St Dunstan in the East Church Garden Reviews Summary

Historical Significance and Architecture

Pros:

• "Built over 900 years ago, it was damaged in the Blitz of 1941."
• "For a church that has stood since 1100AD, survived the Great Fire of 1666, and many other calamities, only to be destroyed in the Blitz, its ruins are wonderful to be around."
• "Originally built around 1100 and dedicated to the colorful St. Dunstan."
• "The church was originally built in about 1100. It was largely destroyed in the Second World War and the ruins are now an amazing public garden."
• "The church itself has been damaged during the great fire of London and then it was bombed during the second world war."
• "The ruins of the church are stunning and have a rich history."
• "The ruins themselves have seen and weathered major events in London's history, having been damaged during The Great Fire of London and the Blitz."

Cons:

• "It’s ... fine? I don’t know what I was expecting but was a bit underwhelmed."
• "But this is only a ruin of an old Church that London has hundreds of the complete one."
• "However, there isn’t much information on the background of the church apart from the sign at the entrance."
• "It looked barren, neglected, almost abandoned."
• "A little underwhelming. I think if I had just found it on my own I would have liked it but I felt like the pics and other reviews raised my expectations too much."

Tranquility and Atmosphere

Pros:

• "Voices remained hushed and respectful of the quietude - wonderful."
• "Overall, I had a lovely morning here and highly recommend this place very peaceful and full of history."
• "A place of tranquility in the hubbub of London."
• "This historic church gives you the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of London and into a quiet, tranquil atmosphere."
• "A beautiful and peaceful oasis of calm in the middle of a big noisy city."
• "It's a haven of peace and tranquility, steeped in history and overflowing with natural beauty."
• "Such a beautiful little green space nestled in the busy city of London."

Cons:

• "Would be 5 stars if it wasn’t so busy and riddled with people not only taking selfies but having actual photo set ups in costume."
• "These abandoned places lose a big part of their magic once there are dozens of tourists."
• "It's truly beautiful and could have been a mesmerizing visit, but it's simply wayyyyy too well-known at this point."
• "I went on a sunny Sunday afternoon and it was awash with groups doing photoshoots, which I found quite annoying."
• "However it can get incredibly busy at times especially with tours or groups of school children and this completely changes the atmosphere!"
• "Filled of amateur photographers taking photos of their goth friends. Truly disrespectful."

Maintenance and Accessibility

Pros:

• "The City of London rose to the challenge and have been really good about the restoration and looking after the whole site."
• "Very well maintained planting, very clean and plenty of seating."
• "Paths and water features and sitting areas are all lovely."
• "The gardens are well looked after and has many varieties of flora and fauna."
• "The plants and the ruins just fit perfectly together."
• "Easy to access and well maintained whilst keeping its heritage."
• "Very beautiful. A nice quiet piece of Nature in a busy loud city."

Cons:

• "There was some construction going on nearby and we could hear drilling and hammering noises."
• "anyways wont be able to stay there for more then 5mins due to stinking odour."
• "I appreciate it needs to be cleaned at some point but if I had realised it was going to be on the day I was in London I wouldn't have bothered going there."
• "Unfortunately some people left their garbage on the ground, when we visited."
• "I was extremely disappointed to find it closed for cleaning."
• "The place is poorly maintained. unhygienic surroundings do not recommend to visit."
• "However, it's worth noting that the garden can be a bit disappointing to visit during the winter months."

Photography and Aesthetics

Pros:

• "A photographers dream place!"
• "A very lovely garden to relax in the middle of busy London. And great for photo shooting."
• "It's one of the most picturesque spots in central London and is lovely to look at in all times of the year."
• "The ruins of the church, large arch windows and the greenery draping the walls makes this place so beautiful and serene."
• "An evocative setting, meticulously reimagined as an enchanted garden amidst the church ruins."
• "Photographers will have treat with the gorgeous architecture as well."
• "This is an amazing location for a moment of quiet reflection or to take some beautiful photographs."

Cons:

• "It's worth coming here in the morning when there aren't so many people. During the day, unfortunately a bit busy (lots of photographers)."
• "On fine days it gets really busy at lunch times."
• "Full of London’s young beaux ideal at the weekend - a lot of cheekbones, jawlines and Blue Steel on show... The challenge is to photograph the place as if it’s devoid of people!"
• "It's a tranquil place which is perfect to escape the busy streets of London."
• "A fair bit of character but just like my example a lot of the allure of the place probably comes from clever photography."
• "It states a hidden gem but absolutely not a hidden anymore. Today was so busy and no space to sit around."
• "I feel a little guilty reviewing it, because I worry about it become too crowded!"