Where Nature Reclaimed a Church

By now it was approaching six o’clock.

As much as I would have loved to continue exploring, I realised my ambitious walking route wasn’t going to happen today. I pulled out my map and started trimming it down to the places I absolutely didn’t want to miss.

One of them was St Dunstan in the East.

I’d seen countless photos of it online, but nothing quite prepares you for seeing it in person.

Originally built in the 12th century, the church was heavily damaged during the Blitz in World War II. Rather than rebuilding it, the city transformed the ruins into a public garden.

The stone walls are still standing.

The windows still frame the sky.

But the roof is gone.

Instead, trees stretch through the empty nave, vines climb the old walls, and flowers soften the ancient stonework. It feels as though Mother Nature slowly reclaimed the building, turning it into one of the most peaceful places in London.

It’s no longer much of a hidden gem—there were plenty of other visitors wandering through the ruins—but that didn’t take away from the atmosphere.

And then London reminded me that it never takes itself too seriously.

Right in the middle of the church garden, a photoshoot was taking place.

The models?

A giant bunny.

And a wolf.

Both in full furry cosplay.

Watching them enthusiastically pose beneath the centuries-old arches was not something I had expected to see that day… but somehow it fit perfectly.

Only in London.

Since I was already in the neighbourhood, I walked the short distance to Custom House Walk along the River Thames.

From there, I was rewarded with one of London’s most iconic views.

Tower Bridge, standing proudly across the river in the evening light.

Naturally, this called for one last selfie before making my way back to the hotel.Read more