Where can you experience a bit of nature in London? Here are 9 parks in which you can relax during your visit—complete with recommendations on what to pair with each park and a tip from me at the end.
So, what’s in store for us
Green spaces! Trees! Animals! And for the hot summer days, even swimming spots! While wandering through the historic streets, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle of people rushing between tourist attractions, museums, and shopping areas in the capital.
Why does London seem so grey? It’s a cliché I hear almost daily, but nearly 50% of London’s area is covered with greenery and bodies of water. Believe it or not, London is one of the greenest cities in the world, and in 2019, it was declared a National Park City. To help you enjoy London’s best parks, I’ve put together a list of my 9 favourite parks in the city and what to do around them.
HYDE PARK
One of London’s eight Royal Parks and possibly the most famous, Hyde Park, established in the 17th century, is not only a wonderful place for a picnic and a break from the busy streets but also a cultural icon. In 1872, "Speakers' Corner" was established, providing a platform for free speech. In the early 20th century, it became an important site for the suffragette movement, which fought for women’s right to vote. If you walk from the northeast corner of the park (Marble Arch) to Victoria Gate on Sundays, you’ll find people giving speeches on all sorts of topics.
You can also enjoy a walk around the stunning Italian Gardens, the beautiful Kensington Gardens, and various monuments and statues (including a statue of Peter Pan). Every year, from November to January, Winter Wonderland, a massive Christmas market and amusement park, opens up and is not to be missed!
Location
Hyde Park is located at the western end of Oxford Street, between the Mayfair and Kensington neighbourhoods.
How to get to Hyde Park
Closest tube stations
Marble Arch
Lancaster Gate
Hyde Park Corner
Knightsbridge
Queensway
Things to do nearby
The Natural History Museum
Embark on a journey through 4.6 billion years of Earth’s history, from dinosaur fossils to incredible geological finds. The museum houses over 80 million items that tell the story of our world and how we can make it better.
SELFRIDGES
The ultimate brand department store in London. Everything in Selfridges revolves around the expression "the customer is always right," a concept brought to London by Lord Selfridge from the United States in 1908.
MERCATO MAYFAIR
More than just a food market, this venue is located inside a repurposed church and offers a unique dining experience with excellent pizza, a sushi restaurant, and a microbrewery in the basement.
GREEN PARK
As its name suggests, Green Park is indeed green. It may seem simple at first glance, but it’s full of history, like the story of King Charles II, who hunted deer in the park while courting his mistresses. You can relax on the grass after a long day of walking or start your day with a visit to nearby Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard. It’s also worth stopping by the adjacent Canada Memorial, which commemorates Canadian soldiers who died in World Wars I and II.
Location
Green Park is located in Westminster, between Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park.
How to get to Green Park
Closest tube stations
Green Park
Hyde Park Corner
Things to do nearby
Fortnum & Mason
A stunning department store, and the perfect place to buy tea and related products in London.
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of King Charles III and the centre of the British monarchy.
The Royal Academy of Arts
The oldest art school in Britain and one of London’s most important galleries, showcasing changing exhibitions from around the world.
ST JAMES'S PARK
One of the most beautiful and famous parks in London, St. James's Park is home to adorable squirrels, numerous bird species (including royal pelicans), and offers stunning photo opportunities. Surrounded by three palaces—Buckingham, St. James, and Westminster (the Houses of Parliament)—it’s one of the best places to watch the Changing of the Guard.
Location
St. James’s Park is between Westminster Square and Buckingham Palace.
How to get to St. James’s Park
Closest tube stations
St. James’s Park
Westminster
Charing Cross
Things to do nearby
Churchill War Rooms
A glimpse into how Winston Churchill led Britain during World War II from underground bunkers.
The Household Cavalry Museum
A lesser-known museum that tells the history of the five regiments that guard the British monarchy.
Westminster Abbey
The iconic Gothic church was founded in 920 CE. This is where every British monarch has been crowned since 1066.
REGENT'S PARK
Named after Prince George (later King George IV), Regent's Park is a must-see. It features Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, with around 12,000 flowers, and the "Royal Parks" cream-coloured rose unique to the royal parks. You can also enjoy a boat ride on the lake, spot various bird species, and try to catch a glimpse of London’s only hedgehog population. Don’t miss the stunning view from Primrose Hill.
