St Anne's Churchyard, Soho – A Historic Urban Garden in London
A serene historic garden in Soho, resting on centuries of rich cultural and social heritage beneath its raised grounds.
St Anne's Churchyard in Soho, London, is a historic garden park located at 55 Wardour Street. Once the burial ground for St Anne's Church, consecrated in 1686, the churchyard was closed to burials in 1853 and leased to Westminster City Council in 1894. It now serves as a tranquil green space with a rich history, including connections to notable figures such as Dorothy L. Sayers and the burial of up to 60,000 bodies beneath its raised grounds.
A brief summary to St Anne's Churchyard
- 55 Wardour St, London, W1D 6QU, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
- Thursday 8 am-6 pm
- Friday 8 am-6 pm
- Saturday 8 am-6 pm
- Sunday 8 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours (8 AM to 6 PM) to fully appreciate the garden's tranquility and historical features.
- Take a moment to reflect on the site's layered history, including its literary connections and social activism.
- Look for the historic church tower with its hand-wound clock, the only surviving part of the original St Anne's Church.
- Enjoy a quiet lunch on the benches, but remember the garden rests on a former burial ground with up to 60,000 bodies.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the London Underground to Tottenham Court Road station, approximately 10-15 minutes walk from St Anne's Churchyard. The station is served by the Central and Northern lines. Walking involves navigating busy urban streets with some uneven pavements. No entrance fee applies.
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Bus
Use London bus routes 24, 29, or 176 to reach nearby stops on Shaftesbury Avenue or Charing Cross Road. From there, it is a 5-10 minute walk to the churchyard. Buses run frequently throughout the day. A standard Oyster or contactless fare of £1.75 applies.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
A taxi or ride-hailing service from central London locations to St Anne's Churchyard typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. This option offers door-to-door convenience but may be subject to congestion charges and fares starting around £7.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Soho or the West End, walking to St Anne's Churchyard is pleasant and takes 5-15 minutes depending on your starting point. The terrain is flat but sidewalks can be crowded during peak hours.
St Anne's Churchyard 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 St Anne's Churchyard
Origins and Historical Significance of St Anne's Churchyard
St Anne's Churchyard was originally the burial ground for St Anne's Church in Soho, which was consecrated in 1686 by Bishop Henry Compton. The church itself was designed by William Talman, an architect who worked under Sir Christopher Wren. The churchyard was actively used for burials until 1853, when it was closed by an Act of Parliament due to overcrowding and health concerns. In 1894, the churchyard was leased to Westminster City Council and transformed into a public garden, now known as St Anne's Gardens. The ground is notably raised well above street level, a result of the thousands of burials beneath, estimated to be up to 60,000 bodies, including notable literary figures such as essayist William Hazlitt.[1][3][5]The Church and Its Community Through Turbulent Times
The original St Anne's Church was a large basilica-style building with galleries on three sides above the nave, reflecting the architectural style of the late 17th century. The church was famous for its musical heritage, with Dr William Croft composing the tune 'St Anne' in 1708, still used in the hymn 'O God Our Help in Ages Past.' The church tower was rebuilt in 1803 after the original became unsafe, featuring a hand-wound clock that remains a historic feature. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed during the Blitz in 1940, leaving only the tower and the adjoining Allen room intact. After years as a bomb site and car park, the present church building was created in 1991 through community efforts, maintaining St Anne's presence as a vital social and spiritual hub in Soho.[1][3][4]Literary and Social Legacy
St Anne's Churchyard and the church community have long been associated with literary and social activism. The author Dorothy L. Sayers served as churchwarden during the period when the church building was absent, and her ashes are buried at the base of the tower. The church fostered a strong literary association known as The St Anne's Society. Socially, St Anne's has been inclusive and engaged with Soho's diverse community. One of its clergy, Ken Leech, founded the charity Centrepoint for homeless youth, which continues its work today. The church's commitment to social causes remains a defining characteristic of its identity.[1][4]Present-Day Garden and Atmosphere
Today, St Anne's Churchyard functions as a peaceful urban garden in the heart of Soho. It offers a green refuge amid the bustling city streets, with benches and open spaces where visitors often relax, unaware of the rich history beneath their feet. The garden's elevated ground and mature trees create a distinct atmosphere of quiet reflection and historical depth. It is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, welcoming locals and tourists alike to enjoy its serene environment.[1][4]Architectural and Cultural Highlights
Though the original church building no longer stands, the surviving tower with its historic clock is a landmark feature. The tower’s copper cupola and Portland stonework date back to the early 19th century. The churchyard wall, gates, and railings have been restored to preserve the site's heritage. The garden also features information boards that recount its history, enriching the visitor experience. St Anne's Churchyard remains a testament to Soho’s layered past, blending architectural heritage, cultural memory, and community spirit in a unique urban setting.[3][4]Community Engagement and Events
St Anne's continues to serve as a community focal point. The church and gardens host occasional cultural and social events that reflect Soho’s vibrant character. The site’s accessibility and central location make it a favored spot for quiet contemplation, social gatherings, and enjoying a moment of calm in a lively district. Its ongoing role as a green space and historic site underscores the value of preserving urban heritage while serving contemporary community needs.[1][4]Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Harry Potter Statue
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Shaftesbury Ave
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Mr Bean Statue
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Piccadilly Circus
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Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
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225 Piccadilly Circus
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#O hello sunshine Public Art Sculpture
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Soho
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Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
