Description
Abingdon Street Gardens is a peaceful open space located right in the heart of Westminster, offering families a calm spot to take a break from sightseeing. Positioned directly opposite the Palace of Westminster, it provides a perfect patch of green for children to stretch their legs after visiting the surrounding historic landmarks. If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in West London and the Westminster area, this park serves as an ideal outdoor rest stop between busier museum visits.
Visiting this open green space is completely free, making it an excellent budget-friendly addition to a day out in central London. There are no entry fees or tickets required, allowing families to walk in and enjoy the views at any time during opening hours. It is an ideal spot to bring a packed lunch and enjoy an outdoor picnic without worrying about extra costs.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines historic views with a safe space to relax, this garden fits the bill perfectly. It allows parents to sit back and appreciate the surrounding architecture while children safely unwind on the grass. Its central location means you can easily weave it into any sightseeing itinerary without going out of your way.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes Abingdon Street Gardens unique?
- Historic surroundings: The park offers clear, unobstructed views of the Victoria Tower and the Houses of Parliament.
- Educational day out: Being surrounded by statues and landmarks provides a fantastic opportunity to introduce children to British history on-site.
- Quiet green space: It serves as a rare pocket of calm and grass in an area otherwise dominated by paved streets and busy government buildings.
- Henry Moore sculpture: The garden features a famous bronze artwork, adding an element of outdoor culture to your walk.
Top Highlights
- The Great Lawn: The central feature of the gardens is its large, well-maintained lawn. It provides a safe, open environment where energetic toddlers can run around freely while parents relax on the grass.
- Knife Edge Two Piece 1962–65: This is a prominent bronze sculpture by the famous artist Henry Moore, located right within the garden. Children often enjoy looking at its abstract shapes from different angles, making it a great introduction to modern art.
- Views of Victoria Tower: Standing in the garden gives you a direct look up at the highest tower of the Palace of Westminster. It is an impressive sight for older children who are learning about London landmarks.
- The Parliament Animals: From the safety of the garden railings, children can look across the street to spot the carved stone lions and unicorns on the parliamentary buildings. It makes for a fun, quick spotting game for younger kids.
- Seasonal Flower Displays: The borders of the garden are planted with various flowers that change throughout the year. It offers a nice bit of nature and colour for families taking photos together.
Beyond the Main Attraction: Because Abingdon Street Gardens is a smaller pocket park, families can easily explore the immediate surroundings. Directly adjacent to the green is Old Palace Yard, which leads straight to the entrance of Westminster Abbey. Just a short walk down the road brings you to the Jewel Tower, one of the few surviving parts of the medieval Palace of Westminster. If you walk slightly further south, you will find Victoria Tower Gardens, which features a dedicated children's playground and a sandpit for extra playtime.
0.07 miles
