The City may be famous for its striking skyline and cluster of tall towers, but beyond the architecture lies a surprising network of peaceful green pockets. Scattered between office blocks and historic lanes are small sanctuaries where you can pause, breathe, and enjoy a moment of nature; whether it’s during your commute, a lunchtime wander, or a quiet weekend stroll.

From tranquil enclaves with benches framed by planters to leafy corners soon to burst into bloom, these hidden gems offer the perfect backdrop for a mindful walk, a chapter of your favourite book, a catch‑up over coffee, or a relaxed chat with a colleague or friend.

St Michael Cornhill

St Michael’s churchyard and its surrounding alleyways are the perfect spot for quiet contemplation. With the beautiful medieval backdrop of the tower and stain glass windows, the recent planting scheme has breathed new life into the churchyard. Designed in response to the varied microclimates of St Michael’s Church and nearby lanes, with close attention to sunlight, moisture, wind, and soil conditions. Species are chosen for visual and seasonal interest as well as the ecological value by supporting pollinators, boosting biodiversity and providing climate resilience.

St Peter upon Cornhill 

A bustling churchyard in the heart of London’s square mile, the historic Grade I listed Wren church has been a place of Christian worship since the time of the Romans. Refurbishment of the churchyard by the Eastern City BID and City of London Corporation is underway with over 1,000 new plants included as part of the design.

Fen Court Garden

Fen Court is a public passageway between Fenchurch Street and Fenchurch Avenue that contains a relaxing garden and a striking sculptural piece.

The sculpture ‘The Gilt of Cain’ was unveiled by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 2008 to commemorate the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in 1807. Fen Court is close to the site of St Mary Woolnoth church, where the Reverend John Newton, author of the legendary freedom hymn Amazing Grace, delivered many powerful anti-slavery sermons which were inspired by the abolitionist founder William Wilberforce with whom John Newton worked.

The building alongside also contains The Garden at 120 – a free public rooftop garden and terrace, with stunning views of the City and beyond.

The planting has been recently redesigned by Realm, with the addition of a unique ‘stumpery’ habitat and improved species selection for biodiversity. The project was an initiative led by Eastern City in coordination with the City of London Corporation.

Jubilee Gardens

Jubilee Gardens was first opened to mark the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977, and was redesigned in 2025 when the Eastern City BID partnered with the City of London Corporation to transform this once uninviting and under utilised space into a welcoming, sustainable and bio-diverse garden, reflecting the evolving needs of the City and those who work and visit here.

Landscape architects Studio Weave designed the garden, which now includes 35 seating spaces and 12 new trees and 300sqm of planting to enjoy.

Photo credit: Realm, Fen Court Garden