Location
Regent's Park is north of the Marylebone neighbourhood, about a 15-minute walk from Camden Market.
How to get to Regent's Park
Closest tube stations
Regent’s Park
Great Portland Street
Baker Street
Warren Street
Euston Square
Camden Town
Things to do nearby
Madame Tussauds
A popular wax museum where you can pose with life-sized statues of celebrities (even the king).
Pirate Castle
Take a unique kayaking trip along Regent's Canal or hop on a boat called the "Black Pearl."
Camden Market
Open seven days a week, this is London’s largest market, with over 1,000 stalls offering everything from clothes to food and antiques.
GREENWICH PARK
In Greenwich Park, you can enjoy the stunning view from One Tree Hill, which has attracted many artists over the years. The British painter J.M.W. Turner created one of his most famous works, "London from Greenwich Park" (displayed at the Tate Britain), from the top of this hill. If you search carefully along the southern wall, you’ll find a poem written in the 18th century about the hill. About 300 meters away lies the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian (Longitude 0, and also Time Zone 0). In the same spot, you’ll find the famous red Time Ball of Greenwich, which since 1833 has indicated the time for boats on the River Thames. Every day at 12:55 (Greenwich Mean Time), the ball rises halfway, at 12:58 it reaches the top of the pole, and at exactly 1:00 PM the ball drops, signalling the time to onlookers.
Location
As the name suggests, Greenwich Park is located in Greenwich.
How to get to Greenwich Park
Closest DLR stations
Greenwich
Cutty Sark
Closest riverboat station
Greenwich Pier
Closest train stations
Greenwich
Maze Hill
Things to do nearby
Cutty Sark
The Cutty Sark was the fastest tea clipper of its time. Built in 1869, it got its name from an old Scottish term for undergarments (why exactly is unclear). Despite its short service life, it left a significant mark on the tea trade (and what would England be without tea?). Today, you can visit the ship's deck and even enjoy afternoon tea beneath the ship.
National Maritime Museum
Once the British Navy was the largest and most magnificent in the world, so it’s no surprise that they celebrate their maritime history with a rich and fascinating museum. In the museum's collection, you'll find unique items such as the military coat of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, who commanded the British Navy during battles against Napoleon.
Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market was established in 1700 as a market primarily selling poultry and meats, but today, with its unique mix of antiques, food, artwork, and even marionettes, it’s far from the old market it once was. With its variety of stalls, colours, and smells, everyone will find something special to interest them.
BATTERSEA PARK
If you find yourself in the south of the city and are looking for a place to relax and stroll among flower gardens, trees, and sculptures, Battersea Park is the perfect spot. A Victorian park with a walking path along the riverbank, a pond with boats, and even a petting zoo. If you want to enjoy some art, visit the Pumphouse Gallery, an art gallery hosting rotating exhibitions.
Location
Battersea Park is located south of the Chelsea neighbourhood on the southern bank of the River Thames.
How to get to Battersea Park
Closest tube stations
Battersea Power Station
Things to do nearby
Battersea Power Station – Shopping Centre
Battersea is London's newest shopping centre! This mall is located inside a former power station, with branded stores alongside the station's original architecture. To make the most of your visit, it's worth purchasing a ticket for the centre's observation elevator to see London from 109 meters high through glass walls.
Tate Britain Museum
The Tate Britain Museum showcases British modern art, with works from British artists throughout history.
Saatchi Gallery
Saatchi Gallery brings you the best of contemporary art. The exhibitions change regularly, so Saatchi will surprise and amaze you again and again with every visit.
HOLLAND PARK
Like many parks in London, Holland Park was once the grounds of a grand estate. Today, visitors can stroll through the beautiful Kyoto Gardens, admire the koi fish swimming in the ponds, or walk through the Dutch Gardens and marvel at the blooming tulips. Holland Park is also the first place in England to successfully grow dahlias, which still decorate the park. In addition to lawns and gardens, Holland Park has a large playground for children and several monuments and statues, such as the sundial and the turtles.
Location
Holland Park is located in the borough of Kensington, about a 15-minute walk from Kensington Palace.
