I was recently asked by an applicant if there were any ‘green spaces’ near Cass, or whether being in the heart of the City meant that we were situated in a forest of tall buildings rather than foliage. They certainly had a point – at first glance it might not seem that there are many open spaces around the building, but a look at a map will prove that there are numerous parks and squares around the City that are open to the public. In this blog post we show you some of the places you may wish to visit if you have a break between lectures, or if you fancy an al-fresco lunch (weather permitting!)

Fortune Street Park – Situated just a couple of streets away from Cass, this is one of our closest parks. This is a great place to come if you’ve bought lunch from the foodie-heaven Whitecross Street Food Market, and is popular with office workers in the area.

Bunhill Fields – If you don’t mind being in a cemetery, this is the closest green space to Cass. Look out for the graves of William Blake and Daniel Defoe in this peaceful corner of the City.

Barbican Centre – Behind the concrete façade of the Barbican are a number of gardens within the Barbican estate. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables, and the Lakeside Terrace becomes a bit of a suntrap during the summer (accessible via the Silk Street entrance).

Postman’s Park – Located just south of London Wall, and near the Museum of London, Postman’s Park is one of the larger parks in the City of London. It is known for its area dedicated to the memory of people who died whilst rescuing others. You can see their plaques in the Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice.

St Dunstan-in-the-East – A bit further away (between Monument and Tower Hill tube stations) is a hidden gem. Destroyed during the Second World War, the church of St Dunstan was left to the will of nature before being turned into a park. Vines and creepers now wind their way across the ruins, making the area a spectacular site.

You can find more parks in the City listed on the City of London website.

As for the rest of London, there’s no shortage of green spaces, ranging from the Royal Parks to less well-known, but equally attractive, parks and gardens. For the best of the rest, check out Time Out’s guide to Secret Parks and Gardens in London and Major Parks of London. We hope that you will find time during your study to make the most of these beautiful areas!