Merrick Square Disney Garden Opens Southwark 2026

Key Points

• Merrick Square, a secluded garden square in Southwark, south London, served as a key filming location for Disney’s 2018 film Christopher Robin.
• The square consists of 32 terraced houses built between 1853 and 1872, surrounding a private central garden enclosed by original 19th-century cast-iron railings.
• Named after Christopher Merrick, who in 1661 bequeathed land to Trinity House Corporation, which developed the area.
• Merrick Square will open to the public on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 12:00 to 18:00, as part of London Open Gardens Weekend (June 6-7, 2026).
• The event features over 100 gardens across London, normally closed to the public; tickets cost £24 for adults, free for under-12s.
• On the day, the Trinity Newington Residents’ Association will host a garden fete in the afternoon with a beer tent, stalls, and family activities.
• Filming at Merrick Square occurred over four days in late 2017, depicting Christopher Robin’s home and a magical tree scene transitioning to Hundred Acre Wood.

Southwark (South London News) May 2, 2026 –

What Is Merrick Square and Why Is It Opening to the Public?

Merrick Square, located just off Trinity Street in the Newington area of Southwark, will open its private garden to the public for one day during London Open Gardens Weekend on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 12:00 to 18:00. The square, comprising 32 terraced houses dating from 1853 to 1872 and the Holy Trinity Rectory built in 1872, surrounds a central garden maintained by the Corporation of Trinity House.

Normally accessible only to residents, this rare opening allows visitors to explore the historic site known for its picturesque setting and film fame.

As reported in Wikipedia’s entry on Merrick Square, the square is named after London merchant Christopher Merrick, who in 1661 left land to Trinity House Corporation, leading to the development of housing grouped around garden squares like this one.

The garden remains enclosed by its original 19th-century cast-iron railings, preserving its mid-19th-century character.

London Open Gardens Weekend, organised by London Parks & Gardens, will see more than 100 hidden gardens across the capital open their gates on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Tickets, available via Eventbrite, cost £24 for adults with under-12s entering free, granting access to various sites including roof gardens, community spaces, and historic enclosures. Proceeds support the charity’s efforts to protect London’s green spaces.

How Did Merrick Square Feature in Disney’s Christopher Robin?

Merrick Square gained wider recognition as a filming location for Disney’s 2018 live-action film Christopher Robin, starring Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, and Bronte Carmichael.

According to Sceen-it.com, scenes were shot at Merrick Square in London, United Kingdom, with credits to Walt Disney Pictures.

As detailed by Stephen Craven of FindThatLocation.com, the cast and crew filmed over four days in late 2017 at Merrick Square in Southwark, using it as Christopher Robin’s London garden square and home exterior, where Pooh tracks down his old friend on a park bench.

The Knowledge Online reports that scenes filmed inside the private gardens at Merrick Square are extremely picturesque, featuring a tree that transports characters between London and Hundred Acre Wood.

Nearby Trinity Church Square also appears in the film, while areas around Morocco Street in Southwark were used for LIDAR scanning to create 3D models for CGI scenes with Pooh and friends running through streets. WhereFilmed.org confirms the location details, noting the square’s 32 houses overlooking the private garden.

Southwark News highlights that the garden and houses featured when Winnie the Pooh tracked down Christopher Robin to a city park bench.

What Events Are Planned at Merrick Square During the Open Weekend?

Visitors to Merrick Square on June 7 can expect more than just a garden view, with additional activities organised by locals. Southwark News reports that in the afternoon, the Trinity Newington Residents’ Association will host a garden fete featuring a beer tent, stalls, and activities for all to enjoy.

This ties into the broader London Open Gardens programme, which includes guided walks such as ‘Gaining Greenspace – Parks of Kennington and Vauxhall’ and ‘On the Trail of the Great Fire of London’. Time Out notes the event offers a chance to visit community gardens bursting with flowers and vegetables, meeting people passionate about these spaces, and describes it as perfect for families.

Other Southwark gardens opening include 49 Bankside in Borough (Saturday 10:00–17:00), with its pond, fountain, and Shakespeare-inspired history; Iliffe Yard in Elephant & Castle (Saturday 09:00–19:00, Sunday 10:00–18:00), featuring stalls, music, and crafts; Trinity Church Square (Sunday 10:00–18:00) with free yoga and a Roman-Minerva statue; Walworth Allotment Association (Saturday and Sunday 10:00–18:00); and Walworth Garden (Saturday and Sunday 10:00–17:00), an organic site selling honey and jams.

Where Is Merrick Square Located and What Makes It Historic?

Merrick Square lies in Newington, part of Southwark, just off Trinity Street, near Trinity Church Square. The London Parks and Gardens Trust describes it as laid out in 1853-6 as part of Trinity House’s development, with 32 individual houses plus Holy Trinity Rectory.

Historical records from British History Online, cited in Wikipedia, confirm the Trinity House Estate’s role in creating the square.

The Trinity Newington Residents Association notes that the 32 houses were built by Cooper and Bottomley of Old Kent Road, completed by 1856. In 1861, cricketer Alfred Mynn died at his brother’s house at number 22.

The central garden, maintained by Trinity House—a charity operating lighthouses in England, Wales, and the Channel Islands—remains a private oasis for residents.

Why Is London Open Gardens Weekend Significant for South Londoners?

London Open Gardens provides rare access to spaces like Merrick Square, promoting awareness of the city’s hidden green areas. Eventbrite listings confirm over 100 gardens will participate, emphasising those usually closed to the public.

Yahoo UK News reported on May 1, 2026, that the square, used as a backdrop for Disney’s Christopher Robin, will open for one weekend in June. This event builds on past participations, as seen in prior years’ coverage.

The programme encourages exploration of biodiversity hotspots and community efforts, with all proceeds aiding green space preservation.

Background of the Development

Merrick Square’s origins trace to 1661 when merchant Christopher Merrick bequeathed land to Trinity House Corporation, which later developed the Trinity House Estate in St George’s Fields, including squares like Merrick Square. Housing construction began in the mid-19th century, with the 32 terraced houses built from 1853 to 1856 by Cooper and Bottomley, and the Holy Trinity Rectory added in 1872 between numbers 16 and 17.

The garden was laid out as part of this development and has been maintained privately since, enclosed by period railings. Its selection for the Christopher Robin filming in late 2017 elevated its profile beyond local residents, showcasing its timeless charm in a major Disney production. London Open Gardens, an annual event by London Parks & Gardens, has featured such sites in previous years, expanding in 2026 to over 100 locations amid growing interest in urban green spaces.

Prediction: How This Can Affect Local Residents and Garden Enthusiasts

This opening provides local Southwark residents, typically keyholders only, a chance to invite guests or rediscover their shared space through organised events like the fete. Garden enthusiasts and film fans across London gain temporary access to a historic, film-notable site, potentially increasing appreciation for private squares and boosting event attendance. Families benefit from free child entry and activities, fostering community ties via the Trinity Newington Residents’ Association’s involvement. The one-day format limits long-term changes, but publicity may encourage future openings or conservation efforts by Trinity House.