Finsbury Circus Gardens: London's Historic Urban Oasis
London’s oldest and largest City green space, a historic and tranquil urban oasis blending heritage, nature, and modern design.
Finsbury Circus Gardens is the largest public green space within the City of London, offering a tranquil and historic oasis amid the urban bustle. Dating back to 1606, it is London's oldest public park, recently transformed with enhanced biodiversity, accessible pathways, and a spacious central lawn. Its elliptical layout and mature London Plane trees provide a peaceful retreat near Moorgate and Liverpool Street stations.
A brief summary to Finsbury Circus Gardens
- Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7DT, GB
- +442073744127
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience, especially around lunchtime when nearby office workers enjoy the gardens.
- Explore the diverse planting zones to spot local wildlife such as birds, bats, and pollinators thriving in the gardens.
- Use the accessible, flat paths and numerous benches to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere amidst the City bustle.
- Check for community events on the central lawn, which often hosts gatherings and cultural activities.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Accessible via Moorgate and Liverpool Street stations, each about a 5 to 8-minute walk. Both stations serve multiple lines including Northern, Circle, Metropolitan, and Central lines. Tube fares range from £2.50 to £6.00 depending on travel zones and ticket type.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the area around Finsbury Circus Gardens, including routes 21, 43, 141, and 153. Bus stops are within a 5-minute walk. Single fares cost £1.75 with contactless payment, and buses run frequently throughout the day.
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Walking
From nearby City landmarks such as the Bank of England or Liverpool Street Station, walking takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes on mostly flat, paved terrain with step-free access.
Finsbury Circus Gardens location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Finsbury Circus Gardens
Ancient Origins and Evolution
Finsbury Circus Gardens traces its roots back to the early 17th century, established in 1606 as London's first public park. The site originated from the marshy fens formed by the damming of the River Walbrook, which gave the area its name, 'Fens-bury.' Over centuries, it served various community needs—from archery grounds and laundry drying spaces to temporary refuge during the Great Fire of London and the Black Death. The gardens were formally laid out in 1812 with an elliptical 'circus' design inspired by Roman circuses, featuring a circuit of lime trees and elegant architecture surrounding the space.Architectural and Cultural Significance
The surrounding buildings once housed merchants and professionals, including solicitors, with notable institutions such as the London Institution and the South Place Unitarian Chapel (now Conway Hall Ethical Society) fronting the circus. The park's design reflects early 19th-century urban planning by architect George Dance the Younger and landscape designer William Montague. It was opened to the public in the early 20th century after a campaign led by Alpheus Morton, transforming what had been private gardens into a communal green space.Modern Revitalization and Biodiversity
After closures for Elizabeth line construction, Finsbury Circus Gardens underwent a major transformation completed in 2025. The redesign by Architecture00, Studio Weave, and Realm introduced three distinct planting zones: woodland habitats beneath mature London Plane trees, riverside margin planting with rain gardens, and herbaceous perennial borders supporting pollinators like bees, bats, and moths. The central bowling green was replaced with a large lawn to maximize space for community events, while new accessible paths and seating areas enhance visitor comfort and inclusivity.A Green Haven in the Financial District
Nestled between Moorgate and Liverpool Street stations, the gardens provide a peaceful respite from the surrounding skyscrapers and busy streets of the Square Mile. The space is designed to promote wellbeing, offering shade, fresh air, and natural beauty in the heart of London’s financial district. The park’s Grade II-listed status underscores its historical and environmental importance.Community and Environmental Impact
Finsbury Circus Gardens plays a vital role in urban resilience, supporting biodiversity and climate adaptation by creating habitats for local wildlife. The planting scheme attracts a variety of birds, insects, and bats, contributing to the ecological health of the area. The park also serves as a social hub, hosting events and providing a welcoming green space for workers, residents, and visitors alike.Continuing Legacy and Future Prospects
As London’s oldest public park, Finsbury Circus Gardens embodies a rich legacy of community service and urban green space innovation. Its ongoing care and development reflect the City of London Corporation’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and enhancing quality of life in the metropolis. Visitors today experience a harmonious blend of history, nature, and modern design in this unique urban sanctuary.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Christopher's Inn Liverpool Street
0.3 km
Budget-friendly hostel with a lively pub below, central to London’s financial district and Shoreditch’s creative energy.
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
0.4 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval layers of London's historic city wall nestled within the peaceful St Alphage Garden in Barbican.
182 Bishopsgate
0.4 km
Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
Cornhill Fountain
0.5 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.5 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
0.6 km
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
0.6 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
Northumbria University - London
0.6 km
Explore Northumbria University in London, where vibrant culture meets innovative education in the heart of the city.
Lloyd's of London
0.6 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
London City wall
0.6 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval London City Wall, a monumental symbol of the city’s enduring history and resilience.
London City Wall - Bastion 14
0.6 km
Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
0.7 km
Affordable comfort in the heart of East London, steps from Liverpool Street station and vibrant city attractions.
City of London
0.7 km
Experience the captivating blend of history and modernity in the City of London, where iconic landmarks meet vibrant culture and culinary delights.
