The Phoenix Garden
A volunteer-built wildlife sanctuary hidden in London's West End, where urban renewal blooms.
A hidden urban oasis in London's West End, The Phoenix Garden is a volunteer-run community garden transformed from former rubble into an award-winning wildlife sanctuary. Located discreetly off St Giles Passage near Covent Garden, this peaceful green retreat features ornamental plantings, a thriving frog population, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Free entry, open daily from dawn to dusk, with tea, cake, and plants available for purchase on weekends.
A brief summary to The Phoenix Garden
- 21 Stacey St, London, WC2H 8DG, GB
- +447716480049
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- The garden entrance is easy to miss—look for the signposted access via St Giles Passage off New Compton Street, or from Shaftesbury Avenue near the Odeon cinema. The main gate on Stacey Street is staff-only access.
- Visit on a weekend morning to meet volunteer gardeners and enjoy tea and cake in the community building. Plants are also available for purchase to support the charity.
- Bring a camera for nature photography—the garden's ornamental plantings, wildlife, and architectural details offer excellent photo opportunities, and the space is notably featured in films.
- Allow at least 30–45 minutes to explore the garden's paths, seating areas, and plantings. The space rewards a slow, contemplative pace rather than a rushed visit.
- Check opening hours before visiting, as they are subject to change. The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk, but specific times vary by season.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground (Tube)
Tottenham Court Road station is the nearest Underground stop, approximately 3 minutes' walk from the garden entrance. Follow signs toward Covent Garden or the West End; the garden entrance on St Giles Passage is signposted from Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road. No ticket required beyond standard London Underground fares (typically £1.75–£3.40 depending on zones and payment method).
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Walking from Nearby Stations
Covent Garden station (5 minutes' walk) and Leicester Square station (approximately 6 minutes' walk) also provide convenient access. From either station, navigate toward Shaftesbury Avenue or New Compton Street; the garden entrance is clearly signposted. All routes are on flat, paved urban streets with standard London pedestrian infrastructure.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area surrounding the garden. Stops near Shaftesbury Avenue, Charing Cross Road, and New Compton Street provide access within a 2–4 minute walk. Standard London bus fares apply (typically £1.75 for a single journey). Consult Transport for London's journey planner for specific route numbers and real-time schedules.
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Cycle Hire
A Transport for London cycle hire station is located on Earnshaw Street, approximately 150 meters from the garden. Standard cycle hire fees apply (typically £2.00 for a single journey up to 30 minutes, or subscription options available). The surrounding streets are navigable by bicycle, though the area is busy with pedestrian and vehicular traffic during peak hours.
The Phoenix Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Phoenix Garden
From Rubble to Refuge: A Garden Reborn
The Phoenix Garden stands as a remarkable testament to community vision and environmental restoration. Established in 1984 by local volunteers, this award-winning garden occupies a site with a dramatic history—once a car park, and before that, blitz rubble from World War II bombing. What emerged from this unpromising foundation is now the last remaining Covent Garden Community Garden, a living symbol of urban renewal and collective stewardship. The challenging bedrock and soil conditions required careful plant selection, but volunteers transformed these constraints into an opportunity to create a specialized habitat suited to the unique microclimate of central London.A Haven for Urban Wildlife
Despite its central location amid the bustling West End, The Phoenix Garden harbors a remarkable diversity of wildlife. Most notably, it is home to the West End's only frog population, a testament to the garden's ecological value in an otherwise concrete-dominated landscape. The carefully curated plantings attract birds, insects, and other creatures, creating a functioning ecosystem that educates visitors about urban biodiversity. The garden's design prioritizes ecological gardening practices, earning it the prestigious European Natur im Garten award for ecological gardening in 2016. This recognition underscores the garden's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable horticultural practices.Design, Architecture, and Community Space
The garden's physical infrastructure reflects contemporary design excellence. The community building, designed by London-based architects Office Sian, received the RIBA London Project Architect of the Year Award in 2021, demonstrating that functional community spaces need not compromise on architectural merit. Refurbished paths throughout the garden are now fully accessible, with a dedicated accessible toilet on site, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can experience this green sanctuary. The thoughtful layout balances horticultural displays with comfortable seating areas and gathering spaces, inviting both quiet contemplation and social interaction.A Living, Breathing Community Institution
The Phoenix Garden operates as a registered charity, sustained through donations, grants, and the tireless efforts of volunteer gardeners and staff. On weekends, gardeners and volunteers are available to share their knowledge with visitors, fostering a genuine sense of community engagement. Tea, cake, and plants are available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the garden's maintenance and development. Picnics are welcomed, and dogs on leads are permitted, making the space genuinely inclusive. This volunteer-driven model has proven remarkably resilient, allowing the garden to thrive as a free public resource in one of London's most expensive neighborhoods.A Sanctuary in the City
Located just steps from the theatrical energy of Shaftesbury Avenue and the commercial buzz of Covent Garden, The Phoenix Garden offers a profound contrast—a place of stillness and natural beauty hidden behind unassuming entrances. The garden's discretion is part of its charm; those who discover it often describe a sense of stumbling upon a secret. Yet this is no exclusive retreat; it welcomes all who seek respite from urban life. Whether you arrive as a local office worker seeking a lunch-hour escape, a tourist exploring London's quieter corners, or a gardening enthusiast interested in community-led conservation, The Phoenix Garden delivers an authentic experience of urban nature and human collaboration.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Parks & Gardens
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Nature Escape
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
