Discover the Serenity of St Dunstan-in-the-East: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of London

Last Updated on 2 May, 2023

The City of London can be busy considering it the heart of London’s financial District, you are also very much right in the heart of some of London’s Tourist attractions like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, The Shard, Borough Market and many others.

So if you are in the area, there is a little hidden gem you you can escape to that has a touch of senerity and away from the hustle and bustle. This is by way of St Dunstan-in-the-East Church.

St Dunstan-in-the-East is a stunning church ruin located in the heart of London. Originally built in the 12th century, the church was severely damaged in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and was rebuilt in the 18th century.

However, it was heavily damaged again during the Blitz in World War II and was eventually transformed into a public garden in 1971.

So when my sister was visiting, we had managed to have breakfast at Duck and Waffle, checked out the Garden at 120 as well as Leadenhall Market and as the city started to get busy around lunchtime, we ducked into St Dunstan-in-the-East without sandwichs for a mini picnic.

Visiting London’s Secret Garden: Relaxing at St Dunstan-in-the-East”

Visiting St Dunstan-in-the-East is a unique and peaceful experience, as the ruined church provides a beautiful and serene backdrop for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.

The garden is surrounded by the remains of the church, with ivy-clad archways and walls framing the space. The old church tower still stands, and visitors can climb to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The garden itself is beautifully maintained, with lush greenery and colorful flowers blooming throughout the year. Benches and tables are scattered throughout the space, providing a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the surroundings. The garden is also wheelchair accessible, making it a great destination for everyone.

Despite its central location, St Dunstan-in-the-East is surprisingly peaceful, making it an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden is rarely crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy the space at their own pace and take in the history and beauty of the site.

If you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination in London, a visit to St Dunstan-in-the-East should definitely be on your list.

The site is easily accessible by public transportation, and admission is free, making it a budget-friendly destination.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a quiet and serene spot to relax, St Dunstan-in-the-East is a must-visit destination in London.

Other Cool Things To Do Near

St Dunstan-in-the-East is a beautiful and historic destination in London, but there are also plenty of other things to do in the area. Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat, a spot of shopping, or more historic landmarks to explore, here are some things to do near St Dunstan-in-the-East.

Tower of London – The Tower of London is a short walk from St Dunstan-in-the-East and is a must-see attraction for history buffs. The Tower has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a place of execution, and visitors can take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history.
The Shard – For a breathtaking view of London, head to the top of the Shard, which is just a few minutes away from St Dunstan-in-the-East. The Shard is the tallest building in London, and visitors can take a high-speed elevator to the viewing platform on the 72nd floor.
Borough Market – If you’re feeling hungry, head to Borough Market, which is just a short walk from St Dunstan-in-the-East. The market is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide range of vendors selling everything from artisanal cheeses, desserts, and baked goods to fresh seafood. In addition to having amazing bars, pubs and restaurants.
Millennium Bridge – Take a stroll across the Millennium Bridge, which spans the River Thames and connects St Paul’s Cathedral to the Tate Modern. There are many cool bridges in London, this bridge is a pedestrian-only zone, so you can enjoy the views of the river and the city without worrying about traffic.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre – Just a short walk from St Dunstan-in-the-East is the Globe Theatre, a replica of the original theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were performed. Visitors can take a tour of the theatre and even catch a performance of one of the Bard’s classic plays.
The Tate Modern – If you’re an art lover, head to the Tate Modern, which is located on the south bank of the River Thames. The museum features works by modern and contemporary artists from around the world, and admission is free.
The Clink Prison Museum – For a taste of London’s dark history, visit the Clink Prison Museum, which is located near the Southwark Cathedral. The museum explores the history of the infamous Clink Prison, which operated from the 12th to the 18th century and was known for its brutal conditions.
The Southbank Centre – For a cultural experience, head to the Southbank Centre, which is located on the south bank of the River Thames. The centre hosts a wide range of events and performances, including music concerts, theatre productions, and art exhibitions.
The National Theatre – Just a short walk from St Dunstan-in-the-East is the National Theatre, which is one of the UK’s leading theatre companies. Visitors can catch a performance of a classic play or a new work by a contemporary playwright.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret – For a unique experience, visit the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret, which is located near London Bridge. The museum is housed in an old church attic and features exhibits on the history of surgery and medicine.
Sky Garden – The Sky Garden is a public space located on the top floors of the 20 Fenchurch Street building, commonly known as the “Walkie Talkie” due to its unique shape. It is a popular attraction for visitors to London, offering panoramic views of the city skyline, a landscaped garden, and several restaurants and bars. The Sky Garden is situated just over half a mile away from St Dunstan-in-the-East and can be reached within a 10-15 minute walk.

How To Get To St Dunstan-in-the-East

St Dunstan-in-the-East is located on the north side of the Thames and a short walk from Tower Bridge and can be easily accessed by public transportation.

The nearest tube station is Tower Hill, which is served by the Circle and District lines. From there, it is just a short 5-10 minute walk to the ruins. You also have access to Monument underground if you are coming from London Bridge side.

Additionally, there are several bus routes that stop nearby, including the 15, 25, 40, 42, and 78. Visitors can also take the Thames Clippers river bus to the Tower Pier, which is just a short walk away from St Dunstan-in-the-East.