Portman Square W1

Open:

Sunday 14:00–17:00

Description:

The first square was developed in the 18th century by Henry William Portman on 200 acres of meadow passed down from a Tudor ancestor. It was immediately popular due to surrounding buildings by Robert Adam and James ‘Athenian' Stuart. The gardens were laid out around 1780 as a wilderness and once contained a moveable temple erected by the Turkish ambassador to enjoy the seasons.

Today a private garden of 1ha (2.5 acres) is enclosed by a clipped privet hedge, with notable planes and varied trees and shrubs. There is a children's play area. A major rejuvenation of the garden took place in 2005.

While in W1, don't miss the newly reopened Brown Hart Gardens, with an exhibition and hourly talks on the history of the gardens.

Entrance:

West side of square
Sells tickets.

Buses:

2, 13, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139, 189, 274, plus buses in Oxford Street

Stations:

Marble Arch, Bond Street

Dogs:

Working assistance dogs only

Further information:

• Street Map (in new window)