Red Cross Garden is an award winning open space renovated and restored to its original Victorian layout by Bankside Open Spaces Trust in 2005. Steeped in history, it was built along with its neighbouring cottages in 1886 following campaigning and fundraising by social reformer Octavia Hill (1838-1912). One of the three founders of The National Trust, Octavia Hill designed Red Cross Garden as a flagship project to demonstrate the importance of improving housing and access to green space for the poor. The cottages were designed by architect Elijah Hoole (1837-1912) and the gardens originally laid out by Emmeline Sieveking and Fanny Wilkinson, Britain's first female professional landscape gardener. The garden's layout was lost to municipal paving and grass by the 1950s but Heritage Lottery Funding and support from Southwark Council enabled Bankside Open Spaces Trust to transform the space in 2005. The garden was officially opened by the Princess Royal on 1st June 2006. Octavia Hill wished the garden to be 'an open air sitting room for the tired inhabitants of Southwark' and Red Cross remains true to this wish today, although it is open to all who want to rest and spend time there! With lush planting providing interest throughout the year, areas of lawn, winding paths, a teaming wildlife pond, bridge and bandstand, this small garden has much to offer visitors. There is plenty of seating both covered and uncovered too. Events take place in the space throughout the year, usually free and featuring live music on the bandstand. Volunteer gardening groups tend the space - new volunteers are welcome, visit Bankside Open Spaces Trust's website to find out more. Situated just minutes from Borough High Street, with The Shard looming above, Red Cross Garden is an unexpected green gem in the city waiting for you to discover its charms.