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Soho Square Gardens
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Golden Square
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Soho Square
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Agatha Christie memorial
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Cecil Court
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Unmissable attractions to see
London Self-Guided Walking Tour
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Duke Of Wellington
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Sondheim Theatre
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Village Soho
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The Admiral Duncan - Soho
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Experience the vibrant atmosphere at The Admiral Duncan, Soho's iconic bar and pub, celebrating inclusivity and entertainment in the heart of London.
Gielgud Theatre
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Experience world-class theatre in the intimate, historic Gielgud Theatre nestled in London’s vibrant West End.
The Smallest Gallery in Soho
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Discover London’s tiniest gallery on Dean Street, where big ideas shine through a small window, open 24/7 to inspire and engage all who pass by.
Las Vegas Arcade Soho
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A lively Soho basement arcade offering classic and rhythm games, pool, and air hockey in a vibrant, social setting.
Apollo Theatre
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Chinatown
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Self-Guided Audio Tour - London's Soho, Theatreland and Chinatown
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The Blue Posts
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Curzon Soho
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London Pub Crawl
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Unleash your night in London with the ultimate pub crawl, exploring iconic bars, great deals, and a vibrant social scene.
Ronnie Scott's
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Experience world-class live jazz nightly at Ronnie Scott’s, London’s legendary Soho club since 1959, where music history and vibrant atmosphere meet.
Essential places to dine
Gauthier Soho
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Meet Fresh
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Evelyn's Table
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Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
New Loon Fung Restaurant
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Experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and classic Chinese dishes in one of Chinatown’s largest, long-standing restaurants on bustling Gerrard Street.
Hoppers Soho
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Blacklock Soho
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A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Bantof
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Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Quo Vadis
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An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Mele e Pere
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La Bodega Negra Restaurant
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Sussex Bar & Restaurant
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Kricket Soho
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Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
Andrew Edmunds Restaurant
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Inamo
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Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Noble Rot Soho
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A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
La Boutik
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JW Anderson London Soho
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Machine-A
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Glassworks London - Soho
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CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
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Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
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Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
Cool Britania
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The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
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Sounds of the Universe
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House of Spells
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Paul A Young Fine Chocolates
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Charing Cross Rd
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Pop Up 38
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Black Book
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The Thin White Duke
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Duke of Argyll
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Henson's Bar and Social
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Ku Bar
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Simmons Bar | Soho
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The Spice Of Life
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Swift Soho
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Thirst Bar Soho
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Compact Soho cocktail bar by day, pulsing DJ‑led club by night—cheap cocktails, leather booths and a lively basement scene.
Bar Termini
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The Little Scarlet Door
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Basement Sate
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All Bar One Leicester Square
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The Nellie Dean
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Sophisticats Soho
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Versity Camp Nightclub
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The Box Soho
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The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
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The Penthouse London
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La Capannina Club
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Luxe Club
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Zoo Bar & Club
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Tiger Tiger London
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St Moritz Club
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The Ivy Club
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Sunset night club
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Bordello London
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Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
101 Nightclub London
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Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
