Red Cross Garden: London's Historic Pocket Park and Social Sanctuary
A historic Victorian pocket park in Southwark offering tranquil green space, heritage cottages, and a wildlife pond in the heart of London.
Red Cross Garden, located at 50 Redcross Way in London SE1, is a beautifully restored Victorian pocket park originally designed by social reformer Octavia Hill in 1887. Serving as an 'open air sitting room' for the working-class residents of Southwark, it features winding paths, a wildlife pond, flowering borders, and historic cottages. Managed by Bankside Open Spaces Trust, this tranquil green oasis offers a peaceful retreat amid the bustle of central London, just steps from Borough Market and The Shard.
A brief summary to Red Cross Garden
- 50 Redcross Way, London, SE1 1HA, GB
- +442074033393
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays or early mornings for a peaceful experience away from crowds.
- Take time to explore the Grade II listed cottages and community hall overlooking the garden.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawns or benches surrounded by seasonal flowers and wildlife.
- Join volunteer gardening sessions or attend community events to connect with local history and nature.
- Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Borough Market for food and cultural exploration.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
From London Bridge Station, take a 10-15 minute walk along Borough High Street and Redcross Way to reach Red Cross Garden. The station is served by multiple Underground lines and national rail services. No additional fare is required beyond your standard ticket.
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Bus
Several bus routes stop near Borough High Street, including routes 43, 141, and 343. From the bus stop, it is a 5-7 minute walk to the garden. Bus fares range from £1.75 to £2.50 depending on payment method.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £8 and £15. Drop-off can be at Redcross Way near the garden entrance.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking is a pleasant option. From Borough Market, the garden is about a 7-minute walk on mostly flat, paved terrain, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Red Cross Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Red Cross Garden
Origins Rooted in Social Reform and Community Care
Red Cross Garden was established in 1887 as part of a pioneering social housing and green space project led by Octavia Hill, one of the founders of the National Trust and a passionate advocate for improving living conditions for London's working poor. The garden was created on land formerly leased by Quakers, who had used the site as a burial ground and meeting house since 1762. Octavia Hill envisioned the garden as an 'open air sitting room'—a restorative green refuge for the densely populated and industrialized Bankside area of Southwark, where cramped slums and factories prevailed.Victorian Design and Architectural Heritage
The garden's original layout was designed by Emmeline Sieveking and Fanny Wilkinson, Britain’s first professional female landscape gardener, who also worked on other notable London parks. Alongside the garden, six model cottages and a community hall were built in 1887 by architect Elijah Hoole, reflecting Arts and Crafts influences. These cottages were intended as exemplary housing for the working classes, embodying Octavia Hill’s vision of wholesome, well-designed dwellings. Both the garden and cottages remain Grade II listed, preserving their historic and architectural significance.Transformation, Decline, and Revival
During World War II, the garden was paved over and its railings removed, likely to support the war effort. For decades, the space remained underused and lost much of its original character beneath municipal grass and tarmac. In 2005, the Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST) secured Heritage Lottery funding and support from Southwark Council to restore the garden to its Victorian design. The restoration included reinstating winding paths, flower beds, a wildlife pond with water lilies, and seating areas. The garden was officially reopened by Princess Anne in 2006, marking a new chapter as a cherished green space in central London.A Living Urban Sanctuary Today
Today, Red Cross Garden is a vibrant, well-maintained oasis offering tranquility amidst the urban environment. Its lush planting attracts local wildlife, and features such as the pond, fountain, and rose arbour provide sensory delights. The garden hosts community events, poetry readings, and volunteer gardening groups that help sustain its beauty and heritage. Despite being overshadowed by The Shard, the tallest building in London, the garden remains a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors seeking respite from city life.Community Engagement and Cultural Significance
Red Cross Garden continues to embody Octavia Hill’s ethos of combining green space with social purpose. The community hall and cottages foster a sense of neighborhood, while the garden’s design encourages reflection and relaxation. Volunteer-led tours highlight the garden’s history and key features, connecting visitors with its rich past. The garden has also been recognized with a Green Flag Award, affirming its status as a high-quality, environmentally managed public space.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Red Cross Garden welcomes visitors of all ages, including families, children, and pets. The garden offers wheelchair-accessible entrances, ample seating, and trash bins, though recycling facilities are limited. Its central location near Borough Market and London Bridge Station makes it an easy urban escape for quiet lunches, leisurely strolls, or contemplative moments amid historic surroundings.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Southwark Bridge
0.7 km
A graceful steel-arched Thames crossing with a rich history, distinctive green-and-yellow detailing, and a key role in London’s illuminated river landscape.
Historic England
0.9 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.9 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Blackfriars Bridge
1.0 km
Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
1.0 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
London Stone (remaining part)
1.0 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
113 Cannon St
1.0 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
Custom House
1.1 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
South Bank Community Area
1.1 km
A vibrant riverside cultural and historic district in central London, home to iconic landmarks, arts venues, and scenic Thames views.
The National Firefighters Memorial
1.1 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
1.1 km
Discover London’s tiniest public sculpture—two bronze mice locked in a timeless tussle over cheese, steeped in legend and Victorian charm.
Samuel Bourne Bevington Statue
1.1 km
Discover the Samuel Bourne Bevington Statue near Tower Bridge, a captivating tribute to London's rich artistic heritage and history.
IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
1.2 km
Explore the historic IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth, a stunning Anglican church offering a blend of spirituality, architecture, and community in the heart of London.
Victoria Embankment
1.2 km
A historic riverside promenade in London blending Victorian engineering, scenic gardens, iconic monuments, and stunning Thames views.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
1.2 km
Medieval guild church with Wren's only 'true spire'—a 950-year sanctuary in the City's financial heart.
