Did you know that London has a whimsical little garden that has grown itself around the ruins of a church?
Slightly hidden away amongst the modern city skyscrapers and just a short walk from the famous Tower of London, it’s a beautiful and historic tiny London park and it’s just waiting for you to discover it.
It’s called St Dunstan in the East Church Garden and it truly is a magical and unique place. Here’s my ultimate guide to help you plan the best visit to what is one of London’s finest free attractions.
The History of St Dunstan in the East
So you might be wondering how a London church in such a central location became a ruin in the first place? To answer that , you need to dive into the history of London itself.
There’s been a church here for about 900 years and as was the way of things, the design was altered over the years. Bits were added, designs were tweaked, but the church endured.
And when I say endured, I mean it. This is London, after all, where the local history timeline includes invasion, The Black Death, The Great Fire of London and The Blitz. That’s a lot to stand through, isn’t it?
The Great Fire of London
It was actually the 1666 Great Fire of London that started St Dunstan in the East onto the path of becoming the tiny London park it is today.
The 1666 fire that started in a bakers on the aptly named Pudding Lane destroyed thousands of houses and almost a hundred London churches. St Dunstan in the east did not escape the blaze.
The church was fire damaged, but somewhat salvageable. It was handed over to Sir Christopher Wren- architect, structural expert, astronomer and mathematician- who banged out a new design that involved adding the Gothic steeple and tower.
WW2: The Blitz
During the Second World War, Germany unleashed a bombing campaign from the skies: The Blitz. London was heavily bombed and St Dunstan in the East sustained some serious damage.
The tower and steeple survived but the body of the church was so damaged, the City of London decided against rebuilding. Deemed beyond repair, the site was closed off.
In the 1970’s, St Dunstan in the East was opened to the public. The bombed out ruins of the church are now a small but beautiful London park.
Is St Dunstan in the East Worth Visiting Today?
Absolutely. The St Dunstan in the East Church garden is an oasis in the city. It’s not everywhere you can find a garden that’s grown over and around a bombed out church!
I’ve visited the St Dunstan church garden many times. Every visit feels worth it because this is the sort of place that feels different every time: changing seasons, different light, noticing details I missed last time or a view I hadn’t noticed before…
And did I mentioned that St Dunstan in the East is FREE to visit? That’s right, it won’t cost you a penny. Free, fantastic thing to do in London? That’s a win!
What Should You Look For at St Dunstan in the East?
Really, you just need to come and experience the place. As soon as you step through the arched doorway into the courtyard that was once a church interior, you know your in a special place. What can you expect to discover?
- The old arched church windows, now framed and filled by climbing, blooming plants meaning the view changes with each season.
- Traces of the old church. A gravestone here, a monument there…
- The fountain. It’s a pretty feature and definitely helps create a sense of peace. It’s located on what would have been the nave of the original church. My whimsical mind likes to think it might be where the font was.
- Birdlife. The ruined church garden has several birdfeeders, well protected from the squirrels and pigeons, meaning you see some smaller birds here you wouldn’t normally associate with the City of London.
- Squirrels. Bold, grey squirrels. People have mixed feelings on them, but they are here. If you have anything to offer, they will come and say hello.
How to Get To St Dunstan in the East Church Garden in London
Find the church garden at St Dunstan’s Hill, EC3R 5DD
The nearest underground is Monument or Tower Hill. See here for London journey planner from Transport for London.
St Dunstan in the East is open daily from 8AM- Until 7PM, or dusk, whichever comes first. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day.
St Dunstan in the East is completely free to visit.
What Else is There to Do Near St Dunstan in the East Church Garden?
Although the ruined church is beautiful, it is pretty small. Although you are welcome to stay as long as you please, I don’t think you’d need more than an hour or so. St Dunstan in the East does make a great add on to some other things to do in London. Here’s my suggestions:
The London Sky Garden: From a tiny ground level garden to London’s highest. The Sky Garden is free to visit but you must book tickets in advance or make a restaurant reservation. Full guide to booking and visiting The London Sky Garden here.
