London courtyard concerts: Outdoor music events in hidden urban spaces

When you think of live music in London, you probably picture big venues, crowded festivals, or West End theatres. But some of the most memorable performances happen in places you’d never expect—London courtyard concerts, intimate outdoor music events held in secluded courtyards, private gardens, and forgotten urban courtyards across the city. Also known as hidden garden gigs, these are the moments when music isn’t just heard, it’s felt—right where the city breathes. No ticket touts, no long lines. Just a few dozen people, a string quartet under ivy, or a jazz trio playing under string lights in a 19th-century mews.

These events aren’t just about the sound—they’re about the space. A London courtyard, a walled, open-air area surrounded by historic buildings, often found in areas like Bloomsbury, Clerkenwell, or Notting Hill. Also known as urban courtyards, these spaces were built for quiet reflection, not concerts. But now, they’ve become the city’s most intimate stages. You’ll find them tucked behind unmarked doors, inside old publishing houses, or behind the stables of Georgian townhouses. They’re not advertised on billboards. You hear about them from a barista, a neighbour, or a flyer taped to a library door.

What makes these concerts special isn’t just the setting—it’s the people. Musicians play here because they want to connect, not just perform. You’ll hear emerging composers, classically trained violinists who quit orchestras to play in courtyards, and folk singers who’ve spent years building a following one quiet night at a time. These aren’t curated for tourists. They’re for locals who know where to look. And in summer, when the light lasts longer and the air stays warm, the city opens up. Courtyards in Chelsea, Islington, and even the back of a bookshop in Camden become temporary concert halls.

You don’t need to know the difference between a harpsichord and a cello to enjoy one. Just show up with a blanket, maybe a bottle of wine, and an open mind. Some events are free. Others ask for a donation. A few require RSVPs—because space is limited, and that’s part of the magic. You won’t find these on Google Maps. But once you’ve been to one, you’ll start noticing them everywhere—the way the light hits the bricks at dusk, the way a single note echoes off stone walls.

Behind every courtyard concert is a story: a retired architect who turned his garden into a stage, a music school that uses these spaces to give students real audiences, a local pub owner who hosts acoustic nights in the alley behind his place. These aren’t corporate events. They’re community moments, quietly happening in plain sight.

Below, you’ll find a collection of stories and guides that take you deeper into these hidden scenes—from the best courtyards to visit this season, to how to find upcoming gigs, to the musicians who make them unforgettable. This isn’t about big names or viral trends. It’s about the quiet, beautiful music that still lives in London’s forgotten corners.