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Mount Street Gardens: A Historic Oasis in Mayfair, London

A historic and tranquil green oasis in Mayfair, blending rich heritage with seasonal beauty and urban calm.

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Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, London, Mount Street Gardens is a serene public park established in 1889 atop a former 18th-century burial ground. This compact garden offers a peaceful retreat with mature London Plane trees, exotic flora from China and Australia, and a restored 19th-century bronze fountain. Surrounded by elegant Victorian buildings and historic churches, it blends rich history with tranquil green space, ideal for leisurely strolls, quiet reflection, and seasonal beauty throughout the year.

A brief summary to Mount Street Gardens

  • Monday 7 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-9 pm
  • Friday 7 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during spring or autumn to experience the gardens at their most colorful and vibrant.
  • Explore the nearby Gothic-style Church of the Immaculate Conception for a glimpse into the area's ecclesiastical history.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy on the shaded benches or lawns, especially on sunny days.
  • The gardens are wheelchair accessible with smooth paths, making it suitable for all visitors.
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Getting There

  • Underground

    Take the London Underground to Bond Street station, approximately a 7-minute walk from the gardens. The station is served by the Central and Jubilee lines. Walking routes from the station are on paved, accessible streets. No parking is available nearby.

  • Bus

    Several London bus routes stop within a 5 to 10-minute walk of Mount Street Gardens, including routes 6, 7, and 98. Buses run frequently throughout the day. Note that central London traffic can cause delays during peak hours.

  • Walking

    If staying nearby in Mayfair or Green Park, the gardens are accessible on foot via flat, paved streets. Walking times vary from 10 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point. The area is generally safe and well-lit.

Mount Street Gardens location weather suitability

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Discover more about Mount Street Gardens

From Burial Ground to Urban Garden

Mount Street Gardens occupies land originally designated as a burial ground in 1723 for the parish of St George Hanover Square. Adjacent to it, a parish workhouse was established in the mid-18th century to provide shelter and labor for the poor. The burial ground was closed in 1854 following public health legislation that ended interments in central London due to overcrowding and disease risk. The workhouse was demolished by 1886, and the area was redeveloped into the gardens that opened in 1889, preserving the original footpath layout from that time.

Architectural and Botanical Highlights

The gardens are framed by elegant Victorian mansion blocks that shelter a variety of mature trees, including London Plane trees—chosen for their resilience to urban pollution—and exotic species like the Mimosa from Australia and Canary Island Date Palm. A notable feature is the bronze drinking fountain topped with a rearing horse statue, designed in 1891 by architects Harold Peto and Sir Ernest George, recently restored to its former glory. Nearby, the Gothic-style Church of the Immaculate Conception, designed by Joseph John Scoles with an altar by A.W.N. Pugin, stands as a Grade II* listed building, linking the gardens to their ecclesiastical past.

A Tranquil Refuge Amidst Mayfair’s Bustle

Despite its central London location, Mount Street Gardens offers a quiet sanctuary away from the city's hustle. The well-maintained lawns, colorful flower beds, and shaded benches create an inviting atmosphere for visitors seeking relaxation, picnics, or solitary reflection. The garden’s intimate scale and secluded setting make it a favored spot for couples and locals alike, providing seasonal displays of blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and a serene winter landscape.

Connections to Local Heritage and Community

The gardens are closely linked with the surrounding neighborhood’s heritage, including the nearby Grosvenor Chapel and St George’s Hanover Square Primary School, both of which contribute to the upkeep and community engagement of the space. The area’s history is further enriched by its ties to the Grosvenor family, who originally sold the land, and the evolution of Mayfair from a residential district to a refined urban quarter.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

Mount Street Gardens is wheelchair accessible with paved paths suitable for all visitors. Open daily from early morning until 9 pm, it offers a safe, clean, and aesthetically pleasing environment maintained by Westminster City Council. While there are no dining facilities within the gardens, nearby cafes and restaurants in Mayfair provide ample options. The gardens are a perfect urban escape for those seeking nature, history, and tranquility in central London.

Seasonal Changes and Wildlife

The gardens’ character shifts with the seasons, from spring’s colorful blooms to autumn’s fiery leaves. Birdlife thrives here, attracted by the mature trees and quiet environment. The garden’s sheltered microclimate allows some subtropical plants to flourish, creating a unique botanical experience in the city. Visitors can enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by nature’s subtle rhythms year-round.

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