Image credit: J D Mack / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 · 2008-09-18 ↗
Gray’s Inn Walks: A Hidden Legal Garden in the Middle of Holborn
Gray's Inn / Holborn · Clerkenwell → Angel → Rosebery Avenue → Great Ormond Street → Holborn · Inns of Court / hidden garden / legal history
Story
Gray’s Inn is one of the four Inns of Court, the ancient institutions historically associated with the training and professional community of London’s barristers. Stepping behind High Holborn, one enters a world of squares, chambers, its Great Hall, Chapel, and extensive gardens. Despite being only a few metres from the thoroughfare, this space feels utterly separated from the external traffic and noise. These gardens, known as The Walks, cover approximately 5.8 acres and boast very old roots. Their formal layout, as seen today, largely developed in the early seventeenth century, a period when Sir Francis Bacon served as the Inn’s Treasurer. A long-standing legend even credits Bacon with planting an ancient catalpa tree still found here. However, the Inn’s own historical accounts suggest it is more likely that this particular tree was planted a century later. For visitors, timing is key: The Walks are usually open to the public only between 12:00 and 14:30 on weekdays. Entry is typically through the Lady Hale Gate on High Holborn, and it is advisable to follow any directions from the Porters’ Lodge. This is not a municipal park freely accessible at all times; public access operates within the confines of an active, privately owned legal estate.
What to look for
Notice the sudden shift in atmosphere upon entering: silence replaces the city's bustle. Look for the sober legal buildings, the expansive tree-lined walks, and the elegant iron gates, as well as the legendary catalpa tree.
Secret detail
It is said that the renowned philosopher and statesman Sir Francis Bacon, who served as Treasurer of the Inn, personally planted one of the ancient catalpa trees still growing in these gardens, though the Inn itself deems this unlikely.
Where exactly
Enter through Lady Hale Gate, Gray’s Inn’s main public entrance on High Holborn, beside the Porters’ Lodge. From here, continue through South Square and follow signs towards The Walks.
Orientation
Pass through the arch from High Holborn, by the Porters’ Lodge, and continue towards South Square. The Walks are normally open to the public Monday–Friday 12:00–14:30, except during vacations, events or safety closures.
Why it matters
This garden reveals the discreet autonomy of the Inns of Court, historical microcosms that have maintained their unique character and legal function for centuries, offering an unexpected oasis of calm and tradition in the heart of London.
Access & opening
Official current rule: The Walks open to the public weekdays 12:00–14:30; vacations, events and safety closures override this.
Free during public opening window.
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Historic estate; check official access information if step-free routing is required.