A guide to green spaces and hidden gems in the Eastern City

The Eastern City area within the City of London may be known for its skyscrapers and fast-paced financial and professional services district, but tucked among the historic lanes and modern towers are peaceful gardens and churchyards perfect for a moment of calm. Whether you’re looking for a lunch spot, a quiet place to read, or a slice of history, these hidden gems offer a welcome escape.

Below, we explore six beautiful green spaces worth visiting:

Jubilee Gardens

Tucked away just off Houndsditch near Bishopsgate, Jubilee Gardens is a small but welcoming green space in the heart of the City of London. Surrounded by office buildings, the garden features benches, neatly maintained lawns, and mature trees that provide welcome shade. It’s a favourite lunch spot for local workers seeking a quiet moment away from the busy streets. The City of London Corporation supported by the Eastern City BID, transformed this once uninviting and under-utilised corner into a sustainable and biodiverse garden. The redesign reflects the evolving needs of the Square Mile — offering a modern space where people can relax, recharge, and connect with nature.

St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate Church yard

Dating back to medieval times, the churchyard of St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate is a peaceful retreat just a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street Station, offering a welcome escape from one of the City’s busiest transport hubs. The space is thoughtfully landscaped, with grassed areas, benches, seasonal planting, mature trees, and even a water feature set against the historic church — which itself has strong ties to London’s trading and mercantile past. One of the churchyard’s most distinctive features is its rentable sports courts, where visitors can book facilities for tennis, netball, basketball, and more. This unusual addition brings new energy and community use to a space that blends heritage with modern urban life.

Seething Lane Garden

Seething Lane Garden is steeped in maritime heritage, occupying the former site of the Navy Office where Samuel Pepys, the famous diarist and naval administrator, once worked. Redesigned and reopened in 2017, the garden now offers a mix of lawns, bio-diverse planting, seating, and pathways alongside stone carvings and decorative features inspired by Pepys’ diary entries and London’s naval history. This carefully curated space combines history with greenery, making it both an attractive lunchtime/ after work spot and an mini outdoor museum. Visit right next door at the Four Seasons London at Tower Bridge Hotel, for luxury stays and dining.

Fen Court Garden

Opened in 2008, Fen Court Garden is a contemporary public space set between office buildings on Fenchurch Street. Unlike the older churchyards nearby, Fen Court is distinctly modern in design, featuring landscaped planting, a striking pergola, and thought-provoking public artworks. One of its most notable features is the Gilt of Cain, a striking memorial created by sculptor Michael Visocchi and poet Lemn Sissay. Commissioned by the City of London and unveiled in 2008, the piece commemorates the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, combining powerful poetry with bold stone and metalwork. It stands as a reflective and contemplative centrepiece, reminding visitors of the site’s connection to the former St Gabriel Fenchurch churchyard and its wider historical legacy. Today, Fen Court Garden offers a stylish and meaningful space to pause amid the City’s bustle — blending greenery, modern design, and art with layers of London’s history.

Garden at 120

For an elevated experience, the Garden at 120 is one of the City’s most impressive rooftop gardens. Perched on top of 120 Fenchurch Street, this free-to-enter sky garden opened in 2019 and quickly became a must-visit destination. The rooftop features landscaped terraces, water features, and seasonal planting — all framed by sweeping 360-degree views across London’s skyline. Unlike many rooftop attractions, there’s no need to book in advance, making it one of the most accessible sky gardens in the city.

St Michael-upon-Cornhill Church yard

Hidden away behind the busy streets of Cornhill and Lombard Street, the churchyard of St Michael-upon-Cornhill is one of the City’s most historic green corners. This compact garden sits against the backdrop of a church that traces its roots back to at least the 12th century. Although small, the churchyard offers benches, planting, and leafy respite from the surrounding offices and shops. It’s a favourite among local workers seeking a brief pause during the day, with the striking architecture of the church and nearby buildings adding to its charm. Bonus points it’s just across from one of the City’s oldest pubs – Jamaica Wine House.

Tips for Visiting London’s Green Spaces

• Many of these gardens are open during daylight hours and are free to enter.
• Weekdays tend to be busier with local workers, while weekends are quieter.
• Bring a coffee or lunch to make the most of your visit – check out the local shops, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants.
• The Eastern City is a wonderful mix of heritage and modern architecture take a moment to enjoy the old and new!

Conclusion

From historic churchyards to contemporary rooftop retreats, the City of London is full of hidden green spaces waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re working nearby or exploring as a visitor, these gardens provide a refreshing reminder that even in the heart of the financial district, there’s always room for nature.