really cool cafes in Covent Garden and, when it’s sunny, a good pastry and latte to go can only enhance a moment in the church garden.

The Bageriet bakery, for instance, or Buns from Home, which are two amazing bakeries for cinnamon buns in London, are both located close and I usually purchase something there before settling at St Paul’s Church garden.

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: St Bartholomew the Great Churchyard

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The historic Smithfield neighborhood is one of my favorites, and one I can spend an entire day in London walking around.

St Bartholomew the Great church is located in this very area, and is one of the oldest churches in London since it dates back to the early 12th century.

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You have plenty of hidden gems in Barbican, Smithfield, Chancery Lane and Holborn, many of which date back to the Middle Ages, and St Bartholomew the Great is one of them.

The church, in addition to being an exquisite medieval site, also boasts incredible Gothic arches and a picturesque churchyard.

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There are few church gardens in London I love as much as that of St Bartholomew the Great.

If you add to this that the City of London’s oldest house, 41-42 Cloth Fair, is located right across the church, you’ve really just hit the jackpot!

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: The Charterhouse

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Located in Clerkenwell, the Charterhouse is in my opinion one of the most beautiful buildings in London, and dates back to 1371 when it was established as a Carthusian monastery.

It is possible to enter the main garden with a tour guide only.

Still, if you choose to visit the Charterhouse museum and chapel on your own, you can still enjoy the small Versailles-style garden in the front of the building.

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Visiting the Charterhouse is completely free; actually one of my favorite free things to do in London, and every part of the building, from the chapel to the vaulted windows, offers to bring you back in time.

We’re really close to Little Italy in Clerkenwell, Barbican and Holborn, all three of these pretty neighborhoods absolute must-visits if you enjoy learning about London’s history, too!

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: Guy’s Hospital Chapel

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You have another one of the most beautiful church gardens of London right off the Shard and London Bridge Station, with the memorial garden at Guy’s Hospital Chapel…

A place I would definitely recommend you visit if you enjoy intricate architecture.

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Guy’s Hospital Chapel was founded in 1824 by Thomas Guy, and when you come from St Thomas Street, crossing the courtyard will allow you to spot one of London Bridge’s best hidden gems – a John Keats statue.

This is a really peaceful place, easily accessible from Borough Market and London Bridge’s study cafes, and a perfect photo spot at that if you’re into that.

Read: The Prettiest Streets in London

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge

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Southwark Cathedral, with its Shakespeare statue, offers one of the most beautiful church gardens there is in London.

Add to this elegant Gothic architecture and vaulted ceilings, and it’s easy to get lost in the beauty of Southwark Cathedral for hours on end.

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Despite its location just off Borough Market (where you would do well to try the Bread Ahead Bakery doughnuts!), Southwark Cathedral is still a very hidden gem.

The churchyard is one of my favorite places in London, especially beautiful when it’s spring or summer, with vibrant nature and beautiful views of the Shard from the garden.

Read: Where to Have Lunch for £5 in London

Most Secret Church Gardens in London: St Helen’s Bishopsgate

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St Helen’s Bishopsgate is nestled in the City, and like many churches in the City of London, dates back to the 12th century.

Inside is a mix of Norman, Gothic and Tudor architectural elements, and the outside of St Helen’s Bishopsgate makes for a perfect photo spot with St Mary Axe in the background.

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Do spend time walking around the City of London, as you might also come across the Tomb of the Unknown Roman Girl at the bottom of the St Mary Axe building, as well as other ruins.

There are many secret alleys in London, a lot of which are located in the City of London, and you’re right where you need to be to discover them.

Two of London’s best TK Maxx shops are also situated there, one a couple of minutes from St Mary Axe, and the other one, bigger, on Gracechurch Street – must-visit shops for new candles, skincare or jewelry!

Read: The Poshest Areas in London

Most Secret Church Gardens in London: St Stephen’s Walbrook Churchyard Garden

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St. Stephen’s Walbrook Churchyard Garden is adjacent to the church, and another one of the best hidden gardens in the City of London.

