Description
Parliament Square Garden is a world-famous, award-winning historic green space located in the heart of Westminster, offering families a peaceful sanctuary right in the middle of London's political hub. Originally laid out in 1868 by the renowned architect Sir Charles Barry to open up the area around the Palace of Westminster, it serves as a central island of calm surrounded by monumental architecture. If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in Westminster and the central London area, this Grade II Registered public garden acts as an exceptional outdoor rest stop where children can marvel at iconic landmarks.
Visiting this beautifully manicured civic square is completely free, making it a brilliant budget-friendly addition to a sightseeing day out with children. There are no admission charges, tickets, or bookings required for general visitors, allowing families to stroll across the lawns or sit on the benches at any time. It is an ideal spot to stop for a packed lunch, take a quick breather between museum tours, and enjoy an outdoor family picnic with world-class historical backdrops.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines rich British history with unparalleled photo opportunities, this landmark garden fits the bill perfectly. It allows parents to relax on the formal paths while children spot the towering figure of Big Ben, watch the red double-decker buses circle the square, and look at the famous statues. Its central position means you can seamlessly weave it into any classic London walking itinerary.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes Parliament Square Garden unique?
- World Heritage setting: The garden is surrounded by the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and St Margaret's Church, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- An outdoor pantheon of leaders: It features 12 world-renowned bronze statues of monumental statesmen and historical figures standing on high granite pedestals.
- Grey Wornum design heritage: Redesigned in 1949–1950 by architect George Grey Wornum for the Festival of Britain, the layout features a large formal central lawn island.
- Unparalleled panoramic views: The square looks directly onto Big Ben (the Elizabeth Tower), providing the most iconic, unobstructed photo background in the UK.
Top Highlights
- The Sir Winston Churchill Statue: Standing prominently on a large granite pedestal in the north-east corner is the iconic bronze statue of Sir Winston Churchill, unveiled in 1973. Kids love looking at his famous posture, and it serves as a wonderful educational talking point about modern British history.
- The Millicent Fawcett Memorial: Unveiled in 2018, this bronze statue portrays Dame Millicent Fawcett holding a banner that reads "Courage calls to courage everywhere". It is the very first statue of a woman erected in the square, offering a great learning moment for young girls and boys alike.
- The Exotic Catalpa Trees: The northern raised terrace is planted with beautiful, wide-leaved Indian bean (Catalpa) trees. These unique trees mirror those found in New Palace Yard and were carefully selected to enhance the landscape without blocking the views of the historic buildings.
- The Great Formal Lawn: A level, perfectly manicured formal lawn takes up more than half of the site's layout. It provides an open, green space where children can step off the busy city pavements and stand in awe of the surrounding architecture.
- The Nelson Mandela Monument: Located at the south-west corner of the square is the striking statue celebrating the global peace icon Nelson Mandela. Its expressive design makes it highly engaging for older kids and teenagers exploring international civil rights.
Beyond the Main Attraction: Because Parliament Square Garden sits at the very heart of historical London, it acts as the perfect jumping-off point for a full day of family activities. Immediately adjacent to the square is the magnificent Westminster Abbey, where kings and queens have been crowned for centuries. A two-minute walk east brings you straight onto Westminster Bridge for scenic walks over the River Thames towards the London Eye and the Sea Life London Aquarium. Alternatively, you can stroll a short distance west into St James's Park to see the famous royal pelicans, or walk down Whitehall to catch a glimpse of the guards at Horse Guards Parade.
0.27 miles
