Arts and Parks

Although only around 9,000 people live in the City of London another third of a million come into the City every day to work in the financial institutions and the businesses that serve them. These people need open spaces in which to rest and play and since the 1960s the City authorities have actively encouraged the development of every spare bit of land in the City into green spaces which have become the lungs of this densely built up area. There are now over 150 such open-spaces in the City and this tour takes you to some of them.

It also introduces you to some of the many fine works of public art which have adorned the City's buildings and streets since the 16th century. From the abstract to the allegorical; from the commemorative through the informative to the purely decorative, all types of sculpture are represented in the City. Learn about the City's past and present and how its inhabitants and commuters work, rest and play through its public art and parks.

Starting Point: 2 - Outside Temple Underground Station