A calm pool. A clear reflection of St Paul’s Cathedral. And a place most people pass without noticing.
In the heart of the Square Mile, just a few steps from one of London’s most iconic landmarks, sits a quiet spot that feels like a secret. There’s no entrance fee or queue, just a small green space, a still oval pool, and one of the most striking views of St Paul’s you’ll find in the city, reflected on the water’s surface.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON takes you to the Reflection Garden at 25 Cannon Street: the hidden gem the City of London has been quietly keeping to itself!
The story behind London’s hidden reflection garden
A pocket park with a purpose
This wasn’t always a hidden oasis. For years, the site at 25 Cannon Street was simply a modest patch of lawn and shrubs. Pleasant, but unremarkable.
That changed when Pembroke redeveloped the building, guided by the City of London Corporation’s Destination City vision to make the Square Mile a place to spend time, not just work.
As part of the City’s drive for more green, accessible space, developments are expected to improve their Urban Greening Factor. At 25 Cannon Street, this rose significantly thanks to a new public garden and rooftop terrace.
The Reflection Garden opening
The Reflection Garden opened in July 2022. Today, the building runs on renewable energy, meets high sustainability standards, and the garden forms part of a wider green corridor linking the Barbican to the Thames.
A small space, but a clear example of how thoughtful urban design can change the way a city feels. It's now loved by Londoners for coffee and lunch breaks, and by photographers chasing the perfect shot!
Stepping inside The Reflection Garden near St Paul's Cathedral
A tranquil oasis hidden in plain sight
You won’t see the Reflection Garden from the street, mature trees screen it completely. But then, almost suddenly (and this is what I love about this place), you step inside and the City drops away!
At its centre sits an oval reflection pool, still enough to mirror the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral upside down in the water. Around it, simple benches are tucked into seasonal planting that changes through the year, so each visit feels slightly different.
The garden also supports urban biodiversity, with bird and bat boxes, insect habitats, and planting designed to encourage wildlife. The water adds a gentle cooling effect in summer.
It’s a spot I always enjoy returning to when I’m in the area. It's open 24/7 and free to enter. It is still one of the City’s most understated escapes.
Why the Reflection Garden is an absolute must-see
Calm in the Square Mile
There’s something quietly striking about finding this level of calm in the middle of the Square Mile. The City moves fast and then suddenly, you find yourself in a pocket of stillness that feels closer to a countryside garden than a financial district.
The standout view
The reflection pool is the standout. An upside-down St Paul’s reflected in still water, framed by greenery. It's simple, but striking in its own way. I love coming back to see how the view changes with the seasons.
The perfect pause point
If you’re visiting St Paul’s, it’s just across the road and works perfectly as a pause before or after your visit. A moment to reset between the scale of the Cathedral and the pace of the City.
A rare rooftop view
And during London Open Gardens weekend, there’s a rare bonus: the rooftop terrace above the garden opens to the public for just one day, offering sweeping views across the skyline. I was lucky enough to discover it last year, and the breathtaking views really stayed with me.
Feeling inspired? If you're planning a visit to the Reflection Garden, I'd love to hear about your experience on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
DISCOVER MORE OF MY LONDON HIDDEN GEMS HERE!
Everything you need to know about the Reflection Garden at 25 Cannon Street:
Address: 25 Cannon Street, London, EC4M 5TA
Nearest tube: Mansion House (3 min) · St Paul's (4 min) · Bank (8 min) · Cannon Street (7 min)
Entry: Free, no tickets required
Opening hours: Open to the public 24/7
Website: City of London – Destination City
Reflection Garden · 25 Cannon Street · Secret garden City of London · Hidden gem London · St Paul's Cathedral · Free things to do London · London Open Gardens
