5.2
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
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Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.2Opened in 2018, this compact City garden brings together a fish-scale-inspired water wall and Michael Ayrton’s sculpture Icarus, relocated here from Old Change Court.
A small urban pause rather than a destination for a full day: its appeal lies in thoughtful planting, a shaded place to sit and two details with a clear connection to the City’s past.
Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapDistaff Lane, London EC4V 5EY
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The experience
Take a short pause among the planting and trees, sit on a bench, and look closely at the water wall and Icarus sculpture.
Things to do
Look closely at the water wall
Notice the fish-scale-inspired design, which the City says recognises the area’s historic importance as a fish market.
Find Icarus
See Michael Ayrton’s 1973 sculpture, relocated to the garden from its previous site in Old Change Court.
Take a shaded bench break
The City describes the planting, trees and water feature as creating a peaceful, shaded spot with several benches.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
A short garden pause
- 01
Walk through the garden and take in the planting and trees.
- 02
Look at the water wall’s fish-scale-inspired design.
- 03
Find Icarus, the sculpture relocated here from Old Change Court.
- 04
Pause on one of the benches.
Verified history
Distaff Lane Garden opened in 2018. The City of London says landscape designer Tom Stuart-Smith designed it to support biodiversity and provide shade and plant interest. The water wall’s fish-scale-inspired design acknowledges the area’s historic importance as a fish market. Icarus, a sculpture by Michael Ayrton dating from 1973, was moved here from Old Change Court.
Hidden details
The sculpture has an earlier City setting — Icarus was not originally installed in this garden: the City says the 1973 work was relocated from Old Change Court.
A market reference in the water wall — The wall’s fish-scale design refers to the area’s historic importance as a fish market.
When to go
· No source-backed recommendation available.
The supplied official source gives no seasonal guidance.
The City describes the garden as shaded. Check conditions and access before visiting.
What to look for
- 01
The water wall’s fish-scale-inspired design
- 02
Icarus by Michael Ayrton, dated 1973 and relocated from Old Change Court
- 03
the planting and trees chosen for shade, plant interest and biodiversity.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
No specific seasonal peak is established in the supplied sources.
No source-backed best time of day is available. The City describes the garden as shaded.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Solo · Couples · History lovers
Before you go
Address
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Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 8am-7pm
- Tuesday: 8am-7pm
- Wednesday: 8am-7pm
- Thursday: 8am-7pm
- Friday: 8am-7pm
- Saturday: 8am-7pm
- Sunday: 8am-7pm
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Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A City of London garden with planting, trees, a water feature and benches. The City lists Mansion House and St Paul’s as the nearest Underground stations. Check current access details before visiting.
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Parking
Check before visiting; parking information was not established by the supplied sources.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
The source listing reports dogs allowed. Check current restrictions before visiting.
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Accessibility
The source listing reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Further details about paths and facilities are not established; check before visiting.
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Cost
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Water
Water feature
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Distaff Lane Garden
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
