London: Secret Gardens of the City of London – London, United Kingdom

EXPERIENCE:

For centuries the City of London was the most densely populated place on Earth. Even today, countless millions live in Greater London but only a handful of people live in the original City of London, outnumbered by their long dead predecessors that rest in ancient graveyards. Christopher Wren rebuilt most of the City churches after the Great Fire of London and whilst many survive, several were all but destroyed in the Blitz during WW II, leaving nothing but picturesque ruins and tranquil, hidden oasis in the middle of the financial capital of the world.

This special walking tour will take you to secretive green spots not known even by most Londoners and all with a special story to tell and with a quiet and peaceful beauty. Visit St. Olave, a rare survivor of the Great Fire and rather reminiscent of a country church. Samuel Pepys lived here and is buried here too. Charles Dickens went so far as to proclaim it “my best beloved churchyard.”

Visit St. Mary Aldermanbury with its intricate knot garden and see the bust of William Shakespeare, commemorating John Hemminge and Henry Condell who published the First Folio and are buried here. The yard of the bombed out Christchurch Greyfriars is another essential point. Now only the walls and steeple of the church remain though there is a dense border planting that occupies the space where once the congregation sat. With many other places and countless beautiful, spiritual, romantic and magical secret places to experience. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Visit the incredible church garden that was the favorite of Charles Dickens
See the wonderful memorials at Postmans Park, a hidden jewel of London
See overgrown Gothic ruins and private spaces
Learn the history of magical and peaceful places that most never see

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