St Martin's Gardens: A Tranquil Camden Retreat with Historic Roots
A peaceful Camden garden with historic gravestones, family playgrounds, and tranquil green spaces just steps from the vibrant town center.
Nestled in Camden, London, St Martin's Gardens is a peaceful 0.71-hectare formal garden that was once a burial ground for St Martin-in-the-Fields. Established as public grounds in the late 19th century, it features gently undulating lawns, original gravestones along its perimeter, and a well-loved children’s playground. This green oasis offers a quiet escape from the bustling nearby Camden Town, with monuments adding character and a serene atmosphere for relaxation and family visits.
A brief summary to Saint Martin's Gardens
- Camden St, London, NW1 0DX, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or weekday afternoons for the most tranquil experience and better birdwatching opportunities.
- Bring children to enjoy the well-equipped playground suitable for ages under 7 and 7-13.
- Take time to explore the original gravestones and monuments that give the garden its unique historic character.
- Use the seating areas to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere away from Camden’s busy streets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Northern Line to Camden Town station, then walk approximately 10 minutes along Camden High Street and Camden Street to reach St Martin's Gardens. The walk is on paved urban streets, suitable for all mobility levels. No additional cost beyond standard Tube fare, approximately £2.80–£4.90 depending on travel zones.
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Bus
Several London bus routes, including routes 24, 27, and 88, stop near Camden High Street. From the bus stop, it is a 5–7 minute walk to the gardens. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with fares around £1.75 using an Oyster card or contactless payment.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to St Martin's Gardens offers a pleasant urban stroll through Camden’s lively streets. Walking times vary from 10 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point. The terrain is flat and fully accessible.
Saint Martin's 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 Saint Martin's Gardens
From Sacred Grounds to Serene Gardens
St Martin's Gardens occupies the site of the former Camden Town cemetery, historically the burial grounds for St Martin-in-the-Fields church. Established on reclaimed farmland, the grounds were converted into public gardens in 1889 by the Vestry of St Pancras. This transformation preserved many original gravestones, which now line the garden’s gently rolling lawns, providing a poignant link to its past and a unique character to the space.A Peaceful Urban Green Space
Covering approximately 0.71 hectares, the gardens offer a tranquil haven amid the vibrant Camden area. Its layout includes softly undulating lawns that invite quiet contemplation, punctuated by mature trees and shrubs that create a natural canopy and habitat for local wildlife. The gardens’ peaceful atmosphere contrasts with the lively streets nearby, making it a favored spot for locals and visitors seeking respite.Family-Friendly Features and Community Spirit
St Martin's Gardens is notable for its large children’s playground, catering to both under 7s and 7-13 age groups. This longstanding feature makes the gardens a popular destination for families, blending recreational facilities with the serene environment. Seating areas are thoughtfully placed to allow parents and carers to relax while children play, fostering a strong sense of community engagement.Artistic and Memorial Elements
The garden is home to several monuments and sculptures that enrich its cultural and historical ambiance. These elements not only honor the site’s heritage but also contribute to its distinctive character, inviting visitors to reflect on the layered history beneath the greenery. The wrought-iron gates, a Grade II listed feature, stand as an elegant entrance symbolizing the garden’s heritage and importance within Camden.Management and Accessibility
Owned and managed by the London Borough of Camden, St Martin's Gardens is maintained as a formal garden space open to the public. It offers amenities such as dog litter bins, general litter bins, and seating, ensuring a clean and welcoming environment. The garden is accessible year-round, providing a consistent green refuge regardless of the season.A Camden Gem Worth Discovering
Just a few minutes’ walk from Camden Town’s bustling center, St Martin's Gardens offers a quiet, scenic retreat that combines historical depth with natural beauty. Whether you are interested in the garden’s heritage, seeking a peaceful spot for relaxation, or visiting with family, this garden provides a unique and enriching experience in the heart of London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Iron Footbridge over Regent’s Canal (Camden)
0.5 km
Historic iron footbridge offering scenic canal views and vibrant access to Camden’s lively markets and cultural heart.
Hawley Street Art
0.6 km
Discover Camden’s vibrant Hawley Street Art, a dynamic outdoor gallery celebrating creativity, culture, and iconic urban murals.
