How to Visit London’s Secret Reflection Garden, St Paul’s

A local’s visit to the Reflection Garden near St Paul’s – one of the most secret gardens in London with a pond and a straight view of the cathedral!

Here’s to one of my favorite, quietest places in London – the Reflection Garden, a gorgeous little spot I visit every single time I have the chance.

I first discovered it after a visit to the secret church cafe in St Mary Aldermary nearby, Host Cafe; after coffee and carrot cake, I wandered all the way to St Paul’s Cathedral and on the left, saw this tiny little garden.

Close to St Paul’s are actually located wonderful hidden gems.

For instance, the free rooftop at One New Change (an amazing shopping center, super aesthetic!) and famous landmarks like the Millennium Bridge (Harry Potter lovers should take a walk there to reach lively Southbank!).

Whether you’re looking for places to write in London, read, reflect (it’s in the name!), or just on the lookout for churches destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and turned into pocket parks, that’s one you shouldn’t miss.

How to Visit London’s Secret Reflection Garden, St Paul’s

Located on Cannon Street, the Reflection Garden originally opened in 2022 and is easily accessible from Cannon Street Station or St Paul’s Station on the Central Line.

While I’ve loved the Reflection Garden since the first time I discovered it when I moved to London, it’s only a couple of years ago I found it is located on the site of a City of London church destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Unlike other similar places destroyed in the Great Fire of London, like St Dunstan in the East and Greyfriars Christchurch, the church of St John the Evangelist was never rebuilt and the space was left empty.

After the fire, the parish of St John the Evangelist was merged with that of All Hallows on nearby Bread Street – the plaque close to the Reflection Garden reads:

Site of the Church of St John the Evangelist… Destroyed in the Great Fire, 1666

Aside from being a wonderful historical site, the Reflection Garden is an amazing photo spot – its standout feature is the oval reflection pool that mirrors the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral a few meters away.

There are only a few benches around the garden, but you can sit around the pool for a quick lunch like I’ve seen City workers do, but the Reflection Garden is mostly tranquil.

Whether you visit London in autumn or spring, you’ll find it always provides a splash of color and gorgeous photo angles with its calm paths and foliage.

London’s Reflection Garden Photo Gallery

How to Visit London’s Secret Reflection Garden, St Paul’s

I cannot stop raving about the Reflection Garden – as you walk around St Paul’s Cathedral, you’ll find hidden gems like this garden, but also sculptures, and the wonderful Paternoster Square.

Said square, by the way, is often the backdrop for Gillie and Marc sculptures that usually dot the city, from the art trail at London Bridge to Paddington.

What I think is that the Reflection Garden is a great stop for a picnic and lunch on the go, and of course, if you’re looking for secret photo spots, it’s a stunning garden for immaculate views of St Paul’s reflected in the water!

When you’re done resting in the garden, walk up Watling Street nearby to see its little shops and the cute Konditor Bakery.

Or, make your way to other City of London churches destroyed in the Great Fire of London (87 were destroyed in total, in addition to St Paul’s – some were not rebuilt), and turned into small gardens:

• St Dunstan in the East
• Greyfriars Christchurch
• St Pancras Church Gardens

They’re all located a stone’s throw away from the Reflection Garden, and make for wonderful spots for whoever is into true hidden gems!