How to get to Holland Park
Closest tube stations
Holland Park
Kensington High Street
Kensington Olympia
Things to do nearby
Design Museum
This museum celebrates everything related to contemporary design in all fields and is the world leader in the subject. Its permanent collection will tell you the rich history of design and how it reflects in the modern world.
Westfield Shopping Centre – Shepherd's Bush
Westfield in Shepherd's Bush is one of the largest shopping centres in England. In addition to hundreds of brand-name stores for every budget, you can enjoy unique experiences like a sushi-making class at the STICKS'N'SUSHI restaurant.
Churchill Arms Pub
Churchill Arms is a classic English pub. Established in 1750, it’s one of the oldest pubs in the city. With its flower-adorned façade and historical connection to Winston Churchill, it offers much more than just an authentic pub experience.
RICHMOND PARK
For those traveling to London, Richmond Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature. Local falcons fly overhead, and herds of fallow deer and stags roam between the woods and grassy areas that dominate the vast park. From the summit of King Henry's Mound, you'll be treated to a breath-taking view of London, particularly St. Paul's Cathedral. This viewing corridor is one of 13 protected sightlines, meaning no building or structure can block the view from these designated spots.
Location
Richmond Park is located southwest of central London, about a 30-minute walk from Kew Gardens.
How to get to Richmond Park
Closest tube stations
Richmond Station
Things to do nearby
Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew contains a stunning collection of about 50,000 different plants. You can stroll among bamboo trees, marvel at carnivorous plants, and take a short trip back to the 17th century with a walk through the Queen's Gardens.
Prince's Head Pub
A nearly 300-year-old British pub, where you can enjoy live performances alongside cold, excellent beers. For TV fans, this is where the series Ted Lasso was filmed, about the Richmond football team's coach.
Dining at Peggy Jean – A Restaurant on a Boat
A cool restaurant in the town of Richmond, located on a boat on the River Thames, with a great atmosphere that complements the excellent food served there.
CRYSTAL PALACE PARK
Named after the Crystal Palace built for the 1851 Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, which later moved to the park's current location. For those wondering, the palace no longer exists, but despite that, Crystal Palace Park is a unique place. You can get lost in the largest maze in England or visit the charming petting zoo. If you really want to travel back in time by millions of years, you can look for the "Dinosaurs of Crystal Palace"—an array of over 30 life-sized dinosaur statues and other ancient creatures.
Location
Crystal Palace Park is about a 45-minute trip south of central London.
How to get to Crystal Palace Park
Closest tube stations
Crystal Palace Station
Penge West Station
Things to do nearby
Brixton Market
If you want to experience some of London's unique Jamaican culture, head to Brixton! Londoners call it "Little Jamaica," and the area is a window into rich Afro-Caribbean culture. Throughout the week, you can enjoy two adjacent markets—Granville Arcade and Market Row.
Crystal Palace Food Market
If you're visiting Crystal Palace Park on a Sunday, be sure to stop by the park's weekly food market.
Haynes Lane Vintage Market
A fun flea market where you can find vintage clothes, retro fashion, or just some nostalgia. It’s a great place to pass the time.
A SPECIAL TIP: THE DIANA PRINCESS OF WALES MEMORIAL WALK
Looking for something to do in London on a sunny day? You can put on comfortable walking shoes and enjoy a walk along the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk. Inaugurated in 2000, it will take you to points of interest from the life of Princess Diana, the former wife of King Charles III and mother of heir-to-the-throne William. Along the way, you’ll pass several parks, palaces, and estates. The walk is free, but if you'd like to enter one (or more) of the sites, I recommend planning ahead to purchase tickets.
The path is marked by plaques indicating the direction.
A little about the walk
The route is about 13 km long and passes through four of the Royal Parks, three palaces, and two estates.
The parks are
Kensington Gardens
Hyde Park
Green Park
St. James's Park
The palaces are
Kensington Palace
Buckingham Palace
St. James's Palace
The estates are
Clarence House
Spencer House
A final tip
London is much greener than we often realize at first glance. The parks and gardens I mentioned here are just a fraction of what the city has to offer. No matter where you're strolling in the city, whether shopping or waiting for an exciting tour to begin, you're close to a perfect park for a quick picnic. So always remember, is it a beautiful day? Head to a park!