Published: 26/08/2022
We are incredibly fortunate in London to have so many beautiful parks we're spoilt for choice! Our eight historic Royal parks are within a short distance of the city and collectively cover over 5,000 acres of parkland. These havens allow us to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and commune with nature, take our daily exercise and top our vitamin D levels.Bushy Park
Nearest train: Teddington/Hampton Wick/Hampton Court
The second-largest Royal Park, Bushy Park, entertains millions of people each year. Herds of deer roam around and you feel like you've been transported out of the capital into the heart of the countryside. Mixed in among the woodland, there are several maintained gardens, ponds, statues, and memorials. Get your camera out for Chestnut Avenue, designed by the highly acclaimed architect Christopher Wren to create a grand approach to Hampton Court Palace.
Green Park
Nearest tube: Green Park/Hyde Park Corner
Set in the shadows of Buckingham Palace, Green Park is the smallest of the capital's Royal Parks. You'll find a host of memorials and statues that are triangular in shape and spread throughout the lush greenery. It's perfect if you're looking to get up close and personal with a slice of London history and culture.
Greenwich Park
Nearest tube: New Cross/North Greenwich
An urban oasis, Greenwich Park isn't just a historic park dating back to the Roman period; it has incredible views of the River Thames to the Docklands and beyond. Famous for housing the Royal Observatory, home to Greenwich Mean Time, and London's only Planetarium, you can wander around spotting the Red and Fallow Deer that have been there since the 15th century.
Hyde Park
Nearest tube: Marble Arch/Hyde Park Corner
Open all year round; you'll find plenty of activities to keep you busy. There are various memorials, fountains, and statues to tick off as you wander through the grounds, including Apsley Gate and the Diana Memorial, as well as Speakers' Corner, a traditional site for debates and speeches dating back to the mid-1800s.
Kensington Gardens
Nearest tube: Lancaster Gate & Queensway/Bayswater
A stunning elegant green area, the formal avenues, and beautifully planted flowerbeds conceal many hidden gems. View waterbirds on the pond or follow the Long Water and Serpentine Rivers through the park. At the end of the Long River is the pretty Italian Water Garden, with fountains, ponds, and statues.
Regent's Park
Nearest tube: Regent's Park/Great Portland Street
Named after Prince Regent, this stunning park covers 410 acres and boasts panoramic views of the city. It is home to Queen Mary's Gardens displaying over 12,000 lush roses in 4,000 varieties. Take a long walk in the sunshine, admire nature, and soak up the tranquil vibes. For a much-needed alone time, St John's Lodge is a beautiful 'secret' garden to spend an afternoon in.
Richmond Park
Nearest tube: Richmond
Having an incredible 2,360 acres, Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park and the most significant enclosed space in London. It's a recognised nature reserve and an area of scientific interest. If you want to escape the hectic pace of the capital, this is the ideal place to sit back and unwind. Home to herds of deer and other wildlife, Richmond Park is a great place to get back to nature. Don't miss the panoramic views from King Henry's Mound and the beautiful ornamental gardens at the Isabella Plantation.
St James's Park
Nearest tube: St James's Park/Charing Cross
Relatively small, St James's Park is the oldest of London's Royal Parks. It incorporates The Mall and Horse Guards Parade, famous for its use in ceremonial events and spectacular pageants, including the famous Trooping The Colour. Other iconic landmarks and viewpoints are close by Blue Bridge, Tiffany Fountain, and the Duck Island nature reserve. The central lake is the perfect place to see water birds, especially the resident pelicans fed every day at 2:30 pm.
