Summary
Visitors and locals alike can uncover stretches of greenery in London, each of the city’s parks offering a respite from the hustle of the British capital. While popular spots like Hyde Park and St. James’s Park are well-known amongst travelers, London is filled with grassy meadows and wooded expanses, some of which extend for miles. Throughout the year, London’s parks are perfect for a long walk or a quiet moment of contemplation – or even a dip in one of the bathing ponds.
Hyde Park
Address: London, UK
Phone: +44 300 061 2000
Located in the heart of central London, Hyde Park is a favorite gathering place on warm weekend days. It’s attached to Green Park and borders Kensington Palace to the west, making it ideal for sight-seeing. The Serpentine, a long, narrow lake at Hyde Park’s center, invites visitors to lounge in the sun or take out one of the paddle boats, while the nearby Serpentine Gallery offers changing displays. Don’t miss the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, the Italian Gardens, and the Holocaust Memorial Gardens.
Regent’s Park
Address: London, UK
Phone: +44 300 061 2300
Regent’s Park is home to the London Zoo, as well as a long, peaceful stretch of Regent’s Canal. The expansive green space also features a picturesque boating lake, the Open Air Theatre, and endless spots to settle in for a picnic. Also part of The Royal Parks, Regent’s Park is connected to Primrose Hill, which offers incredible views of the London skyline perfect for photos. As you leave, be sure to stop by The Espresso Bar, a tiny coffee shop along the park’s Broad Walk for a pick-me-up.
Hampstead Heath
Address: London, UK
Phone: +44 20 7332 3322
Further north, Hampstead Heath is a popular spot for locals to stroll, picnic, or take a dip in one of the bathing ponds, which are separated for men and women. There’s a lot to explore throughout the park, from tennis courts to horseback riding areas to the beloved Secret Garden. Head to the West Meadow for some sunshine, or go for a jog through the wooded East Heath. Because it’s one of the more rustic green expanses in the city, it almost feels like you’re discovering some remote woods rather than a metropolitan park.
St. James’s Park
Address: London SW1A 2BJ, UK
Phone: +44 300 061 2350
Because St. James’s Park sits alongside Buckingham Palace, the small central park is famous for its colorful, perfectly manicured flower beds and dozens of swans (all of which are owned by the Queen). The Royal Park hosts many iconic celebrations, including Trooping the Colour, and the changing of the guard, which takes place nearby on the Mall. Visitors can enjoy a bite to eat overlooking the park or rent one of the deck chairs, which are available hourly throughout the grassy areas. Because it’s adjacent to many tourist attractions, the park is perfect for a break from sightseeing.
London Fields
Address: London Fields West Side, London E8 3EU, UK
Phone: +44 20 7254 9038
Formerly a grazing site for farm animals, London Fields is one of East London’s most popular green expanses, especially during the weekends. The London Fields Lido, located in the northern part of the park, welcomes swimmers to its heated pool year-round. On Saturdays, Londoners head to Broadway Market, a weekly outdoor food market, to grab lunch and a few beers to enjoy on the grass. There are also several pubs and local breweries along the park’s borders, with the Pub on the Park being especially recommended.
Victoria Park
Address: Grove Road, London E3 5TB, UK
Victoria Park, the city’s oldest public park, often hosts music festivals and yearly events, like November’s Bonfire Night. Nonetheless, the East London park is a great outing any day. It includes a larger collection of fields, playgrounds, and wooded scenery, with a boating pond complete with a Japanese pagoda and Pavilion Café. Don’t skip the Old English Garden, and be sure to stroll along Regent’s Canal, which stretches along the park’s southwestern edge. For families, there’s endless entertainment at the Victoria Park Splash Pool.
Haggerston Park
Address: Yorkton Street, London E2 8NH, UK
Phone: +44 20 8356 3000
You have to know where to look to seek out Haggerston Park, a relative compact open space in the Hackney area. It also contains Hackney City Farm, a collection of barnyard animals offering free entry to adults and kids. Additionally, there are several play areas dedicated to families. Active visitors can find a BMX cycle track, as well as gaming areas for soccer and table tennis. This park often remains quieter than the bigger parks, especially since it’s used mostly by locals, allowing visitors to find peaceful spots to relax on warm weather afternoons.
Battersea Park
Address: London SW11 4NJ, UK
Phone: +44 20 8871 7530
The up-and-coming area of Battersea, just south of the River Thames, boasts a charming park with a boating lake, art gallery, and small children’s zoo. The Sub-Tropical Gardens, dating back to 1858, are a notable highlight, featuring plants like bamboo and banana trees throughout the year. Snap a photo of the waterside London Peace Pagoda or sip a cup of tea at the Pear Tree Café. The park is located alongside Battersea Power Station, which is currently being refurbished into shops and apartments.
Holland Park
Address: London W8 6LU, UK
Phone: +44 20 7602 2226
Uncover a lush foreign land at Kyoto Garden, a Japanese garden hidden within Holland Park, complete with peacocks. This park features several desirable attractions, including a soccer field, tennis courts, and a café. Because it is located in the midst of Notting Hill, Kensington, and Chelsea, it’s easily combined with a stroll down Portobello Road or a visit to Kensington Palace.
Richmond Park
Address: Richmond, UK
Phone: +44 300 061 2200
The vast walled Richmond Park, originally a 17th-century hunting ground, can be discovered southwest of Central London and is filled with hidden corners. This park is best known for being home to hundreds of deer, who roam the grounds freely. Moreover, you can find a golf course, horse-back riding stables, bike rentals, and the Isabella Plantation, a wooded garden that dates back to the 1830s. It’s nearly impossible to see the entire park, so it’s best to plan your visit (and don’t miss King Henry’s Mound, which offers panoramic views of the Thames and the city’s towering skyline).
