Visitors and locals alike can discover expanses of greenery in London, each of the city’s parks offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of the British capital. While popular spots like Hyde Park and St. James’s Park are well known to travelers, London is full of grassy meadows and wooded expanses, some of which stretch for miles. Throughout the year, London’s parks are perfect for a long walk or quiet moment of contemplation, or even a dip in one of the bathing ponds.
Hyde Park
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London , ukGet directions
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+44 300 061 2000
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Located in the heart of central London, Hyde Park is a favorite hangout on warm weekend days. It is attached to Green Park and Buckingham Palace Gardens to the east and borders Kensington Palace to the west, and Hyde Park is considered part of The Royal Parks, making it ideal for sightseeing. The Serpentine, a long, narrow lake in the center of Hyde Park, invites visitors to lounge in the sun or take out one of the rowboats, while the nearby Serpentine Gallery offers changing exhibits. Don’t miss the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, the Italian Gardens, and the Holocaust Memorial Gardens.
Regent’s park
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Chester Rd , London NW1 4NR , UKGet directions
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+44 300 061 2300
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Regent’s Park is home to the London Zoo, as well as a long, quiet stretch of the Regent’s Canal. The expansive green space also features a scenic boating lake, open-air theater, and endless places to enjoy an afternoon 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 taking photos. When you go out, be sure to stop by The Espresso Bar, a small cafe along the park’s Broad Walk for a pickup.
Hampstead Heath
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London , ukGet directions
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+44 20 7332 3322
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Father to the north, Hampstead Heath is a popular place to stroll, have a picnic, or take a dip in one of the men’s and women’s separate bathing ponds. There is much to explore throughout the park, from tennis courts to horse riding areas and even the beloved Secret Garden. Head to West Meadow to sunbathe or go for a jog through the Heath Forest. Because it is one of the most rustic green expanses in the city, it almost feels like you are discovering some remote forests rather than a metropolitan park.
St James Park
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London SW1A 2BJ , UKGet directions
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+44 300 061 2350
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Because St. James’s Park is adjacent to 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 is home to many iconic celebrations, such as Trooping the Color and the Changing of the Guard, which takes place near the mall. Visit St. James’s Café for a bite to eat during the day overlooking the park or rent one of the loungers, which are available hourly in the green areas. Because it is adjacent to many tourist attractions, the park is also perfect for a break from spending during a busy day of sightseeing.
London Fields
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London Fields West Side , London E8 3EU , United KingdomGet directions
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+44 20 8356 3000
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Formerly a grazing site for farm animals, London Fields is one of East London’s most popular green expanses, especially on the weekends. London Fields Lido, located in the northern part of the park, welcomes swimmers to its heated pool all year round. On Saturdays, Londoners head to Broadway Market, a weekly outdoor food market, for lunch and a few beers to enjoy on the lawn. There are also several local pubs and breweries along the park’s borders (Pub on the Park is especially recommended).
Victoria Park
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Grove Rd , London E3 5TB , United KingdomGet directions
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+44 20 8985 5699
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Victoria Park, the oldest public park in the city, often hosts annual music festivals and events, like November’s Bonfire Night, but East London Park is a great excursion for any random day. It’s one of London’s largest collections of fields, playgrounds, and wooded landscapes, and there’s a boat pond complete with a Japanese pagoda and Pavillion Café. Don’t skip the Old English Garden and be sure to stroll the Regent’s Canal, which runs along the park’s southwestern edge, and those with children will find endless entertainment at the Victoria Park Splash Pool (bring a towel).
Haggerston Park
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Yorkton St , London E2 8NH , United KingdomGet directions
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+44 20 8356 3000
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You have to know where to look to find Haggerston Park, a relatively compact open space in the Hackney area. It also contains Hackney City Farm, a collection of farmyard animals that offers free entry for adults and children, and there are several play areas dedicated to families. Active visitors can find a BMX bike track, as well as play areas for soccer and even table tennis. It is often much quieter than larger parks, especially as it is primarily used by locals, so visitors can easily find a quiet bench or patch of grass to enjoy on a warm-weather afternoon.
Battersea Park
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London SW11 4NJ , UKGet directions
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+44 20 8871 7530
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The emerging area of Battersea, just south of the River Thames, features a charming park with a boating lake, an art gallery, and a small children’s zoo. The subtropical gardens, which date back to 1858, are a notable highlight, growing plants like bamboo and banana throughout the year. Take a photo of the London Peace Pagoda by the water or have a cup of tea at the Pear Tree Café. The park is located next to Battersea Power Station, which is currently being renovated into shops and apartments, and close to the shiny new US Embassy.
Holland Park
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Ilchester Pl , London W8 6LU , UKGet directions
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+44 20 7602 2226
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Discover a lush foreign land at Kyoto Garden, a hidden Japanese garden in Holland Park (with peacocks). It’s the best reason for a trip to West London, although Holland Park also has several other desirable attractions, such as a football pitch, tennis courts, and a café. Because the park is nestled in the middle of Notting Hill, Kensington, and Chelsea, it is easily combined with a stroll down Portobello Road or a visit to Kensington Palace.
Richmond Park
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Richmond , United KingdomGet directions
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+44 300 061 2200
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The vast, walled Richmond Park, originally a 17th century hunting ground, can be discovered southwest of central London and is full of hidden corners. Part of the Royal Parks and considered a Natural Nature Reserve, it is best known as the home to hundreds of deer, which roam the grounds freely. There’s also a golf course, horse riding stables, bike rentals, and Isabella Plantation, a wooded garden dating back to the 1830s. It’s nearly impossible to see the entire park, so make a plan before you go (and don’t miss King Henry’s Mound, which offers panoramic views of the Thames and the towering city skyline).
Museums in London
