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Garden Details

London Open Gardens 8-9 June 2025

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49 Bankside

49 Bankside
(Photo: Nicholas Petridis)

The Garden

This hidden and historic secret garden is a real gem, both in terms of its location and its fascinating past. Situated between the Globe Theatre and Tate Modern on London's cultural and creative South Bank, 49 Bankside has a unique story to tell which is featured in Gillian Tindall’s book The House by the Thames. Access to this delightful garden is via the ancient Cardinal Cap Alley - London's narrowest street. It has a small paved area with a pond and fountain, dating from the 1930s. Climbers cover the walls while pots brim with foliage to provide texture and colour.

Visitor Information

Open
Saturday 10:00–17:00
Entrance
Small entrance off Cardinal Cap Alley
Nearest postcode: SE1 9JE
Buses
Map of nearby bus stops
Stations
Blackfriars (south exit), London Bridge, Mansion House, St Paul's
Cycle hire station
New Globe Walk (Map)
Access
Access is via a very narrow alleyway. Small garden so numbers will be limited. Uneven surfaces and pond.
Dogs
Dogs on leads

Getting here

Street Map Google map Citymapper Journey Planner

Where next?

Nearest gardens with similar opening times

30 Cannon Street

All timed entry tickets have now SOLD OUT. Please do not travel to the garden without a timed entry ticket: you will not be able to access the garden.

Distance (in straight line)
0.5 km / 0.3 miles
Open
Saturday 10:00–15:00

Stunning rooftop garden with a backdrop of St Paul's and other iconic landmarks of the Square Mile. FULLY BOOKED.

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25 Cannon StreetEC4M 5SB

Visitors will be granted entry at regular intervals.

Distance (in straight line)
0.6 km / 0.3 miles
Open
Saturday 10:00–15:30

Mini jewel of a City rooftop space, recently created and planted with innovation and style in contemporary raised beds. Part of the City’s biodiversity green corridor.

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Cloth Fair Hidden GardenEC1A 7JN

Distance (in straight line)
1.2 km / 0.8 miles
Open
Saturday 10:00–16:30
Sunday 12:00–16:00

Sunken garden at the rear of 900-year-old St Bartholomew the Great Church, rescued from the wild by local residents. Mulberries and other fruit tasting. Refreshments. Music.

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Nic's Secret Garden and Plant Rescue NurseryEC3R 5BJ

Distance (in straight line)
1.3 km / 0.8 miles
Open
Saturday 11:00–16:00
Sunday 11:00–16:00

Situated next to All Hallows Church on a busy road through the City, the award winning Nic’s Secret Garden and Plant Rescue Nursery is a small oasis in the urban city jungle, an exemplar of one person's passion for horticulture.

How to get there from 49 Bankside

Lincoln's Inn GardensWC2A 3QA

Distance (in straight line)
1.5 km / 0.9 miles
Open
Saturday 10:00–17:00

Lincoln's Inn is one of the four Inns of Court, and has recently undergone a major development. This has led to a ring of new horticultural areas being created around the Great Hall and Library.

How to get there from 49 Bankside