The Phoenix Garden: A Tranquil Urban Oasis in London’s West End
A vibrant community garden and wildlife haven offering a peaceful green escape in London’s bustling West End.
The Phoenix Garden, located at 21 Stacey Street in London’s West End, is a charming community garden born from a former car park and wartime rubble. Established by volunteers in 1984, it offers a peaceful green retreat filled with diverse wildlife, including the West End’s only frog population. Open daily from dawn to dusk, this award-winning garden features ornamental plants, accessible paths, and a welcoming community atmosphere, making it a unique sanctuary amidst the city bustle.
A brief summary to The Phoenix Garden
- 21 Stacey St, London, WC2H 8DG, GB
- +447716480049
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 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
- Visit during weekdays early morning or late afternoon for a quieter, more tranquil experience.
- Look for the entrance on St Giles Passage off Stacey Street; it’s easy to miss from the main roads.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the garden’s peaceful seating areas surrounded by nature.
- Check the garden’s website or local notices for volunteer-led events and plant sales.
- Dogs on leads are welcome, making it a great spot for pet owners seeking a green break.
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
Take the London Underground to Tottenham Court Road station, approximately a 5-minute walk to the garden. Services run frequently on the Central and Northern lines, with fares ranging from £2.50 to £5 depending on travel zones and ticket type.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the area around Stacey Street, including routes 14, 24, and 29. Buses run every 8-15 minutes during the day, with a single fare of £1.75 using an Oyster card or contactless payment.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Covent Garden or Leicester Square, expect a 10-15 minute walk over mostly flat, paved surfaces. The route is fully accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
The Phoenix 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 The Phoenix Garden
Origins and Community Spirit Behind The Phoenix Garden
The Phoenix Garden is a remarkable example of urban regeneration and community dedication. Founded in 1984 by local volunteers, it transformed a once derelict car park and wartime rubble site into a flourishing wildlife garden. This green space stands as the last of the Covent Garden Community Gardens, symbolizing the power of grassroots efforts to reclaim and beautify neglected urban land. Managed as a registered charity, the garden thrives on donations, grants, and the enthusiasm of its volunteer gardeners who maintain its vibrant flora and fauna.Ecological Richness and Wildlife Haven
Despite its compact size, The Phoenix Garden is ecologically significant. It is home to a variety of plants carefully selected to suit the challenging soil conditions of the site’s bedrock. Notably, it supports the West End’s only frog population, highlighting its role as a vital urban wildlife habitat. The garden buzzes with bees, butterflies, and birds, offering visitors a rare glimpse of nature in the heart of London. Its ecological credentials have been recognized with awards such as the European "Natur im Garten" ecological gardening prize in 2016.Design and Architecture Enhancing the Garden Experience
The garden’s layout blends ornamental planting with naturalistic wildlife areas, creating a peaceful and colorful environment. A community building designed by London architects Office Sian complements the garden’s ethos and won the RIBA London Project Architect of the Year Award in 2021. The garden features accessible, refurbished paths and a fully accessible on-site toilet, ensuring it is welcoming to all visitors. Seasonal plant sales and volunteer-led activities add to the garden’s vibrant community feel.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors to The Phoenix Garden enjoy a tranquil escape from the surrounding urban hustle. The garden opens daily from dawn to dusk, with specific opening hours varying slightly by day. It invites picnics and quiet contemplation, with seating areas nestled among the greenery. Volunteers are often present to share knowledge, and occasional events include tea and cake sales. The garden’s discreet entrance on St Giles Passage rewards those who seek it out with a serene, colorful refuge, buzzing with life and community warmth.Location and Accessibility in Central London
Situated just off Stacey Street near Tottenham Court Road, The Phoenix Garden is easily accessible by public transport. Nearby tube stations include Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden, making it a convenient stop for city visitors and locals alike. The garden’s paths are refurbished for accessibility, and dogs on leads are welcome, reflecting its inclusive community spirit. Its central location offers a unique green space amid the West End’s theatres, shops, and offices.Ongoing Stewardship and Future Prospects
The Phoenix Garden continues to rely on the dedication of volunteers and community support to maintain its ecological and social value. Funded through donations and grants, it remains a vital green lung and wildlife refuge in a densely built environment. Its success story inspires similar urban gardening projects and highlights the importance of preserving and nurturing small green spaces within major cities for the benefit of people and wildlife alike.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Harry Potter Statue
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Leicester Square
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190 High Holborn
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Bow St
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Royal Opera House
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Phoenix Theatre
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Phoenix Arts Club
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St Giles in the Fields
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Foyles
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12 Bar Club
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Forbidden Planet London Megastore
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Europe’s largest sci-fi and fantasy megastore in London’s West End, a paradise for comic, manga, and pop culture fans.
Priscilla The Party
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Seven Dials
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Neal's Yard
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Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
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The Spice Of Life
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Shaftesbury Ave
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Palace Theatre
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Essential places to dine
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Hoppers Soho
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Sussex Bar & Restaurant
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Circus
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Quo Vadis
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Gauthier Soho
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Meet Fresh
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New Loon Fung Restaurant
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Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
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Inamo Covent Garden
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Inamo
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J Sheekey
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Good
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Pop Boutique
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Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
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Urban Outfitters
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Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Primark
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Discover unbeatable fashion and homeware bargains across multiple floors at Primark Oxford Street, London’s premier budget shopping destination.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- 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
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- 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
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
