Golden Square
Golden Square
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Soho
The go-to district for a good time in London, Soho hosts a wealth of world-class theatres and a compelling lineup of cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars, and clubs. At Soho's core is London's original Red Light District and the epicenter of the LGBT scene – and thus the city's hottest nightlife. For shopping enthusiasts, Soho is not only the home of London's greatest concentration of boutique shops, but also the most strategic place to set off on a tour of the world's most celebrated department stores. In the southern part of the neighbourhood lies Chinatown, with its multitude of delicious and affordable restaurants. Closer to the Thames, Chinatown's narrow and teeming lantern-lit lanes spill onto the expansive hub of glitzy Leicester Square.
How to get there
- Piccadilly Circus • 3 min walk
- Leicester Square • 7 min walk
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4.0
25 reviews
Excellent
5
Very good
15
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Ian C
London, UK23,724 contributions
July 2020
Golden Square is a more urban square with less trees and grass than many of the larger ones. It is however very popular, expecially at lunchtime, and has a slightly informal and eccentric edge to it, perhaps because of its location in Soho, but in particular because of the art that is there.
The square dates back to the 1670's and (cheerily) was built on the site of a plague pit. A weathered statue of King George II since 1753, to be joined in the past few years by Kaliope Lemos's 'amusing Big Bra' and 'Corset' and neighbour - 'Lockdown' by the designer/artist dolliolli.com, to bring a smile to your face...
The square dates back to the 1670's and (cheerily) was built on the site of a plague pit. A weathered statue of King George II since 1753, to be joined in the past few years by Kaliope Lemos's 'amusing Big Bra' and 'Corset' and neighbour - 'Lockdown' by the designer/artist dolliolli.com, to bring a smile to your face...
Written 30 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian T
London, UK8,047 contributions
Apr 2021
This pretty little garden square, tucked away behind Regent Street and well-removed from the heavy tourist footfall of Soho, is a delight to visit, and it also has a fascinating history. It started life in the 1670, on the site of a former plague pit (a mass-burial site for victims of the Black Death); it is said that Sir Christopher Wren may have laid down the square.
The name ‘Golden Square’ is believed to originate from Gelding Close which referred to land being used for horse grazing. The area gained fame in the 1700s as the home of many foreign diplomatic envoys from countries as Poland, Portugal, Genoa, and Russia. A number of famous people, real and fictional (such as Ralph Nickelby, whose dingy house in Charles Dicken’s 1839 novel 'Nicholas Nickelby' was in the square), have lived in houses around the square. An air raid shelter was dug under Golden Square during the Second World War and the iron fence was taken for salvage.
Today it’s a peaceful little square, mostly paved and flat, with some mature trees such as maples and crab apples, and raised flower beds which were filled with spring bulb showstoppers such as tulips. In the middle of the square is a weathered statue of George II. Keeping him company were some fabulous modern sculptures. On a pedestal there’s the green worm-like sculpture called (appropriately yet mysteriously) ’Lockdown 2020’ by dollyolli.com . And you cant’t miss the huge metallic corset and bra. Designed by Kalliopi Lemos from the Gazelli Art House in Mayfair, the pieces were part of the City of Sculpture programme in 2020. They are wonderful but they drew criticism from residents’ group ‘The Soho Society’ who said: "This proposal is presenting an image of Soho that is dated and sexist." Soho was once a red-light district, and the haunt of prostitutes. Fortunately they were put in situ. They remind me a bit of Madonna’s bra and corset, and add considerable jolliness and frivolity to the square.
There’s plenty of seating in the square, and it’s a popular spot with locals and the crowds that spill out of nearby offices at lunchtime. To me it’s a little haven of peace away from the madding tourist crowds, and a perfect spot to rest the weary feet. It's a short walk from Carnaby Street, and midway between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus underground stations. It's suitable for those needing mobility assistance.
Just don’t tell everyone about it, please.
The name ‘Golden Square’ is believed to originate from Gelding Close which referred to land being used for horse grazing. The area gained fame in the 1700s as the home of many foreign diplomatic envoys from countries as Poland, Portugal, Genoa, and Russia. A number of famous people, real and fictional (such as Ralph Nickelby, whose dingy house in Charles Dicken’s 1839 novel 'Nicholas Nickelby' was in the square), have lived in houses around the square. An air raid shelter was dug under Golden Square during the Second World War and the iron fence was taken for salvage.
