Description
Whittington Garden is a stunning, award-winning historic haven located in the City of London, offering families a peaceful green escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This beautifully maintained space serves as a magnificent outdoor rest stop between busier museum visits. If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in the City of London and the Cannon Street area, this pocket park provides a perfect patch of greenery to recharge your batteries.
Visiting this beautifully manicured landscape is completely free, making it an excellent budget-friendly addition to a day out in central London. There are no entry fees or standard tickets required to wander the pathways, allowing families to step inside a quiet paradise without spending a penny. It provides a spectacular, stress-free spot to let children unwind, rest on the grass, and take in a unique setting.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines rich medieval history with an immaculate natural setting, this garden fits the bill perfectly. It allows parents to relax on the lawns while children safely observe the surroundings, listen to the flowing water, and learn about city folklore. Its central location near the River Thames means you can effortlessly weave it into any central London sightseeing itinerary.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes Whittington Garden unique?
- Steeped in medieval history: The park was named in honour of Richard Whittington, the legendary four-time Lord Mayor of London who inspired the famous children's pantomime.
- Built over ancient riverbanks: In Roman times, the exact site of this park formed the muddy tidal banks of the River Thames.
- A post-war community rebirth: The ground was formally acquired by the Corporation of London in 1953 and laid out as a public garden in 1960.
- A certified wildlife haven: Filled with mature trees, seasonal shrubs, and lawns, this open area creates a rare pocket of calm for inner-city biodiversity.
Top Highlights
- The Central Fountain: The focal feature of the landscape is a beautiful central water fountain. Children love watching the shimmering water, making it a peaceful sensory experience for families resting on nearby benches.
- The Shaded Grassed Lawns: The layout includes wonderfully shaded grassed areas protected by mature trees. It provides a safe environment where young children can stretch their legs and safely sit on the grass away from the busy London pavements.
- St Michael Paternoster Royal Window: Located immediately adjacent to the park is the historic church where Richard Whittington was buried in 1423. Looking up at the stained glass window near the door reveals a beautiful illustration of Dick Whittington and his legendary cat.
- The Historical Marker Plaque: Standing inside the grounds is a detailed stone historical marker detailing the heritage of the site. It offers an educational opportunity for older kids to learn about the Roman history of the riverbank.
- The Giant London Plane and Magnolia Trees: The perimeter features massive, sky-scraping London plane, beech, and black locust trees. A twisted magnolia tree bursts into bright blooms during the springtime, providing a stunning natural display for curious kids to look at.
Beyond the Main Attraction: Because Whittington Garden is a tranquil pocket park, families can easily explore the fascinating, historic areas surrounding it. Heading just around the corner to College Hill reveals blue plaques marking the exact spots where Whittington lived and worshipped in the 1400s. A short walk south leads directly down to Cousin Lane and the banks of the River Thames for scenic waterside walks. For older kids, other unique pocket parks like Cleary Gardens or the dramatic ruins of St Dunstan in the East are situated just a brief stroll away.
0.40 miles