We’re not too far from either Bank station or Cannon Street, which are also filled with hidden gems, like the Tivoli Corner at Bank.

St. Stephen’s Walbrook church is one of the most secret churches in the City of London, dating back to the Roman era, and the garden, located behind, is a very peaceful haven to write or read.

Read: The Most Colorful Streets in Camden

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Most Secret Gardens in London: Reflection Garden, Site of the Church of St John the Evangelist

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One of London’s best hidden gems, the Reflection Garden is a quiet garden that invites us to pause and reconnect with nature, mostly due to the clean, crisp pond in the middle.

Few people know that the Reflection Garden is situated on what used to be the Church of St John the Evangelist, as we mostly focus on the fact that we have an immaculate view of St Paul’s Cathedral when we’re there.

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If you’re the kind of person who enjoys getting free views of London, make sure you pop by the One New Change rooftop when visiting the Reflection Garden.

You’ll get an even clearer view of St Paul’s Cathedral, and since One New Change offers a completely free rooftop, it’s something I love doing when I’m roaming London on a budget.

Read: Why Are There Colorful Streets in London?

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: St Ann Blackfriars Church

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Walking around the City of London will, hopefully, bring you to Ireland Yard at one point or another, and you should definitely visit if you’re a small, hidden streets lover.

Indeed, you will find there St Anne Blackfriars Church and St Anne Blackfriars Church Entry, which are nothing but a graveyard/churchyard today, after being destroyed in the Great Fire of London.

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This is one of the small church gardens I was most happy about when I came across it, as it’s really a perfect place to read in London – aside from a couple of locals, it’s empty most of the time.

Read: Where to See Autumn Colors in London?

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: St Bride’s Fleet Street Churchyard

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St Bride’s Fleet Street is one of the only churches with a crypt in London, one that you can visit completely for free.

St Bride’s Church is already a striking place to visit, with its tiny secret museum in the basement, and if you’re looking for really peaceful places in London, the churchyard is great for that.

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Do visit St Bride’s if you have the time; this is a place I’ve learned lots about the history of London, including the Fleet Street area.

Architecturally, historically, and because of its hidden crypt, St Bride’s Church is one of the most unusual places to visit in London – a gem to have on your bucket list!

Read: Where to See Christmas Decorations in London?

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: Hare Court (Off Temple Church)

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Like the Inner Temple Gardens I’ll tell you about right below, Hare Court isn’t one of London’s church gardens per se, but its location just off Temple Church as well as its beauty drove me to talk about it here.

Hare Court is but one of the many hidden courtyards London houses, a charming and historic courtyard characterized by Georgian buildings.

The Temple neighborhood is one of London’s historic neighborhoods, meaning you will find various Georgian buildings and streets in the area.

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There are a couple of benches in Hare Court, perfect to have a romantic picnic before visiting Temple Church and nearby Fleet Street’s hidden gems.

Walk around Hare Court and Temple Church too, though, to be able to relish the many architectural styles the area is filled with.

Read: The Best Harry Potter Locations in London

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: Inner Temple Gardens (Off Temple Church)

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Bit of a long shot with the Inner Temple Gardens, as it’s not a church garden per se.

However, the location about 30 seconds away from Temple Church and the utter beauty of the manicured garden make it a must-visit in my book.

If you’re interested in history, there are lots – and I mean, lots – of historic hidden gems off Fleet Street, and the Inner Temple Gardens are one of them.

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These date back to the medieval period, when the Inner Temple was established as one of the four Inns of Court in London, buildings where members of the legal profession train and work.

If you’re planning a romantic date in London, I always recommend a walk around the Inner Temple Gardens.

Add to it a visit to Temple Church, an architectural gem, and you’ve got the perfect half-day covered.

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It’s pretty difficult to find secret gardens in London as beautiful as the Inner Temple Gardens, and if you’ve got the time to hang out there, this is one of the most peaceful you’ll find.

Read: How to Move to London – and Survive as an Expat

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: St Pancras New Church Garden, Euston Road

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On Euston Road, not too far from the Wellcome Collection (one of London’s free museums – and one of the most interesting), you’ll find St Pancras New Church Garden.