Unmissable attractions to see
Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance
0.1 km
A poignant garden and memorial in London honoring the outcast dead, transforming a forgotten paupers’ graveyard into a place of remembrance and community.
Menier Chocolate Factory
0.2 km
Experience cutting-edge theatre in a historic 19th-century chocolate factory with intimate performances and rich industrial charm in Southwark, London.
St George the Martyr, Southwark
0.2 km
Discover St George the Martyr, a historic Georgian church in Southwark with over 900 years of rich history and architectural heritage.
George
0.3 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, The George, where centuries of history meet traditional pub charm in a unique Southwark setting.
Borough Yards
0.4 km
Discover Borough Yards, London’s vibrant fusion of historic railway arches and contemporary shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
Borough Market
0.4 km
Discover Borough Market, London's historic food haven blending ancient tradition with vibrant culinary delights near London Bridge.
Trinity Church Square
0.4 km
Tranquil historic garden square in London with a Roman-rooted statue and a classical music rehearsal church at its heart.
Rose Theatre Trust
0.5 km
Explore the historic Rose Theatre Trust site, London's first Bankside playhouse where Shakespeare's early works came to life.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
0.5 km
Step into Europe’s oldest surviving surgical theatre, hidden in a church attic, and explore the raw, pre-anaesthetic world of 19th-century surgery and herbal medicine.
The Clink Prison Museum
0.5 km
Step back into England’s darkest prison history at The Clink Prison Museum, where medieval justice and infamous inmates come alive.
Southwark Cathedral
0.5 km
Discover Southwark Cathedral’s rich history, stunning Gothic architecture, and cultural ties in the heart of London’s historic South Bank.
Lantern Ghost Tours
0.5 km
Discover London’s haunted past with Lantern Ghost Tours, blending history, ghost stories, and atmospheric pub stops near London Bridge.
Winchester Palace
0.5 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Winchester Palace, a medieval bishop’s grand London residence with a stunning rose window by the Thames.
St Mary Overie's Dock
0.5 km
Historic Thames dock in London’s Southwark, home to the Golden Hinde II and steeped in medieval and maritime heritage.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
0.6 km
Dive into 2,000 years of London’s darkest history and face your fears in the UK’s top horror attraction beneath London Bridge.
Essential places to dine
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.1 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Restaurant Story
1.2 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Madison
1.2 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.2 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
La Dame de Pic London
1.4 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
14 Hills
1.4 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.4 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
The Archduke
1.5 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Southbank Centre Food Market
1.5 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
Ping Pong Southbank
1.5 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
Wahaca Southbank
1.6 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
1.6 km
Stylish 4-star hotel on London’s South Bank with exceptional dining, event spaces, and modern amenities near iconic landmarks.
Strada Southbank
1.6 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
Troia Southbank
1.6 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with halal options in a vibrant riverside setting near the London Eye.
wagamama southbank
1.6 km
Lively riverside pan-Asian dining with fresh, bold flavors and stunning Thames views at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bankside Arches Boutique
0.8 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.1 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
1.1 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
j-me original design ltd
1.1 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
1 Poultry
1.2 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Sugar And Style
1.2 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
One New Change
1.2 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Tower of London Shop
1.2 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.3 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
The Royal Exchange
1.3 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Traders Gate
1.3 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.
The Giftree London
1.3 km
Discover London's soul in souvenirs, crafts, and conveniences at this Lambeth gem—unique gifts, luggage storage, and local flair await.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
1.6 km
Discover creative gifts, sustainable homewares, and arts-inspired souvenirs on vibrant Mandela Walk, opposite Royal Festival Hall—a stylish treat amid South Bank's cultural heartbeat.
Custom Gifts By Jupiter
1.7 km
Unleash creativity with bespoke gifts and custom decor from this South Bank artisan haven near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
Gift Shop - London Eye Shop
1.7 km
Capture London's magic at the London Eye Gift Shop: exclusive souvenirs, Thames views, and iconic keepsakes from the wheel's base.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Old School Yard
0.5 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
Nine Lives
0.9 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
0.9 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Lyaness
1.0 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
1.0 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
1.2 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
The Bootlegger
1.3 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.
Black Parrot
1.4 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
The Understudy
1.4 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
Punch Tavern
1.4 km
Historic Victorian Gin Palace on Fleet Street, famed for its Punch magazine heritage and vast gin selection in the heart of London.
Waterloo Lost Property Office Speakeasy
1.4 km
Discover a hidden 1920s-inspired speakeasy in Waterloo serving expertly crafted cocktails in a seductive, vintage setting.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.5 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Bar @ 26 Leake Street
1.5 km
Experience London’s vibrant street art and nightlife culture at 26 Leake Street, a unique cocktail bar and event venue in Waterloo’s iconic graffiti tunnels.
honestfolk Cocktail Bar (Southbank Centre Food Market)
1.5 km
Seasonal cocktails and classics from a cozy mobile bar at Southbank Centre Food Market, where Thames breezes mingle with market buzz and craft libations.
Slug & Lettuce - County Hall
1.5 km
Chic South Bank cocktail haven in County Hall: bottomless brunches, 2-for-1 sips, pub classics, and Thames views for London's liveliest lunches and nights out.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.8 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Corsica Studios
1.1 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
1.5 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
1.5 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.5 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Proud Late
1.8 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.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
1.9 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Heaven
2.1 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Carwash Nightclub
2.3 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
London Best Night Clubs
2.3 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.4 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
E1
2.4 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
2.5 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
2.5 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
Covent Garden Social Club
2.5 km
Discover Covent Garden Social Club: a lively cocktail bar blending exquisite drinks, comedy, and live music for an unforgettable night out in London.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