Euston War Memorial
1.4 km
A solemn 13-meter obelisk and bronze statues honor London’s railway workers who sacrificed their lives in World War I.
Caithness House
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant residential life of London at Caithness House, a modern flat complex perfect for tourists seeking comfort and convenience.
St Pancras New Church
1.4 km
A majestic Greek Revival church in London, blending ancient Athenian design with rich history and vibrant community life.
Fitzroy Square
1.8 km
Discover the serene beauty of Fitzroy Square, a historic garden square in London, where elegance meets tranquility amidst the city's vibrant energy.
Statue of Thomas Coram
2.0 km
A seated bronze tribute to the philanthropist who saved thousands of abandoned children from London's streets.
London Central Mosque
2.1 km
London's iconic Islamic cultural landmark blending spiritual tradition with modern community engagement.
Middlesex House
2.1 km
Experience the blend of modern business and historical charm at Middlesex House in London, a vibrant hub for tourists and professionals alike.
Upper Wimpole St
2.1 km
Discover the quiet elegance and rich history of Upper Wimpole Street, a Georgian gem in the heart of Marylebone.
221B Baker St
2.1 km
Explore the iconic 221B Baker Street, the legendary home of Sherlock Holmes, and immerse yourself in the world of detective fiction and Victorian charm.
University of Westminster Marylebone Hall
2.2 km
Experience the vibrant academic life at Marylebone Hall, a historic university in London surrounded by iconic attractions and rich culture.
Goodge St
2.2 km
Discover the charm of Goodge Street in London, where history meets vibrant culture, shopping, and diverse dining options.
Sherlock Holmes Statue
2.2 km
Discover the charm and intrigue of London at the Sherlock Holmes Statue, a fitting tribute to the legendary detective and a must-see tourist attraction.
Bedford Square & Montague Pl
2.2 km
Discover Bedford Square & Montague Place, a serene Georgian oasis in Bloomsbury with elegant architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Camden High St
0.2 km
Camden High Street pulses with vibrant markets, eclectic shops, and a rich cultural vibe that defines London’s alternative spirit.
The Underworld
0.2 km
Experience the electrifying atmosphere of The Underworld, Camden's iconic live music bar and nightclub, hosting unforgettable performances and vibrant nightlife.
The Camden Eye
0.2 km
Warehouse-chic Camden pub with craft drinks, pizza comfort food and a first-floor lounge for gigs, comedy and private parties.
Camden point
0.2 km
Discover Camden Market, London’s vibrant hub of culture, cuisine, and independent shopping beside the scenic Regent’s Canal.
Camden Town
0.2 km
Experience Camden Town’s vibrant market culture, eclectic shops, and canal-side charm in the heart of London’s alternative scene.
Jazz Cafe
0.3 km
Experience world-class live music and vibrant nightlife at The Jazz Cafe, Camden’s legendary venue blending soulful sounds with intimate charm.
The Music Walk of Fame
0.3 km
Celebrate Camden’s legendary music icons on a unique walk of fame honoring decades of musical innovation and culture.
Electric Ballroom
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant energy of Electric Ballroom, Camden's premier nightclub and live music venue, where unforgettable nights await.
Places Camden
0.3 km
Discover Camden Market’s vibrant mix of vintage fashion, global street food, and cultural heritage in the heart of London’s NW1 district.
BOXPARK Camden
0.3 km
A vibrant Camden hotspot blending street food, independent shops, and cultural events in a unique pop-up mall setting.
Inverness Street Market
0.3 km
A vibrant Camden Town street market blending local charm, diverse stalls, and cultural gems in the heart of London.
Rokit Camden
0.3 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures and sustainable style in the heart of Camden’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Good Mixer
0.4 km
Camden's legendary Britpop haunt where music history was made and rivalries were born.
Camden Gardens
0.4 km
Discover Camden Gardens, a peaceful green retreat with winding paths and lush greenery in the heart of lively Camden Town, London.
KOKO
0.5 km
Koko is Camden Town’s iconic live music venue blending historic theatre charm with cutting-edge concerts and legendary nightlife.
Essential places to dine
Daphne Restaurant
0.1 km
Authentic Greek-Cypriot dining in Camden with warm hospitality, cozy ambiance, and generously portioned traditional dishes.
Il Sugo
0.2 km
A cozy family-run Italian restaurant in Camden serving hearty, authentic dishes with generous portions and warm hospitality.
