Many Londoners are unaware of this hidden gem
The bustling area around London Bridge can be particularly busy on sunny days – but if you’re after a little piece of tranquillity in the middle of the city, head for Red Cross Garden, a peaceful little haven that’s less than 10 minutes’ walk away.
This award-winning park is the perfect spot to catch your breath and get back to nature. Tucked away in Southwark, Red Cross Garden is a beautifully kept space with Victorian design. It was created back in 1886 by Octavia Hill, who was quite the remarkable woman.
As well as being a gardener, Hill was a social reformer, one of the three people who founded the National Trust, and a member of the Army Cadets. In fact, the modern-day Army Cadets force started in Southwark in 1889, alongside the garden.
For Hill, Red Cross Garden was part of her bigger mission to give people living in poverty better conditions, create jobs for local workers, and provide somewhere green and welcoming for the community to enjoy.
Before it became a garden, the land was actually a burial ground. In 1762, the Society of Friends – better known as the Quakers – leased it and built meeting houses there. The burial ground closed in 1792, and the meeting houses kept going until 1860.
Sadly, much of the original garden was lost during the 1940s, covered over with municipal grass and tarmac, and it fell into disuse. But fast forward six decades, and it got a new lease of life. Thanks to funding from Southwark Council and the National Lottery’s Heritage Trust Fund, it was restored and reopened in 2006.
These days, you’ll find a lovely pond that’s home to dragonflies, frogs, toads and newts, plus a beautiful mosaic that was added during the restoration. The dedicated volunteers who look after the garden run historical tours, after-school clubs, poetry readings, celebrations and all sorts of other events.
On June 4, the garden is hosting a celebration to mark 20 years since it was restored and reopened. Running from 3pm until 6pm, the event will feature traditional maypole dancing, Victorian crafts, live music and refreshments.
Whether you want somewhere quiet to relax with friends and family, fancy a picnic, or just need to spend some time in nature, Red Cross Garden is the perfect hidden gem.
Getting there
You’ll find the entrance to Red Cross Garden on Redcross Way, just off Union Street. Coming from London Bridge Station, walk along St Thomas Street, turn left onto the A3 and keep going until you see Union Street on your right. Then just take the first left as you walk along Union Street.
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