Photo by Marc Barrot through the Londonist Flickr Pool
From elegant Victorian gardens to rugged woodland, London boasts a powerful number of inexperienced areas. Below we have included every little thing you must know in regards to the best-loved parks and commons in all 4 corners of the capital.
Can’t select between them? This self-guided weekend stroll takes in 4 of London’s Royal Parks.
Central London
Green Park
The verdant triangle between Piccadilly and Buckingham Palace could lack the flowerbeds and lakes boasted by different Royal Parks, nevertheless it’s in all probability essentially the most tranquil of the lot — and there is lots to find right here if the place to look.
Take, as an example, the circle of airplane bushes pictured above: a rumoured Druidic landmark that hiding in plain sight.
Other secrets and techniques of Green Park embody the buried River Tyburn, one among London’s final porters’ rests and — probably — a number of ghosts.
Nearest tube stations: Green Park, Hyde Park Corner.
Hyde Park
Photo by Marco Chilese on Unsplash
One of London’s largest Royal Parks, Hyde Park is dwelling to the huge Serpentine Lake (which you’ll swim in), the majestic Wellington Arch and even a hidden pet cemetery.
With 350 acres to discover, you are spoilt for selection relating to picnic spots, and there are three cafes (together with a stingray-shaped one) the place you’ll be able to replenish your provides.
Other factors of curiosity embody the Diana Memorial Fountain, the Hyde Park Rose Garden, and the Achilles statue, which actor Laurence Olivier as soon as referred to as “one of the best arse in London”. See the park in all its glory right here.
Nearest tube stations: Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge.
Kensington Gardens
Photo by Richard through the Londonist Flickr Pool
Once the personal gardens of Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens is now open to all. The picturesque Royal park was the setting of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan and is now dwelling to a much-cherished statue of the boy-who-never-grew-up, which as soon as fell sufferer to a messy artwork battle. Other notable sights embody the Grade II listed Elfin Oak, the Esme Percy Fountain, and the parakeets that can perch proper in your palms.
Nearest tube stations: Lancaster Gate, Queensway, Bayswater, High Street Kensington.
St James’s Park
Trio of pelicans. Photo by Jenny.
Named after a hospital for folks affected by leprosy, St James’s is maybe essentially the most regal of all Royal Parks — dwelling to each The Mall and the Horse Guards Parade, and flanked by Buckingham and St James’s palaces.
However, the actual stars of the park have gotten to be Isla, Tiffany and Gargi, the three pelicans who reside right here. Other sights embody vibrant flower beds, two cafes, and a probably haunted statue of Queen Anne.
Nearest tube stations: St James’s Park, Charing Cross, Westminster, Green Park, Victoria.
North London
Hampstead Heath
View from the highest of Parliament Hill. Image: Shutterstock
Part of what makes Hampstead Heath so particular is its wild magnificence — test it out in all its rugged glory right here.
The different half is the gorgeous views of the capital it boasts, which makes the heath excellent for picnics, as does its proximity to some stellar delis and bakeries.
It’s additionally a cracking selection for a weekend ramble — these two soak up a lot of the Heath.
Landmarks embody a phenomenal outdated viaduct, a hidden stately dwelling, and a few unbelievable bathing ponds.
Nearest tube stations: Hampstead, Golders Green, Gospel Oak, Tufnell Park.
Regent’s Park
Photo by Laura Gilchrist through the Londonist Flickr Pool
An deserted backyard, a secret backyard and an ornate mosque that took 37 years to construct — these are simply among the hidden gems that await you at Regent’s Park. This beautiful Royal Park is the most important grass space for sports activities in Central London and in addition homes bits of London Zoo. It additionally hosts the annual Frieze Art Fair and accompanying al fresco sculpture path each October.
Nearest tube stations: Regent’s Park, Great Portland Street, Baker Street, St. John’s Wood, Camden Town.
Finsbury Park
Image: dweller88 through the Londonist Flickr Pool
Finsbury Park benefitted from main renovations throughout the early noughties and now boasts tennis courts, a working observe and play space, in addition to a full-blown gallery specialising within the intersection between artwork and expertise.
It’s additionally a part of the Parkland Walk pedestrian and cycle route — observe this scenic route from Ally Pally and end up with a picnic in Finsbury Park.
Nearest tube stations: Finsbury Park, Manor House.