The Old Operating Theatre: Another fascinating bit of London history. This small museum houses the oldest preserved wooden operating theatre in Europe alongside a herb garret that would have been in use when St Dunstan in the East was welcoming worshipers! Details of The Old Operating Theatre Museum here.
Visit Trinity Square Gardens, home to an impressive Maritime war memorial. Another beautiful garden, free to visit, perfect for history lovers and photographers. Find Trinity Square Gardens at Tower Hill, EC3 . Open daily.
Get inside London landmark Tower Bridge. Climb the towers, walk the glass walkways over the Thames and then explore the Victorian engine rooms. Full details of the Tower Bridge Tour here.
Helen x
I loved this Helen. It seems that the War Memorial could be overwhelming? But the old church and gardens sounds like a lovely escape to sit and contemplate. Even with the friendly squirrel
Thanks Brenda. The old church was indeed a lovely spot, even in Winter. I’d love to go back and sit there in the Spring sunshine. The memorials I think would be overwhelming if you think of the numbers, but with the names listed by ship and port, it felt quite personal. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment.
Good spots Helen; love those little oases. You caught the giants and their bell at the other St Dunstans (in the west) on Fleet Street? I used to love watching them as the world scurried past.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/st-dunstan-west-clock-giants#:~:text=Two%20giants%20stand%20behind%20the%20clock%20outside%20St.,space%20on%20Fleet%20Street%20since%20the%20medieval%20era.
Oh, I only realised there was a St Dunstans to the west after we left. I’ll have to go back!
I tend to prefer the outdoors, too, Helen. Museums and such are for rainy days, in my book. So many hearts broken by those lists. As a military wife you must see more than your share. At first I thought we were at Greenwich, but these are nice spots you’ve found.
Thanks Jo- yes, the memorials tend to hit home a bit for me. But all the more reason to keep visiting the memorials of conflicts past, I think.
We passed very close to both of those on our London trip in November but missed both of them! We visited St Olave’s nearby for its Pepys connection.
Oh I ‘ll have to look that one up! So many interesting corners of London, isn’t there?
I do love all those City of London churches, but St. Dunstan’s seems to be one I’ve dodged so far. I’m going to need to put that right.
Definitely, it’s such a lovely spot. Even with other folk and cheeky squirrels!
Both places have such an interesting history. The old church is really nice.
Really enjoyed reading and seeing your perspective of St. Dunstan in the East. Helen. Such a delightful, magical spot in the city that indeed feels like a secret if you’re lucky enough to visit without others around. We also grabbed a video of the garden’s extroverted squirrels. But once they realised we didn’t have food, there was no hanging around. Trinity Square Gardens was on our radar, but had to get bumped to ‘next time’ in the end. Thanks for reminding me that we should mop it up next time, such a poignant spot with magnificent history.
The squirrels were definitely well versed in coaxing titbits out of visitors, but they are sweet enough to be forgiven.
Ah, two of my favourite spots in London, Trinity Square and St Dunstan-in-the-East – both great for photography in their different ways 🙂 I haven’t been to the latter for quite a while, so thanks for the reminder. I must go back soon!
I hope you do, they are indeed lovely spots. Thanks for dropping by, Sarah!
That old church garden looks such a lovely spot. It’s good to learn about these lesser known places. Thank you. What a cheeky Squirrel. 🙂
It’s a lovely little church, although not so secret now. The squirrel was adorable but it was all cupboard love. As soon as we’d fed him, he moved on to the next suckers!
St Dunstan-in -the- East has been on my list of places to visit for a long time and your post reminds me why. I must make more effort to get there!
I’ve been to St Dunstan before but I’d never heard of Trinity Square Gardens, it looks beautiful and very moving.
It’s a lovely spot and the memorials are well worth exploring if you’ve time. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, I appreciate it.