St Mary Abchurch
0.7 km
Wren's intimate masterpiece crowned by a celestial dome and adorned with Grinling Gibbons' finest carvings.
St Anne & St Agnes Church
0.7 km
Discover the serene St Anne & St Agnes Church, a historical Anglican gem in London, offering stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
Unmissable attractions to see
Liverpool Street
0.2 km
A historic and bustling transport hub linking London’s financial heart with vibrant East End culture and beyond.
Finsbury Square
0.4 km
A historic and tranquil green square in central London, blending rich heritage with modern commercial vibrancy.
St Margaret Lothbury
0.4 km
Discover St Margaret Lothbury, a Baroque masterpiece by Christopher Wren nestled in London's financial heart, rich with history and exquisite woodwork.
Guildhall
0.4 km
Step into Guildhall, London's medieval heart where Roman ruins, grand halls, and legendary giants tell the story of the City’s enduring power and history.
Bank of England Museum
0.4 km
Explore over 300 years of British financial history and try lifting a real gold bar at this free, interactive museum in the heart of London’s financial district.
Threadneedle St
0.4 km
Discover Threadneedle Street, the historic financial artery of London, home to the Bank of England and centuries of economic heritage.
Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange
0.4 km
Historic crossroads where London’s financial legacy meets neoclassical grandeur and luxury shopping in the heart of the City.
London's Roman Amphitheatre
0.4 km
Step beneath Guildhall Yard to explore London’s only Roman amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old arena of gladiators, wild beasts, and ancient spectacle.
Guildhall Art Gallery
0.4 km
Discover London’s rich art heritage and ancient Roman past beneath the striking semi-Gothic facade of the Guildhall Art Gallery.
Royal Exchange
0.5 km
London’s historic Royal Exchange: a grand neoclassical hub where centuries of commerce and culture converge in the heart of the financial district.
St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
0.5 km
Experience the tranquil beauty and rich history of St Helen's Church, a captivating tourist attraction in the heart of London.
The Royal Exchange
0.5 km
A historic neoclassical landmark in London’s financial heart, blending centuries of commerce with luxury shopping and fine dining.
St Mary Aldermanbury Garden
0.5 km
Historic garden marking the site of Wren’s St Mary Aldermanbury church, linking Shakespeare, Churchill, and transatlantic heritage in the heart of London.
St Lawrence Jewry
0.5 km
Discover St Lawrence Jewry, Wren’s exquisite 17th-century guild church and the official sanctuary of London’s Lord Mayor, rich in history and serene beauty.
The City Of London Police Museum
0.5 km
Explore the rich history of London's oldest police force within the City’s historic Guildhall complex.
Essential places to dine
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.6 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
14 Hills
0.7 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Madison
0.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.8 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.8 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Lyle's
1.0 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
La Dame de Pic London
1.0 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
St. John
1.1 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.1 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
The Clove Club
1.1 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.2 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Nomadic community
1.3 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
George
1.5 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Brawn
1.7 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.8 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Barbican Shop
0.6 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Middlesex Textiles
0.7 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.7 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Spitalfields Market
0.7 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
One New Change
0.8 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Commercial St
0.8 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Sclater Street Market
0.9 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Fashion St
0.9 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
DPUS Designer Outlet
1.0 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
The Truman Brewery Markets
1.0 km
Historic brewery turned vibrant markets on Brick Lane, offering vintage treasures, global street food, and creative culture in East London.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
1.0 km
Explore the UK’s largest underground vintage market, where fashion history meets East London creativity and every visit promises a unique find.
Smithfield Market
1.1 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Traders Gate
1.1 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Backyard Market
1.1 km
Discover handmade treasures and vibrant street culture at Backyard Market, Brick Lane’s creative heart.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
1.1 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.3 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Aviary
0.4 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Flight Club Shoreditch
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Dirty Dicks
0.5 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.5 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
0.5 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.6 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Bootlegger
0.7 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Discount Suit Company
0.8 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Bell
0.8 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.8 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Old Blue Last
0.9 km
Historic Shoreditch pub and iconic live music venue where London’s grassroots artists rise amid a raw, vibrant atmosphere.
Floripa
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant Brazilian spirit and tropical party vibes of Floripa, Shoreditch’s premier cocktail bar and nightclub.
Simmons Bar | Old Street
0.9 km
A retro-inspired cocktail bar in Shoreditch offering creative drinks and a lively, youthful nightlife atmosphere.
The Craft Beer Co. Old Street
0.9 km
A vibrant London pub offering a top-tier selection of craft beers served with expert care in a casual, retro setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
XOYO LONDON
0.9 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
The Steel Yard
0.9 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
The Hoxton Pony
1.0 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Trafik
1.1 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
London Best Night Clubs
1.3 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.4 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
E1
2.0 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Carwash Nightclub
2.4 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Proud Late
2.4 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Ministry of Sound
2.4 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.5 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Cirque Du Soul
2.7 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.7 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.7 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
The Roxy
2.8 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
