London is one of the greenest and most beautiful cities in the world. From charming neighborhood parks to sprawling estates, London offers an abundance of outdoor spaces perfect for exploration.
However, with nearly 1,500 parks throughout the city, it can be overwhelming to decide where to spend your next sunny afternoon.
In this post, I’ll share with you my recommendations for the top 10 London parks – nature’s antidote to city life – that will welcome you for relaxing strolls, active play, or simply soaking in the scenic landscapes.
London Parks: Breathe Easy and Spot Wildlife
As a Londoner, I’ve felt the city’s pulse – the hustle of busy streets, the constant buzz of activity.
But in the midst of our fast-paced lives, particularly as we’ve become increasingly glued to our screens, scrolling endlessly through TikTok and other social media, there’s a sanctuary to be found in London’s parks.
It’s a call to step outside, to breathe easy and reconnect with nature, and I can’t emphasize enough how much this means, especially now.
- Location: Central London, next to Kensington Gardens.
- Getting There: Easily accessible via Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, or Lancaster Gate Tube stations.
- What to Do: Check out Speaker’s Corner, rent a pedal boat on the Serpentine, or visit the Serpentine Gallery. The park is perfect for picnics, cycling, or a leisurely walk.
It’s like the granddaddy of London parks. I love strolling by the Serpentine Lake or just people-watching from a quiet spot. It’s huge and always has something going on.
I often rent a pedal boat on the Serpentine, and if you’re into horse riding, there are stables nearby. For a bite, I recommend The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen for its lovely lakeside view.
Regent’s Park
- Location: North-west of central London.
- Getting There: Short walk from Baker Street or Regent’s Park Tube stations.
- What to Do: Visit the London Zoo, enjoy the Open Air Theatre in summer, or just wander through the stunning Queen Mary’s Gardens.
This one’s a personal favorite. The rose gardens are stunning, and there’s an open-air theatre which is pretty cool. If you climb up Primrose Hill, the view of the city is unbeatable.
I adore the Open Air Theatre here; it’s such a unique experience. The rose gardens are stunning, especially in full bloom. There’s also a quaint café, The Regent’s Bar & Kitchen, great for a lazy lunch.
Richmond Park
- Location: North-west of central London.
- Getting There: Short walk from Baker Street or Regent’s Park Tube stations.
- What to Do: Visit the London Zoo, enjoy the Open Air Theatre in summer, or just wander through the stunning Queen Mary’s Gardens.
It’s a bit further out but worth the trip. It’s massive, and you’ll find deer roaming freely. It feels more like a slice of the countryside than a city park.
Perfect for cycling or a long walk. Pembroke Lodge in the park offers a great spot for afternoon tea with a view.
Greenwich Park
- Location: North-west of central London.
- Getting There: Short walk from Baker Street or Regent’s Park Tube stations.
- What to Do: Visit the London Zoo, enjoy the Open Air Theatre in summer, or just wander through the stunning Queen Mary’s Gardens.
The view from the hill near the Royal Observatory is iconic. You get the city skyline and the Thames – it’s perfect for a picnic.
The hill gives you one of the best views of London. I often visit the Royal Observatory, and The Pavilion Café is my go-to for a quick snack.
Hampstead Heath
- Location: North London.
- Getting There: A walk from Hampstead or Golders Green Tube stations.
- What to Do: Swim in the Hampstead Ponds, explore the woodlands, or fly kites on Parliament Hill.
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It’s got a wilder feel than some of the other parks, and the swimming ponds are great in summer. Plus, the view from Parliament Hill is another must-see.
For a swim, the Hampstead Ponds are unbeatable. The view from Parliament Hill is a must-see. The Garden Gate, a nearby pub, does a fantastic Sunday roast.
St James’s Park
- Location: Central London, near Buckingham Palace.
- Getting There: Close to St James’s Park, Westminster, or Green Park Tube stations.
- What to Do: Watch the pelicans, stroll around the lake, and enjoy the beautifully landscaped flower beds.
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It’s right in the heart of London, surrounded by landmarks. The pelicans are a quirky feature, and the flower beds are always immaculate.
The pelicans are a unique sight here. It’s perfect for a lunchtime stroll, and Inn the Park has some delicious British dishes.
Battersea Park
- Location: South London, along the River Thames.
- Getting There: A short walk from Battersea Park or Queenstown Road train stations.
- What to Do: Visit the small zoo, stroll by the river, or check out the Buddhist peace pagoda.
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Overlooking the Thames, this park has a more laid-back vibe. There’s a small zoo which is fun and a beautiful old pagoda.
I love the peace pagoda by the river. The Pear Tree Café offers great coffee and cakes right by the lake.
Victoria Park
- Location: East London.
- Getting There: Accessible from Mile End or Bethnal Green Tube stations, then a short walk.
- What to Do: Relax by the lakes, check out the Chinese pagoda, and enjoy the sports facilities.
Locally known as ‘Vicky Park’, it’s a favorite among East Londoners. It’s got a nice blend of open spaces and wooded areas, plus a couple of cool cafes.
It’s got a lovely village feel. I usually grab a coffee at The Pavilion Café, located right by the West Lake.
Kensington Gardens
- Location: West London, adjacent to Hyde Park.
- Getting There: Near High Street Kensington or Queensway Tube stations.
- What to Do: Visit Kensington Palace, explore the Italian Gardens, or see the Peter Pan statue.
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Right next to Hyde Park, it’s home to Kensington Palace and some really beautiful sculpture. The Italian Gardens are particularly lovely.
The Italian Gardens are my favorite spot, and Kensington Palace is just around the corner. For dining, The Orangery offers an elegant setting.
Bushy Park
- Location: Near Hampton Court Palace, Greater London.
- Getting There: Close to Hampton Court train station, then a short walk.
- What to Do: Wander through the Woodland Gardens, see the Diana Fountain, and enjoy the wildlife.
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Another royal park, it’s near Hampton Court Palace. It’s got woodlands, gardens, and ponds, and feels a bit less manicured, which I like.
It feels more wild and natural here. The Woodland Gardens are beautiful, and there’s a charming café, The Pheasantry, that’s perfect for lunch.
Leave Your Phones Down for Amazing London Parks
So, to my fellow Londoners, I say this: let’s not forget the simple joys that our beautiful London parks offer.
In a world where our eyes are so often fixed on screens, let’s look up and around instead. Let’s make time to step outside, to explore these green havens.
For our physical health, for our mental well-being, and for a moment of connection with the natural world. Trust me, it’s worth every second.
FAQs of London Parks
1. What is the famous park in London?
Hands down, it’s Hyde Park. It’s massive, it’s central, and it’s got everything – from Speaker’s Corner to the Serpentine. It’s like the poster child for London parks, always bustling with activity.
2. What are London's 8 royal parks?
So, we’ve got a bunch of these Royal Parks. Here they are: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, Bushy Park, St James’s Park, Green Park, Regent’s Park (which includes Primrose Hill), and Greenwich Park. Each one’s got its own vibe and is worth a visit.
3. How many London parks are there?
London’s packed with parks, more than you can count on your fingers! We’re talking about over 3,000 parks across the city. From tiny squares to massive sprawling estates, there’s a park out there for every mood and occasion.