This is a quite small garden, but it’s carefully curated and a joy to spend some time inside, if only to read a few pages of a good book.

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St Pancras New Church, right next to it, is an impressive Neo-Gothic monument that features eight caryatids, female figures that very much remind us of Roman churches and basilicas.

There’s a reason to that – the beautiful church was designed in the 19th century, an era during which classical art and architecture fascinated the masses.

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All in all, this is one of London’s most beautiful churches, and since the church garden is almost completely empty most of the time, it’s another great place to relax, read, or even have a picnic.

Read: First Time Travel to London: All There is To Know

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: St Giles Cripplegate and Barbican Centre

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Long shot with this one; in terms of church gardens, St Giles Cripplegate is not exactly it.

However, you’re here in the heart of Roman and Medieval London, and you will find pieces of the Roman Wall right behind St Giles Cripplegate.

The current church was built in the 16th century, a fine example of Tudor architecture with its Gothic windows and intricate ceiling.

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The cultural Barbican Centre is located a couple of minutes away from St Giles Cripplegate, and if you’re ever after fountains and lakes in London, that’s a place you should visit.

This is Europe’s largest multi-arts and conference venue, and the last time I visited, there was yet another free exhibition going on.

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The Barbican Centre, in addition, is one of London’s free study spots, where many a student comes with their laptop and notebooks, and you’ll even find coffee shops, restaurants, and members’ clubs inside!

Read: The Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to London

Most Secret Church Gardens in London: St Alphage Church Garden, City of London

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St Alphage Church Garden not only offers beautiful nature but also remains of Roman London (Londinium) and medieval London, which, as you can expect, makes it one of my favorite places in London.

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St Alphage Church Garden is nestled in the City of London, close to the Museum of London, and adjacent to this garden, you have another secret one – Salters’ Garden, which is just as peaceful with its pergola and pond.

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St Alphage Church has origins dating back to the medieval period, and makes today for one of the best secret photo spots in London.

At weekends, when the City of London is empty, it is a magical place to hang out.

A large piece of the Roman Wall can be found there, with different layers showing how street level was raised over the centuries.

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If you’d like to discover more of that historic London, take the St Alphage Highwalk: it will lead you to St Giles Cripplegate, another old church, and the Barbican Center with its beautiful Lakeside Terrace.

Read: London Travel Guides for Tourists and Locals

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: Lincoln’s Inn Chapel

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Lincoln’s Inn Chapel is one of the secret places I’ve only discovered a few weeks ago, an architectural gem perfect for whoever loves columns and sculptures.

Lincoln’s Inn Chapel itself is a great religious place to visit, and traces its origins to the 15th century when it was founded as part of Lincoln’s Inn, one of the four Inns of Court in London.

The chapel showcases immaculate Gothic Revival architecture with majestic stained glass windows, intricate arches and stone carvings, and underneath, you’ll find one of London’s most unusual places.

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We’re not really in one of London’s secret church gardens, but all around Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, you will be able to enjoy manicured lawns and incredibly beautiful buildings.

We’re really close to Fleet Street here, as well as Temple Church and St Dunstan in the West – three historic places you absolutely have to check out before/after visiting the chapel.

Read: The Most Aesthetic Restaurants in London With Columns

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: Bishop’s Square and Spitalfields Charnel House

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Despite its location really close to Old Spitalfields Market and Liverpool Street station, Bishop’s Square really feels like one of these safe natural havens you can find in the outer boroughs.

And yet, Bishop’s Square offers plenty to see, from the endangered elephants sculptures to the beautiful Spitalfields Charnel House.

Bishop’s Square is one of the only natural places in London where you can find fish swimming around freely, and if you happen to live in London, you will know it’s not that common.

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The Charnel House, which is located below street level in the middle of Bishop’s Square, used to be an ossuarium dating back to medieval times.

It’s an easily accessible place to find ruins in London, and one that many Londoners walk past every day without knowing a crypt is located right under the square – pop by if you can!