South
Brockwell Park
Image: Matt Brown through the Londonist Flickr Pool
This nineteenth century magnificence boasts tons of gorgeous interval options, together with an enthralling ‘Old English’ walled backyard, an 1897 clock tower, and decorative ponds. There are additionally extra trendy additions, together with a BMX observe, a miniature railway and — our private spotlight — a lovingly-restored artwork deco lido so that you can cool off in.
Nearest stations: Herne Hill, Tulse Hill.
Clapham Common
Image: Matt Brown through the Londonist Flickr Pool
One of south London’s many commons, this huge triangle of verdancy dates way back to 1086. Amenities embody three ponds and a fairly Victorian bandstand.
Look out for this mysterious drum-shaped construction when you’re there — it is truly a passageway to a cavernous shelter used throughout the second world battle.
Nearest stations: Clapham South, Clapham Junction, Clapham High Street.
Peckham Rye Park & Common
Photo: Laura Reynolds
The most putting function of Peckham Rye Common? It’s received to be the beautifully-carved picket totem pole that sits at its border. Head south from right here to entry the primary a part of the park, which boasts a restaurant, an journey playground and a skate park.
It’s additionally dwelling to the hidden Sexby Garden, which is likely one of the greatest locations in London to see wisteria in bloom throughout the spring. Hidden treasure embody the (largely buried) River Peck and the remnants of a second world battle POW camp.
Nearest stations: East Dulwich, Honor Oak, Nunhead.
East
Greenwich Park
Photo by Mark Ramsay through the Londonist Flickr Pool
Home to one among London’s most gorgeous viewpoints: a dramatic sweep of garden searching onto the seventeenth century marvel that’s the Queens House, with the River Thames and Canary Wharf’s gleaming skyscrapers past. The Royal Park boasts a rose backyard, an orchard, and a children’ playground, and even the house of Greenwich Mean Time itself, Sir Christopher Wren’s gorgeous Royal Observatory.
Nearest stations: Greenwich (National Rail), North Greenwich.
London Fields
Photo by D1v1d through the Londonist Flickr pool
At the underside of Broadway Market lies one among Hackney’s hottest parks, London Fields. As properly as being an ideal place to scoff your market meals on a Saturday, it is received its personal lido and a pub slap-bang in the midst of it. Bucolic, it ain’t, nevertheless it’s actually one of many buzziest inexperienced areas in London.
Nearest stations: Hackney Central, Cambridge Heath, Haggerston.
Victoria Park
Photo by Matt Brown
Once voted the nation’s favorite park, Victoria Park is the most important inexperienced house in Tower Hamlets, with facilities together with a boating lake, two cafes, a skate park and a big playground.
The flower-strewn Old English Garden is a specific spotlight, as are the canine statues that guard the park gates. Make positive you drop into the exceptional People’s Park Tavern when you’re there.
Nearest stations: Hackney Wick, Homerton, Cambridge Heath, Mile End.
West
Battersea Park
Photo by Memake
Get misplaced within the wonderful leafiness of Battersea Park — dwelling to many notable bushes, a kids’s zoo (a less expensive different to ZSL) and several other vital trendy sculptures. Keep an eye fixed out for the Brown Dog Statue which as soon as induced a riot, and pay a go to to the Grade II listed Pump House Gallery when you can.
Nearest stations: Battersea Park, Queenstown Road.
Bushy Park
Diana statue, plus cormorants. Photo by Duncan.
Famed for its roaming herds of purple and fallow deer, Bushy Park is a good place to expertise some wildlife (simply keep in mind to maintain your distance). Other sights embody the Grade I listed Diana fountain and a baroque-style water backyard.
Nearest stations: Teddington, Hampton Wick, Hampton Court.
Richmond Park
Photo by Matt Brown through the Londonist Flickr pool
Want to really feel such as you’re within the countryside with out leaving London?
Head to Richmond Park, a 2500 acre nationwide nature reserve that is teeming with uncommon species of fungi, birds, beetles, bats, grasses, wildflowers and extra. Just keep in mind to be careful for the deer — particularly if it is rutting season.
Nearest stations: Richmond Station.
Holland Park
Photo by Venesha Thompson through the Londonist Flickr Pool
A secret Japanese kyoto backyard. London’s saddest statue. The tamest peacocks within the capital. These are simply among the curiosities ready to be found at Holland Park, which started life because the grounds of Cope Castle — although solely the entrance terrace of the Jacobean manor nonetheless stands at this time.
Nearest stations: Holland Park, High Street Kensington.
