Last updated: 3 September 2023
When you think of London you probably think of one of the busiest and most modern cities in the world. However, did you know that London is also home to the atmospheric ruins of a medieval church? Welcome to St Dunstan in the East, one of London’s best kept secrets. The bombed ruins of a medieval Gothic church, St Dunstan in the East Church Garden, is located just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of central London known to locals as simply “the City”.
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A Brief History of St Dunstan in the East
St Dunstan in the East Church was originally built in circa 1100 CE with additions made in 1391 of a new south aisle, the church was repaired again in 1631 and 1817.
However, in 1666 during the Great Fire of London in which four-fifths, nearly 90 percent, of the homes in the city were destroyed, the church sustained severe damage. Rather than being rebuilt, St Dunstan’s was patched up, and some 30 years later a tower and steeple were added to the designs of Sir Christopher Wren, one of the most highly-acclaimed English architects in history and the man whom which some 50 churches in the City of London are attributable. Today, the only visible part of Wren’s work is the church tower.
During the Second World War, the German bombing campaign known as The Blitz in 1941 inflicted significant damage upon St Dunstan in the East. Amazingly somehow Wren’s tower and steeple survived the bombing intact, along with the north and south walls of the church; however the rest of the church was largely destroyed.
After the war ended it was determined that St Dunstan’s would not be rebuilt. More than two decades after the end of the war, The City of London Corporation decided to turn the ruins into a public garden. The Corporation laid grass, planted trees, and installed a fountain in the middle of the former nave to create one of the most beautiful public gardens in the City. St Dunstan in the East Church Garden was officially opened on the 21 June 1971.
Today, St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is a quiet and reflective oasis in the middle of a bustling city and once discovered by visitors becomes a refuge from the noise and stresses of daily life. Plus it’s incredible atmospheric and beautiful which makes it ideal for photoshoots and weddings.
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Visiting St Dunstan in the East Today
Situated halfway between London Bridge and the Tower of London, St Dunstan in the East is free to visit and open all year round from 8am until 7pm or dusk, whichever comes first.
No matter the weather, St Dunstan’s can be enjoyed by all. In Spring, the setting is gorgeously green with the foliage from the trees growing through windows and vines winding around the remaining walls, bring a picnic and enjoy the atmosphere of oasis tranquillity. On bleaker days, under the grey skies that often dominate London, St Dunstan in the East, is moody, desolate and textured.
Read More: Discover St Paul’s Cathedral
Getting to St Dunstan in the East
There are plenty of public transport options available to get to St Dunstan in the East Church Garden given its location in the middle of city. You’ll find that the Tube or bus are probably your best options rather than driving and trying to deal with expensive parking options.
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The Tube
If you’re planning on catching the Tube then nearest Tube stop is either Tower Hill or Monument which are both on the District Line and Circle Line. The District Line is the green line and the Circle Line is the yellow line on the Tube map.
Catching the Bus
If you’re planning a visit to St Dunstan in the East Church Garden by bus and you’re travelling from East London then the best option will be taking the Bus no. 25 which will take you straight to stop St Katharine Cree, located outside the The Guild Church of Katherine Cree, and then it’s a short 7 min walk to St Dunstan in the East. If you’re travelling from Whitechapel then the total travel time is going to be about 15 min.
If you’re visiting from West London by bus then Bus no. 35 or 344 will be the best option as it will take you straight to Gracechurch St Monument Station (Stop T) and then it’s a short 5 min walk. The total time travel time if you’re starting at Clapham Common to St Dunstan is going to be about 40 min.
Driving and Car Park Options
As mentioned earlier, we wouldn’t recommend driving into the city and trying to deal with finding parking which is often limited, time restricted, and expensive. However, if you’re still intent on driving then the Tower Hill Car and Coach Park (EC3R 6DT) is going to be the closest place to park as it’s only a short 5 min walk away.
Things to keep in mind, the car park is open 24 hours a day and has 110 car spaces and 30 motorcycle spaces. The price is £4.20 per hour and more expensive on Saturdays between 11am-1:30pm when it’s £12.60 for 2 hours or part thereof.
Things to do during a visit to St Dunstan in the East
Those seeking solitude should bring a book and ones imagination to transport yourself back to the era of Wren and Brookes. For the creative, St Dunstan in the East is a canvas waiting to be captured. Pack a sketch book and some charcoal, or your camera for St Dunstan’s is a caliginous setting for a photo shoot.
One of our favourite things to do is to visit St Dunstan in the East with a book and take a seat on one of the many benches and enjoy some time away in a unique setting in London city. During your visit you will likely see an assortment of visitors enjoying the space, from wedding parties, to Instagrammers and Tik Tokers using the atmospheric location for photo shoots, to visitors to London who have just stumbled across this wonderful location, to fellow locals with a book in hand.
St Dunstan in the East is now part of the parish of All Hallows by the Tower. Similar to St Luke’s in Liverpool, St Dunstan’s hosts the occasional open-air gatherings in the gardens, such as on Palm Sunday
The Essentials
St Dunstan in the East
- Location: St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD
- Tube: The nearest London Underground stations are Tower Hill and Monument
- Opening hours: Everyday from 8am to 7pm/dusk, whichever is earlier
- Cost: Free!
Final Thoughts
There’s already so much to love about exploring London and the fact that there’s a secret oasis of tranquil beauty makes a visit that much more special. A visit to St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is a must! Make sure your phone and camera are fully charged because there are photo spots around every corner. We suggest taking your time and enjoy this wonderful hidden part of London. Safe Travels.
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Wow I lived in London for 4 years and regularly explored different nooks and crannies yet had no idea about this place. What a haven amongst the hustle and bustle it looks. Almost like a secret garden. I will have to go when Im back in the summer.
This is my favourite place in the whole of London. I found it by accident whilst on a walk about 8 years ago. I sat there 2 hours loving the strange peace and quiet in such a busy area.
I can’t help feeling a teeny bit irritated that other people know about it too. Ha!