Read: The Best Colorful Lattes in London

Most Secret Church Gardens in London: Mark Street Gardens, Shoreditch

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Mark Street Gardens is one of the most secret church gardens in London, nestled in the heart of Shoreditch, not too far from the very colorful New Inn Yard.

Entering Mark Street Gardens, you are welcome by palm trees and lush greenery, but if you’re the kind of person who enjoys finding beautiful buildings in London, that’s definitely one of the reasons you should visit.

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If I may, we’re here in one of London’s most secret photo spots, as Mark Street Gardens are usually very empty.

The arched windows combined with the vibrant greenery make Mark Street Gardens a perfect writing spot in London, or a place to study when it’s warm out.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: St Botolph Without Bishopsgate Churchyard

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St Botolph Without Bishopsgate is located in the historic Bishopsgate neighborhood, located around Liverpool Street station.

The St Botolph Without Bishopsgate church is one of London’s medieval churches, and its beautiful churchyard is quite peaceful, even if it’s located right off Bishopsgate.

Nearby, you have Sushi Samba and Duck & Waffle, two amazing rooftop restaurants, as well as many coffee shops and shops.

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Something even quirkier to see around the church garden is the Victorian Baths – come from Bishopsgate, cross the garden, and you’ll find this really strange, Arab-style building.

In the St Botolph Without Bishopsgate churchyard, you also have a secret fountain (which gets very muddy when it’s raining in London) as well as a few benches to read or relax.

It’s simply one of the easiest-to-access church gardens in London, and something of another world.

Read: The Best Bookshop Cafes in London

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Most Secret Church Gardens in London: Aldgate Square and St Botolph Without Aldgate

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The historic Aldgate district is one of my favorites in London as it is part of the London Wall trail, which also goes all the way through St Alphage and towards the Museum of London.

Aldgate once marked the eastern entrance to the City of London, making it one of the most important neighborhoods in London.

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This is the biggest evidence of Roman London, with pieces of the London Wall scattered around the area, and a poignant one at that.

Aldgate Square is another one of the not-so-secret church gardens London offers, as it’s out in the open – however, the St Botolph without Aldgate church is much more secret.

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Inside the St Botolph without Aldgate church, which is but one of London’s medieval sites, you will find a mix of architectural styles from Victorian to Gothic and Normal elements.

There is a school on one of the sides of Aldgate Square, and it’s also located in a bustling area, which means this is not that much of a secret, but still a gorgeous place to visit…

If only to follow the Art in the City trail and discover half-human, half-snail sculptures!

Read: The Cutest Floral Cafes in London

Most Secret Church Gardens in London: St Pancras Church Gardens, City of London

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Nestled within the City of London on St Pancras Lane, the St. Pancras Church Gardens are one of the tiniest pocket parks the city offers.

St Pancras Church itself was one of the oldest churches in London, founded during the Middle Ages, and its remains are now hidden below street level, right under the garden.

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This is clearly one of the City of London’s best hidden gems, tucked away a few minutes away from Bank Station, a place that commemorates London’s history to perfection.

By the way, walking around the area, you can spot another hidden gem – a sculpture of Atlas carrying the world on Atlas House, just a few minutes from St Pancras Church Gardens.

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This is another sight you can only enjoy when looking up; and one that will enhance your walk around the City of London.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Secret Cafes in London

26 Secret Church Gardens in London Perfect for History Lovers

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These are only some of London’s secret church gardens, and hopefully, you’ll enjoy the visit as much as I do every time I decide to hang around one of these.

London is home to plenty of Wren churches, some of which you’ve seen in this guide, which were heavily renovated after the Great Fire of London.

And since these are mostly located in the City of London, where the Great Fire started, it’s quite easy to walk from one to the other.

In any case, you’ll hopefully have found here all the secret and abandoned churches and church gardens you were hoping to find!

Until next time!

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Sam is a certified fashion makeup artist, a freelance writer, a blogger and a digital nomad. Since 2019, she roams around the world, from London to Rome and shares her knowledge about makeup, scented candles, travel, blogging and the digital nomad lifestyle.