Secret Islands of Green – Hidden Gardens of the City
St. Paul's underground station, London (exit 2)
Guided by Sue
Walk Times
| Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 June 2024 | Tour du Jour | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Summer |
Short read: The green in the grey – the hidden gardens of the City of London.
Long read: At first glance, the City appears to be entirely of stone, brick, glass and steel. But not so.
Packed into the Square Mile – behind that unnoticed door, round a corner, within the old churchyards, on top of the buildings, and in many tucked away corners, there are about 150 gardens and planted areas for our enjoyment.
Our walk has a botanical content – so we will be examining some of the fruits and seeds in detail. What is the ‘tree of choice’ of the City? Why is there a delightful herb garden tucked into a Roman bastion?
How did the lawn as we know it come into being, and what about the history of rose gardens? In St Paul’s Cathedral churchyard we’ll see the ‘religious’ planting – the Crown of Thorns bush, the Tree of Heaven.
If we are lucky, we will see the Handkerchief tree in full delicate glory, and learn how it made its extraordinary journey to this country. The adventures of the 18C plant collectors leave you breathless. This walk really is an eye-opener – a whole new angle on the endless fascination of the City of London. Guided by Sue
THE SECRET ISLANDS OF GREEN – THE MEETING POINT
The meeting point is just outside exit 2 of St. Paul’s Tube.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
LONDON WALKS REVIEWS
“London’s best city tours” The Telegraph
“the best in the capital” Visit London
“the unfailingly fascinating London Walks…” San Francisco Chronicle
LONDON WALKS PRIVATE WALKS
If you can’t make one of the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, public Secret Islands of Green walk do think about booking one as a private tour. If you go private you can have the Secret Islands of Green walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. Ring Fiona or Peter or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LONDON WALKS
A private London Walk makes a fab present – be it a birthday or anniversary or get-to-know-your-new neighbourhood gift or Christmas present or whatever. Merchandise schmerchandise (gift wrapped or not) – but giving someone an experience, now that’s special. Memories make us rich.
Julia Chamberlain –
Delightful walk, crammed with unexpected beautiful little vistas and guided with panache and deep knowledge of the plants, trees and history of the area. This is why you follow a London Walk, to come away enriched and entertained, desperate to rememberthe perfect hidden treasures to show visitors. Lovely walk and charming guide.