Avenue Gardens, The Regent’s Park, London NW1 4JL
Griffin Tazza (Lion Vase)
Garden
Source image
3.5
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
3.5Four winged stone lions support a large circular bowl in this Victorian garden ornament. Designed by Austin and Seeley and installed in 1863, the Griffin Tazza was repaired during the Avenue Gardens’ restoration in 1993–1996.
A small, rewarding detail within one of London’s formal gardens: the Tazza’s winged stone lions and Victorian artificial-stone craft offer a close-up encounter with the park’s ornamental history. It works best as one stop on a wider Regent’s Park visit.
Peaceful · Grand
Find your way
Open mapAvenue Gardens, The Regent’s Park, London NW1 4JL
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The experience
A short garden stop focused on the Victorian Griffin Tazza, with the option to explore more of the Avenue Gardens and other documented park monuments.
Things to do
Find the Griffin Tazza
In the centre of the Avenue Gardens, look to the left of the main path for the large circular stone bowl supported by four winged lions.
A short stop
Look for the other stone vases
The Griffin Tazza is one of about 30 stone vases in the Avenue Gardens; look for other examples as you explore the garden.
Continue to other park monuments
The Royal Parks’ monuments guide also describes the Ready Money drinking fountain and Triton Fountain elsewhere in Regent’s Park. Check the park map to plan your visit.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
A close look at the Lion Vase
- 01
Enter the Avenue Gardens and find the Tazza beside the main path in the centre of the gardens.
- 02
Look around the circular bowl and note the four winged stone lions supporting it.
- 03
Continue through the garden to see its other stone vases.
Half day · Allow extra time beyond the Tazza stop
A short monuments-and-gardens wander
- 01
Explore the Avenue Gardens and inspect the Griffin Tazza and its surrounding formal planting.
- 02
If continuing through Regent’s Park, visit other monuments documented by The Royal Parks, such as the Ready Money drinking fountain or Triton Fountain.
- 03
Check the current park map and opening information before setting out.
Verified history
The Griffin Tazza was designed by Austin and Seeley and installed in the Avenue Gardens by William Andrews Nesfield in 1863. It was repaired during the gardens’ restoration in 1993–1996. The Friends of Regent’s Park describes it as artificial or composition stone and gives further details about the makers’ materials and history.
Hidden details
An artificial-stone original — The Friends of Regent’s Park identifies the Tazza as the original composition-stone piece and describes Austin and Seeley’s artificial-stone manufacture. The Royal Parks records its later repair during the 1993–1996 restoration.
When to go
March · April · May · Daytime, during park access hours; the source does not identify a quieter time.
Spring brings seasonal planting to the Avenue Gardens. The Tazza itself is a permanent garden feature.
Check the forecast and current park access information before visiting.
Worth pairing with
Other Regent’s Park monuments
The Royal Parks lists the Ready Money drinking fountain and Triton Fountain among the park’s other monuments.
Avenue Gardens and Regent’s Park spring route
The Royal Parks’ spring route includes the Avenue Gardens and other park landmarks; consult its route details and map to plan a longer walk.
What to look for
- 01
The large circular stone bowl
- 02
the four winged stone lions supporting it
- 03
the Tazza’s position beside the main path
- 04
other stone vases in the Avenue Gardens.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Spring for the Avenue Gardens’ seasonal planting; the Tazza can be visited at other times when the gardens are accessible.
Spring brings seasonal planting to the Avenue Gardens. Check gate hours before setting out.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Families · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
In the centre of the Avenue Gardens, to the left of the main path. The Royal Parks lists pedestrian-gate hours as 5am–7pm; check current park information before travelling.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
The Royal Parks lists food and drink in the park; check current locations and availability before visiting.
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance, but does not establish the route or surface to the Tazza. Check before visiting for current access details.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Griffin Tazza (Lion Vase)
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