Today it’s a peaceful little square, mostly paved and flat, with some mature trees such as maples and crab apples, and raised flower beds which were filled with spring bulb showstoppers such as tulips. In the middle of the square is a weathered statue of George II. Keeping him company were some fabulous modern sculptures. On a pedestal there’s the green worm-like sculpture called (appropriately yet mysteriously) ’Lockdown 2020’ by dollyolli.com . And you cant’t miss the huge metallic corset and bra. Designed by Kalliopi Lemos from the Gazelli Art House in Mayfair, the pieces were part of the City of Sculpture programme in 2020. They are wonderful but they drew criticism from residents’ group ‘The Soho Society’ who said: "This proposal is presenting an image of Soho that is dated and sexist." Soho was once a red-light district, and the haunt of prostitutes. Fortunately they were put in situ. They remind me a bit of Madonna’s bra and corset, and add considerable jolliness and frivolity to the square.
There’s plenty of seating in the square, and it’s a popular spot with locals and the crowds that spill out of nearby offices at lunchtime. To me it’s a little haven of peace away from the madding tourist crowds, and a perfect spot to rest the weary feet. It's a short walk from Carnaby Street, and midway between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus underground stations. It's suitable for those needing mobility assistance.
Just don’t tell everyone about it, please.
Written 21 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rubaiyat E S
Faro, Portugal2,144 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
Golden Square, Soho (between Picadilly Circus and Carnaby St.) is a traditional London square. This historic place is a pleasant little park. The geometrically structured garden with four square grass areas around a smaller central area got the George II statue.The central statue is one of only two public statues of George II in the capital.
Golden Square is particularly busy at lunchtimes, with workers and shoppers for a bite to eat or just to sit around.
Golden Square is particularly busy at lunchtimes, with workers and shoppers for a bite to eat or just to sit around.
Written 14 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mlbtravels
Noosa, Australia4,158 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
This is a wonderful little park hidden in between Soho and Piccadilly Circus. Lots of of seating. Mostly locals visit here. Sunny and shady spots. Good for a rest from shopping or to enjoy a take-away lunch. Do yourself a favour. Find this park and enjoy it’s peacefulness.
Written 21 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AJ Harris
17 contributions
Aug 2019
During my visit to London, I was lost and wandered into this enjoyable little park with plenty of shady trees and very little trash. It seems to be a very well kept park. I got something to eat at a place called EAT, which by the way has no toilet, but they will direct you to the bakery a couple doors down for the toilet. As I ate my lunch, other people came into the park and ate their or whatever, they were personable and one gentlemen helped me find a couple pounds that I dropped under my bench. It was a great place to sit, eat, and find my way.
Written 22 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dunadan
Lynnwood, WA2,418 contributions
July 2017 • Couples
On our first day in London from a week walking through the Cotswolds, we stretched our legs for a walk through Soho, and checked out the area made famous (to us) during the mid-19th century cholera outbreak. It was nice to fit the name we had read about to a real location, and look at the surrounding buildings, many of which were the same over 150 years ago.
The square was busy, with groups of people playing games at the tables (ping pong), sketching the red-brick building to the south, or just lounging about. Great local spot to wind down after a day at work.
The square was busy, with groups of people playing games at the tables (ping pong), sketching the red-brick building to the south, or just lounging about. Great local spot to wind down after a day at work.
Written 26 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Todd H
Morgantown, WV243 contributions
June 2024 • Couples
Small refuge of peace in an otherwise noisy and bustling city and neighborhood. Nice quiet place to decompress and think.
Written 1 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
futtock21
London, UK17,143 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
Golden Square is one of the historical squares of Central London. Situated just east of Regent Street and east of Piccadilly Circus it was built to designs probably by Sir Christopher Wren and dates from the 1670s. In the 17th and early 18th centuries it became London’s main political and ambassadorial district, housing the Portuguese embassy amongst others. William Pitt the Elder was born in a house on the square in 1708. The gardens in the middle of the square have a statue of George II sculpted by John Nost in 1724; a contemporary sculpture of a giant bra and smaller bodice, both cast in silver; and a table tennis table. The buildings around the edge are nowadays a mixture of offices, frequently of Soho media companies, restaurants and a Nordic Bakery.
Written 18 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taxidevil
Glasgow, UK2,935 contributions
July 2019 • Couples
It was a lovely day when we visited and the square was busy with office workers enjoying lunch in the sunshine.
There is a noticeboard with the history of the square if you are interested in finding out more about the history of the square
There is a statue of George II in the middle of the square.
There is a noticeboard with the history of the square if you are interested in finding out more about the history of the square
There is a statue of George II in the middle of the square.
Written 22 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GReyMaiden
Maidenhead, UK2,892 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
If you are close to China Town or Carnaby Street and fancy a sit down in the sunshine, Golden Square is a little oasis of calm. Plenty of benches in a formal square. Plenty of places in the surrounding streets to grab some picnic food.
Written 13 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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