St. John's Wood Church Grounds

St. John's Wood Church Grounds is a nature reserve and former burial ground covering about 2 hectares in a wealthy London neighborhood. The space blends open meadows with dense woodland where mature oaks and plane trees grow, supporting wildflowers and insect life.

The burial ground was consecrated in 1814 and served its original purpose until 1886, when it was transformed into a public garden. This conversion helped preserve one of the few green spaces in densely built Westminster.

Local visitors use this space as a retreat where they walk under mature trees and step away from urban noise. The graves scattered throughout serve as quiet reminders of different people and eras, giving the grounds a reflective character.

The grounds are open daily from morning until dusk and are easy to reach by public transport. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since paths can be uneven and rain can soften the ground.

This is the only official nature reserve within the entire City of Westminster and has held the prestigious Green Flag Award for many years. This recognition shows it maintains high standards for a public green space in the city center.