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In a city of churchyards, Bunhill Fields is unusual in being a purpose-built graveyard. It holds the graves of several famous “dissenters” – Jonathan Swift, Daniel Defoe, John Bunyan, George Fox, William Blake—and is also a pleasantly relaxing enclave in the busy city.

Bunhill Fields sits on the northern edge of the City of London, opposite Wesley’s house and museum. Although it is not close to any of the City’s major tourist attractions (St. Paul’s, the Tower of London, the Museum of London, the Monument), its small quota of celebrity graves makes it a minor attraction in itself. It is also a pleasant, leafy, and quiet place to escape from the noise of the city.

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A "secret garden" in the middle of London for a quiet wander but also informative if you want to know more about the uses of plants. Not open every day so check times.

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Between Liverpool Street and Moorgate stations and flanked by grand stone buildings, Finsbury Circus Gardens are a relatively-large green oasis in the heart of the City of London. I like to come here occasionally for a sandwich under the trees, to feel the tube trains rumble under my feet, and to people-watch.

Finsbury Circus Gardens are the most “developed” of the City of London’s green spaces. There is a bandstand and the City of London bowling green, and the small “Pavilion” wine-bar and restaurant. Despite these attractions, I like to come here to sit on the grass with a sandwich and watch the world go by. It is always amazing to me just what a cosmopolitan place the City of London is – with people of many nationalities either lolling on the grass or strolling around the perimeter of the park. For most of the year, the bandstand is unused. During the summer a series of free lunchtime concerts take place , with the musicians sometimes competing with the noise from apparently never-ending reconstruction work on nearby buildings.

The bowling green appears to enjoy sporadic action throughout the year, although I have no idea if enthusiastic amateurs could sign up for a game on impulse.

Finsbury Circus Gardens are best visited when it is not raining – although the bandstand and the wine-bar can provide emergency shelter. It was open for a great snowball-throwing occasion in 2005, but unfortunately closed when snow made another rare appearance in London last year. In addition to the grass, there are plenty of benches to sit on. There are also plenty of nearby take-aways if you need lunch.

Finsbury Circus Gardens are open from 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday. They are also open on weekends from April to September.

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Open air market near Greenwich - very nice for browsing!

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Acres of glorious gardens and woodland in tranquil setting by the Thames. Internationally acclaimed collections of plants and constant events for families and individuals. Fun and learning together.

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End of the Northen Underground Line.

Lovely park to vist with some pleasant walks. Also a nice pub/reastuarant in the grounds & Garden Centre

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Such a shame that tourists rarely reach this part of London. So much space, great views of the City in the distance, and to escape the stress of town, nothing can beat standing in the middle of a herd of wild deer in Autumn. Priceless!

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A surprisingly little-known ruined Wren church almost in the shadow of the Tower of London, and overgrown with creepers and bushes. Pleasant lawns and a gurgling fountain make this a relaxing escape from the nearby tourist action.

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