The City of London’s Green Spaces and Churches

London is Europe’s greenest city, with pockets of tranquility nestled between its towering financial buildings and ancient churches.

On this walking tour, you’ll discover a unique collection of gardens, churchyards, and historic religious sites that create unexpected sanctuaries within the city’s Square Mile.

This tour starts at St Paul’s Underground Station. You’ll follow pathways through medieval ruins transformed into verdant spaces, find Roman history beneath your feet, and explore Christopher Wren’s architectural legacy. Along the way, you’ll discover how churches destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666 and the Blitz were transformed into green spaces.

You’ll explore the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral and its surrounding gardens, including a pool that perfectly mirrors Wren’s masterpiece. You’ll see remains of the Roman bathhouse that once occupied the hillside above the Thames, and learn about the historic wine trade that operated here in the Middle Ages. The tour ends at Whittington Gardens, named for the famous Lord Mayor of London whose real-life story inspired the legend of Dick Whittington and his cat.

During this 90-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Find out how the Goldsmiths' Company invented the term 'hallmark' by testing precious metals at their Hall for over 700 years
• See Christchurch Greyfriars, where roses bloom within the skeleton of Wren’s bombed-out church
• Discover Postman’s Park’s moving memorial to ordinary people who died saving others’ lives / pause in Postman’s Park with its moving memorial to everyday heroes
• Explore the remains of London’s Roman Wall, which once encircled and protected the ancient city
• Hear how St Paul’s Cathedral survived the Blitz thanks to brave fire watchers removing German bombs
• Find Rowland Hill’s statue and learn how he revolutionised postal systems worldwide with the Penny Black stamp Visit Cleary Garden, where grapevines from France’s Loire Valley commemorate the area’s medieval wine trade

Take a break from London’s bustling financial district to discover these peaceful green spaces, where centuries of history blend with natural beauty to create tranquil urban sanctuaries.