Parks and Gardens

The history of and secret spots in London’s beautiful parks and gardens

Edward Square: An Islington Pocket Park With An Inspiring Mural

edward square mural

Walking along Copenhagen Road, look for the entrance to a little park called Edward Square. It has an interesting origin story itself but also contains an inspiring artwork. Edward Square Edward Square was built in 1853 as a square of houses around an enclosed garden. The garden was opened to the public in 1888 as […]

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Hyde Park’s Hidden Victorian Pet Cemetery

hyde park pet cemetery

Hyde Park hides a secret. Out of sight and, not ordinarily open to the public, is a cemetery. The headstones however are tiny and you will see names such as ‘Darling Fluff’, ‘Jack the Dandy’, ‘Chim-Chim’ and ‘Bijou’. This is not ordinary cemetery, it is a pet cemetery. I was shown this fascinating and rather

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An Ancient Tree Trunk In Kensington Gardens With A Magical Surprise

elfin oak history

In the far North West corner of Kensington Gardens you’ll find a gnarled tree trunk, protected by a metal mesh cage. Get a little bit closer and you will see that, sequestered in all the twists, hollows, nooks and crannies of the wood, are an array of tiny carved, mythical figures. This unusual display is

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The Phoenix garden: A Hidden Park Near Covent Garden

phoenix garden history

Despite the name, Covent Garden and the surrounding area, is not one I generally associate with green space. However, nestled behind the Odeon on Shaftesbury Avenue is a lovely, tranquil, hidden garden.  There is a map with the garden’s location at the bottom of the post. Risen from the ashes The area in question was

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The Stunning Shepherdess Walk Mosaics

shepherdess walk mosaics

Walk along Shepherdess Walk in Hackney and look out for the entranceway circled below. Descend down some steps and you will see this intriguing sign pointing to a mysterious passageway. Pluck up the courage, walk through and you will emerge from the darkness into Shepherdess Walk Park. Shepherdess Walk Park The passageway mimics the route

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