Alexander The Great Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience authentic Greek hospitality and generous Mediterranean flavors in the heart of Camden’s vibrant dining scene.
Goodfare Italian Restaurant
0.3 km
Cozy Camden Italian eatery serving authentic pizzas, pastas, and seafood with warm hospitality and a lively street-side vibe.
Laz @Camden
0.3 km
Discover authentic Turkish cuisine and warm hospitality in Camden’s cozy Laz restaurant, where tradition meets vibrant London vibes.
Frida Camden
0.3 km
Authentic Mexican cuisine with vibrant flavors and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Camden, London.
Jamon Jamon
0.4 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant Mediterranean flavors in a lively NW1 London setting with rustic charm and inviting atmosphere.
Mildreds Camden
0.4 km
Discover vibrant international vegan cuisine and lively atmosphere at Mildreds Camden, a cornerstone of London’s plant-based dining scene.
wagamama camden
0.4 km
Fresh Japanese-inspired dishes and vibrant communal dining in the heart of Camden’s eclectic market scene.
Rossopomodoro Camden
0.4 km
Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza and classic Italian dishes in the vibrant heart of Camden, London.
Portland
2.1 km
Michelin-starred modern European dining in Fitzrovia, blending seasonal British ingredients with refined, creative flavors in an intimate setting.
The Ninth
2.3 km
Michelin-starred modern French cuisine with Mediterranean flair in Fitzrovia’s chic and relaxed dining hotspot.
Blanchette
2.7 km
Cozy Soho French bistro serving modern small plates, charcuterie, and exquisite cheese and honey pairings in a Parisian-inspired setting.
Noble Rot Soho
2.7 km
A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
Inamo
2.7 km
Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mr Frinky
0.5 km
Compact, colourful and cheeky — a Camden Lock stall for witty signs, magnets and small‑batch souvenirs with retro flair.
KESKIN GIFT
0.5 km
Discover handmade wonders at Keskin Gift, where Camden's craft spirit shines through chess sets, masks, and artisanal jewelry in the iconic Lock Market.
Camden Gift
0.6 km
Quirky Camden souvenirs, stylish gear, and luggage relief on vibrant Chalk Farm Road—a slice of alternative London in one eclectic stop.
To Home From London
0.6 km
Camden's go-to for handcrafted London souvenirs: witty mugs, sturdy totes, and homewares that pack whimsy and quality into every piece.
What Goes Around Comes Around
0.6 km
Dive into Camden's retro Americana vault at What Goes Around Comes Around, where vintage varsity jackets, Levi’s, and 80s tracksuits await in the Stables Market.
Camden Threads - An online shop for the best independent brands and vintage boutiques
0.6 km
Discover curated vintage and indie fashion treasures in Camden Stables Market's historic heart – where retro meets rebellious style. (112 characters)
Cyberdog
0.7 km
Step into Cyberdog, Camden’s neon-lit rave shop where futuristic fashion meets pounding techno beats in a vibrant club-like setting.
Zakka Camden
0.7 km
Discover artist-designed cushions and design-led gifts at this quirky Camden Market gem, blending Japanese zakka charm with London's creative pulse.
Shop
0.7 km
A compact, ever-changing Camden Market shop serving eclectic vintage, designer finds and small-run curios in the Stables’ maze-like atmosphere.
The Brunswick Centre
1.9 km
Iconic brutalist shopping and cultural hub where modernist architecture meets vibrant urban life in Bloomsbury.
London Beatles Store
2.1 km
A vibrant Beatles memorabilia haven on Baker Street celebrating the timeless legacy of the Fab Four.
Goodge Place Market
2.2 km
A vibrant street food market in the heart of Fitzrovia, offering diverse flavors and a relaxed atmosphere just steps from central London.
Persephone books
2.3 km
Discover the hidden treasures of 20th-century women’s literature at Persephone Books, a Bloomsbury gem celebrating forgotten female voices.
Fancy That of London
2.5 km
Discover unique London souvenirs and charming keepsakes in a warm, inviting shop just opposite the British Museum on Great Russell Street.
Camden Passage, Islington
2.5 km
Explore Camden Passage in Islington: A Vintage Market Paradise with Unique Shops, Cafes, and Artisanal Food Delights.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The World's End
0.2 km
Camden’s legendary pub and live music venue blending rich history, vibrant nightlife, and authentic local spirit in the heart of London.
