Mayfair’s Garden Squares offer a lovely retreat from the hustle, bustle and traffic of the Mayfair area.
Grosvenor Square
A lovely large square – the centrepiece of the Mayfair property empire of the Duke of Westminster. Developed by Sir Richard Grosvenor in 1720, Grosvenor Square has been one of London’s most attractive public spaces, the second largest square in London. It boasts six acres of pristine lawns surrounded by neo-Georgian houses and embassies. Having housed the US Embassy since 1938, the square reveals it’s longstanding connection with the United Nations. It has a central statue to Franklin D Roosevelt and a 9/11 memorial garden. Former US President John Adams lived at No. 9, and it was the site of General Eisenhower’s headquarters during the Second World War. A charming place for a lunchtime stroll. Grosvenor House Suites offer discreet 5* serviced accommodation very close by. Mayfair, London W1K 2HP.
Mount Street Gardens
The beautiful Mount Street Gardens are a haven for birds such as robins and tits who inhabit the gardens’ plane trees, dawn redwood trees and Canary Island date palms. Nestled behind red-brick mansion blocks and the neo-Gothic Church of the Immaculate Conception, these secluded gardens are a peaceful urban sanctuary. A focus for nature conservation in Central London, the gardens offer many benches for visitors to spend some quiet time. As well as other sculptures, the gardens feature a bronze drinking fountain in the shape of a rearing horse, designed by Sir Ernest George and Harold Peto. Mount Street Gardens, Mount St, Mayfair, London W1K 2TH
Brown Hart Gardens
Just off Duke Street, Brown Hart Gardens is one of the city’s best kept secrets: an elevated paved terrace space that, at street level, you might never know existed. In a fascinating location on the roof of the old Duke Street electricity substation, built in the early 1900’s, today the garden provides residents, shoppers and local office workers with a sunny, lofty space to escape the hustle and bustle of nearby Oxford Street, and visitors can enjoy a coffee and rest their feet at it’s own café – The Garden Café. Brown Hart Gardens, Duke Street, London W1.
Berkeley Square
You will be lucky to hear a nightingale sing in Berkeley Square these days – this is not a tranquil haven – but nevertheless offers a charming retreat from the buzz of the city under an amazing canopy of 200 year old plane trees, with mottled trunks and giant foliage. Originating from the 1700’s some Georgian houses still remain and – beware – some of the houses are said to be haunted! Previous occupants include two British prime ministers, namely Winston Churchill and George Canning. Berkeley Square, London W1.
Accommodation in the area…..
Click here for details of short stay apartments in the vicinity.
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