Description
Soho Square Gardens is a charming green oasis tucked away directly behind the bustling shopping district of Oxford Street. Situated right in the lively heart of Soho, this historic public square provides a calm, practical pocket of green space where parents can take a brief, welcome refuge from the city's fast rhythm while exploring London's West End with kids.
Visiting the square is completely free, making it an excellent, budget-friendly spot for families looking to take a quick breather. Children can relax on the grass, stretch their legs, and enjoy an outdoor snack, while parents make use of the ample seating to plan the next leg of their family day out.
If you are looking for a convenient pit stop to rest young feet in central London, this leafy square provides a clean, well-maintained environment complete with unique historical quirks and architectural features to captivate curious young minds.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Key Features
- Leafy Green Oasis: A small, vibrant sanctuary positioned directly off Oxford Street, perfect for escaping the heavy West End crowds.
- Historic Mock-Tudor Landmark: A quirky, half-timbered structure resting at the absolute centre of the park lawns.
- Symmetrical Picnic Lawns: Large, formal grassy areas separated by paved paths, giving children space to sit down outdoors.
- Centrally Positioned Seating: Numerous benches arranged next to the pathways, offering parents prime views for supervising children.
Highlights
- The Mock-Tudor Hut: This charming, wonky, half-timbered building stands directly in the centre of the gardens and looks like something out of a fairytale. Originally built in 1925, it was actually constructed as a clever architectural disguise to cover an above-ground entrance to an underground electricity substation. While older children will love hearing about how it was later used as an air-raid shelter during World War II, it currently functions as a practical storage tool for the square's gardeners.
- King Charles II Statue: Just a few paces from the central hut stands a weathered marble statue of King Charles II, carved in 1681 by the Danish sculptor Caius Gabriel Cibber. The square was originally named "King's Square" in honour of the monarch, and the statue once sat grandly atop a fountain surrounded by figures representing England's major rivers. It is a wonderful visual focal point for introducing school-aged kids to British history.
- Symmetrical Flower Displays & Mature Trees: The square is beautifully interspersed with grand, mature trees and beautifully maintained seasonal flower beds. The large trees provide excellent natural shade over the grass on hot summer days, making it an ideal spot to spread out a jacket or blanket for an impromptu city picnic.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Twist Museum: Located just a brief walk away at 248 Oxford Street, this interactive museum features 80 mind-bending optical illusions, immersive exhibits, and hands-on activities that challenge reality and fascinate children of all ages.
- Oxford Street & Carnaby Street: Positioned steps away, providing families easy access to world-famous toy shops, shopping events, and family-friendly dining spots.
- The British Museum: A short walk to the northeast, offering older kids a chance to view world-renowned historical artifacts for free.
0.25 miles