Camden Head
0.2 km
A Victorian‑charm pub on Camden High Street — hearty plates, rotating ales and comedy‑night energy that turns lively after dark.
Simmons Bar | Camden Town
0.2 km
Neon-lit, budget-friendly cocktail bar in Camden with teapot cocktails, karaoke and a chaotic, retro-packed interior for groups and nights out.
The Devonshire Arms
0.3 km
A cosy NW1 pub where grilled dishes and small rock gigs meet—intimate evenings, unpolished energy and classic pub bones in the heart of Kentish Town Road.
Bucks Head
0.3 km
Lively Camden pub with roof terrace views, pub grub, real ales, and festive vibes opposite Buck Street Market—perfect for soaking up the neighborhood's electric energy.
Be At One - Camden
0.3 km
Ignite your night with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and Camden's fiercest bartenders shaking up classics and wild inventions.
Sunlight Lounge
0.4 km
An intimate Camden Road lounge serving relaxed drinks in a softly lit, conversational setting for small groups and neighbourhood evenings.
The Elephants Head
0.4 km
Scruffy Victorian boozer on Camden High Street: jukebox rock anthems, Full English feasts, and late-night singalongs in London's alternative epicenter.
All About Eve
0.5 km
1950s cocktail glamour meets Camden's karaoke chaos in this retro-inspired bar with inventive drinks and heated terrace vibes.
Canalside Bar
0.5 km
Sip cocktails by the Regent's Canal in King's Cross, where trendy lounge vibes meet waterside serenity in London's revitalized heart.
The Hawley Arms
0.5 km
Camden’s intimate music pub — cosy sofas, punters and live gigs in a scuffed, music-filled setting.
Spiritland
1.0 km
Immerse yourself in exceptional sound, creative cocktails, and a vibrant music culture at Spiritland King's Cross.
Cosy Cocktail Bar
1.2 km
A stylish speakeasy in King's Cross offering expertly crafted cocktails in a warm, intimate setting perfect for evenings and private events.
Simmons Bar | Kings Cross
1.5 km
A quirky, retro-inspired cocktail bar in Kings Cross with lively music, creative drinks, and unbeatable happy hour deals.
Fitz's Russell Sq.
2.1 km
Discover Fitz's Russell Square, a glamorous cocktail bar blending Victorian elegance with modern British cuisine in the heart of Bloomsbury.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Soul City
0.3 km
A Saturday-night Camden basement party celebrating soul, disco and funk with DJ-led, record-minded sets in The Jazz Cafe’s atmospheric room.
Club Swizzle
0.3 km
Dive into acrobatic cabaret mayhem at the Roundhouse: Swizzle Boys flip chairs, Reuben Kaye slays with wit, and the bar becomes your front-row thrill ride in Camden's hottest 2018 spectacle.
Max's Other Flat
0.5 km
Discover a vibrant nightlife experience at Max's Other Flat, a must-visit nightclub in London offering electrifying music and unforgettable moments.
Lockside
0.6 km
Canal views, craft cocktails, and DJ-fueled nights atop Camden Market's vibrant West Yard—a daytime diner turned electric nightlife escape.
Club Stable
0.8 km
Historic Camden stables turned electrifying nightclub: dance in Victorian horse stalls amid live music, cabaret, and pulsing beats in London's nightlife epicenter.
Monster Queen
0.8 km
Dive into Camden's dark heart at Monster Queen: intimate club nights pulsing with goth electronica, historic vibes, and non-stop energy till dawn.
Egg London Nightclub
1.1 km
Experience marathon electronic music sessions in a converted Victorian warehouse with vibrant terraces and world-class DJs at Egg London Nightclub.
101 Nightclub London
2.6 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Bordello London
2.6 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
St Moritz Club
2.7 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
Carwash Nightclub
2.8 km
Europe's longest-running disco since 1989: sequins, funk beats, and joyful dancing in Mayfair's retro heart. Join the glitter-fueled party!
La Capannina Club
2.8 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Sunset night club
2.8 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
Club49Soho
2.8 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.9 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Family Friendly
- Scenic
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
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Family Friendly
- Photowalk
- 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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly