the 15 best parks in london

Uncovering London's Top Parks for Relaxation and Adventure

Looking for the best parks in London? 🌳

London is home to some of the world's most famous Royal Parks, such as Hyde Park and Regent's Park, as well as hidden gems like Holland Park and Hampstead Heath. London is full of green spaces that combine history, beauty, and relaxation.

Whether you are planning a scenic walk, a family picnic, or just escaping the hustle and bustle of central London, this guide will help you choose the top parks to see.

15 Best Parks To See In London

We've grouped London's green spaces into clear categories to help you find exactly what you're looking for. These include iconic Royal Parks, hidden nature escapes, riverside favourites, and scenic parks with panoramic views. Each section below provides a brief introduction, key highlights, things to do, information on how to get there, history, and the park's main location.

👑 Royal Parks of London

• Hyde Park – London's most famous park
• Kensington Gardens – A historical and artistic retreat
• Green Park – Quiet lawns near Buckingham Palace
• St James’s Park – Views of the palace and lake
• Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill – Gardens and skyline views
• Richmond Park – Deer roaming in vast landscapes
• Greenwich Park – Royal Observatory's home
• Bushy Park – Hampton Court's historic deer park

🌿 Wild & Natural Escapes

• Hampstead Heath – Greenery and Parliament Hill
• Holland Park – Peacocks and the Kyoto Garden

🌆 Urban & Riverside Parks

• Battersea Park – Riverwalks and a family zoo
• Victoria Park – East London's "People's Park"
• Crystal Palace Park – Italian terraces and Victorian dinosaurs
• Clapham Common – Popular with locals for its wide lawns

🌄 Panoramic Views

• Alexandra Park – Views from Alexandra Palace

1. Hyde Park in London

An Aerial View of Hyde Park's Greenery and Lakes

👑 Officially recognised as a Royal Park

A great place to unwind and relax, Hyde Park is one of London's largest and most famous parks. A peaceful retreat from the city, it offers over 350 acres of lakes, gardens, and green space. It is located in the heart of London, Westminster, Greater London.

🌟 Highlights: Serpentine Lake, Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, Speaker's Corner

🎭 Things To Do

• Picnic or sunbathe on the open lawns.
• Rent a boat or pedal on the Serpentine Lake. Available only seasonally.
• Swim at the Serpentine Lido during the summer months.
• Watch out for any concerts, festivals and outdoor theatre performances.
• Attend Winter Wonderland during the Christmas season only.

📜 Heritage: The park was established in 1536 by Henry VIII as a royal hunting ground before being opened to the public in 1637 by Charles I.

📍 Location: London Borough of Westminster, Central London

🚇 Nearby Metro Stations: Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch Station, Lancaster Gate, Queensway

2. Kensington Gardens London

The Round Pond in Kensington Gardens, Right by Kensington Palace

👑 Officially recognised as a Royal Park

The Royal Garden of Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, is filled with elegance and charm. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks in its Italian Gardens, admire the magnificent Albert Memorial, and explore Kensington Palace's grounds. There are leafy avenues, ornamental features, and inviting cafes that make it an ideal blend of art, history, and relaxation.

🌟 Highlights: Kensington Palace, Italian Gardens, Serpentine Gallery, Queen Victoria Statue

🎭 Things To Do

• Visit Kensington Palace for a Royal memory lane.
• Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Orangery.
• Walk and enjoy a picnic through London's biggest park.
• Take your children to the Diana Memorial Playground.
• Unwind and watch the swans, geese and ducks around the round pond.

📜 Heritage: Originally part of Hyde Park, where Henry VIII conducted deer chases, it became a separate palace garden under William & Mary in 1689.

📍 Location: London Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, Central London

🚇 Nearby Metro Stations: Queensway, Lancaster Gate, High Street Kensington, Notting Hill Gate

3. The Green Park London

A Sunny Stroll Under the Trees at Green Park

👑 Officially recognised as a Royal Park

There is no better place to unwind and stroll in shadowed calm amid London's historic heart than The Green Park, which is flanked by mature trees and lush lawns and was once a hunting ground reclaimed by Charles II in 1660, just steps from Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly.

🌟 Highlights: Canada Memorial, Memorial Gates, Bomber Command Memorial

🎭 Things To Do

• Visit the Buckingham Palace, which is in proximity.
• Enjoy some peaceful and relaxing time on the open lawns.
• Walk through several trails shaded by tall trees.

📜 Heritage: In 1660, Charles II created 'Upper St James's Park' to connect Hyde Park and St James's Park. Queen Caroline transformed it with ornamental features and officially opened Green Park in 1826.

📍 Location: London Borough of Westminster, Central London

🚇 Nearby Metro Stations: Queensway, Lancaster Gate, High Street Kensington, Notting Hill Gate

4. St James's Park in London

St. James Park in London

👑 Officially recognised as a Royal Park

Its ornamental lake, elegant gardens, and abundance of wildlife make St James's Park a royal landscape with a timeless charm. Pelicans glide through the water, visitors can wander through flower displays, and enjoy peaceful views framed by historic sites. With charming cafes and plenty of green space, it's a place to pause, explore, and soak up a classic park atmosphere.

🌟 Highlights: Blue Bridge, Duck Island Cottage, Buckingham Palace Views

🎭 Things To Do

• Witness the Changing of the Guards.
• Take the best photos of London by crossing the Blue Bridge.
• Relax by the lake and enjoy gorgeous landscaped gardens.
• Watch the pelicans being fed daily between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm.

📜 Heritage: It was formerly a medieval leper hospital, but Henry VIII enclosed it as a royal deer park in 1532, and King James I and Charles II reshaped it with ornamental ponds and open public access.

📍 Location: London Borough of Westminster, Central London

🚇 Nearby Metro Stations: St. James's Park, Westminster, Victoria, Charing Cross

5. the regent's park london

A Colourful Summer Scene in Regent’s Park Rose Garden

👑 Officially recognised as a Royal Park

In Regent's Park, beauty and design meet nature and leisure. This park offers a relaxing atmosphere with lush gardens, tree-lined paths, and tranquil lakes for strolling or simply relaxing. There are many attractions at London Zoo, including the celebrated rose gardens, the wildlife at London Zoo, and lots of open spaces that can be enjoyed for picnics and play. The park offers an ideal escape into tranquillity and greenery with its cafes and peaceful corners.

🌟 Highlights: London Zoo, Queen Mary's Rose Gardens, Primrose Hill Viewpoint, Tree-lined Avenues.

🎭 Things To Do

• Visit the ZSL London Zoo.
• Watch a performance at the open-air theatre. Most common between May to September.
• Climb Primrose Hill for stunning sunset views.
• Walk along the park's wide open spaces.
• Row or pedal along the boating lake.

📜 Heritage: During the early 1800s, Regent's Park, formerly Marylebone Park, became an elegant pleasure garden created by John Nash and the Prince Regent, while Primrose Hill became Crown land in 1841.

📍 Location: London Borough of Westminster, Central/North London

🚇 Nearby Metro Stations: Regent's Park, Great Portland Street, Warren Street, Baker Street, Camden Town

6. Richmond Park London

Richmond Park, the Largest Park in London, is filled with Wild Red Deer

👑 Officially recognised as a Royal Park

Richmond Park is a place where nature thrives and history unfolds. There is a timeless sense of wilderness in the meadows and woodlands as deer roam freely. There is a rare glimpse of natural beauty within a royal setting in this park. Visitors can stroll along peaceful trails and discover colourful blooms in the Isabella Plantation. The park has ponds alive with wildlife and wildflowers.

🌟 Highlights: Free-roaming Deer Herds, Pen Ponds, King Henry's Mound viewpoint

🎭 Things To Do

• Spot deer herds while walking or cycling. Always keep a safe distance.
• Walk or cycle the Tamsain Trail, a 12km full circling route.
• Birdwatch at Pen Ponds.
• Explore the Isabella Plantation during late spring for stunning floral displays.

📜 Heritage: From the medieval Manor of Sheen, Richmond Park was enclosed as a royal deer park by Charles I in 1637 and later designated as a National Nature Reserve.

📍 Location: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Southwest London

🚇 Nearby Overground Stations: Richmond Station

7. Greenwich Park in London

Greenwich Park in London

👑 Officially recognised as a Royal Park

The Royal Park of Greenwich combines history, science, and nature. It offers a variety of spaces to walk, picnic, or simply relax, from elegant gardens to wide green slopes. On its hilltop paths, visitors can take in sweeping views of the city, stroll through rose and herb gardens, or explore historic landmarks. A mix of heritage and tranquillity, this green space is an inspiring place to explore.

🌟 Highlights: Royal Observatory & Prime Meridian Line, Panoramic Hilltop Views, Queen's House, Natural Maritime Museum

🎭 Things To Do

• Climb all the way to the Royal Observatory Hill for the best London views.
• Stroll to the Deer Park and try to spot a deer.
• Relax on the open lawns with riverside views.
• Walk downhill to Greenwich Market for food, antiques, and artisan stalls.

📜 Heritage: In the 1660s, Charles II transformed Greenwich Park into a grand Baroque landscape after it was enclosed by the Duke of Gloucester in 1433.

📍 Location: London Borough of Greenwich, Southeast London

🚇 Nearby Metro Stations: North Greenwich (Then get a bus to central Greenwich)

8. Bushy Park London

Bushy Park, The Second-Largest Royal Park in London

👑 Officially recognised as a Royal Park

At Bushy Park, history and wildlife mingle in a royal sanctuary. The meadows and woodlands are dotted by herds of deer, giving it a timeless feel. There are a number of historic landmarks to admire, including the Diana Fountain and Chestnut Avenue, peaceful gardens like the Water Gardens and the Sunken Garden, and open spaces for sports and recreation. A great escape for everyone, it combines nature, heritage, and relaxation.

🌟 Highlights: Hampton Court Palace, Deer Watching, Diana Fountain, Waterhouse Woodland Gardens

🎭 Things To Do

• Enjoy a riverside stroll linking to Hampton Court Palace.
• Explore the Woodland Gardens in spring to enjoy the colourful blossoms.
• Walk or cycle along Chestnut Avenue for open views.

📜 Heritage: The park has a 4,000-year history, spanning Bronze Age barrows in the north and a Tudor royal deer park in the south.

📍 Location: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Southwest London

🚇 Nearby Train Stations: Teddington Station

9. Hampstead Heath London UK

Hampstead Heath London

Wild and open, Hampstead Heath feels far from the city. There is ample opportunity for wandering and unwinding as you explore rolling meadows, ancient woodlands, and peaceful ponds. The Heath offers visitors the opportunity to swim in natural bathing ponds, take in sweeping views from Parliament Hill, or simply enjoy the freedom it offers. The natural retreat offers sports facilities, trails, and hidden corners of greenery, making it a popular destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts.

🌟 Highlights: Bathing Ponds, Parliament Hill Viewpoint, Kenwood House

🎭 Things To Do

• Swim in a natural bathing pond.
• Hike to Parliament Hill for great sunrise or sunset views.
• Explore the 800 acres of open land by walking, jogging or even cycling.
• Explore one of the many playgrounds with your children.

📜 Heritage: The windswept high ground of Hampstead Heath was immortalised by Constable in the 1820s and preserved through a vigorous 19th-century battle against urbanisation.

📍 Location: London Borough of Camden, North London

🚇 Nearby Train Stations: Hampstead Heath, Gospel Oak

10. Holland Park Kensington London

Holland Park's Kyoto Garden Waterfall

Holland Park seamlessly blends history, nature, and culture. The grounds of a Jacobean mansion are now peaceful woodlands, manicured gardens, and hidden corners where charm can be found. You can wander through the peaceful Kyoto Garden to spot peacocks roaming freely, watch live performances at the intimate open-air theatre, or see koi ponds and waterfalls.

🌟 Highlights: Kyoto Garden, The Design Museum, Dutch Garden

🎭 Things To Do

• Have a picnic on the quiet lawns shaded by trees.
• Spot peacocks roaming the lawns.
• Enjoy entertainment at Opera Holland Park during the summer season.

📜 Heritage: A grand Jacobean castle once stood in Holland Park called Cope Castle, later Holland House, which hosted prominent Whigs and was mostly destroyed in WWII.

📍 Location: London Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, West London

🚇 Nearby Metro Stations: Holland Park, High Street Kensington

11. Battersea Park In London

Battersea Park's cherry blossoms in spring

Among the many treasures of Battersea Park, you will find history, nature, and creativity combining in vibrant harmony. Originally a place where duels and marsh taverns were held, it evolved through Victorian design, Festival of Britain transformations, and sports history. Besides peaceful lakes and art galleries, it's also home to a family-friendly zoo and festive events.

🌟 Highlights: Battersea Park Children's Zoo, Peace Pagoda, Boating Lake

🎭 Things To Do

• Row or pedal on the boating lake.
• Cycle and walk along the riverside paths.
• Several sports facilities are available, like tennis courts and running tracks.
• Relax and chill on the lawn and open spaces.

📜 Heritage: An 1846 Act of Parliament formally laid out Battersea Park, designed by James Pennethorne, and opened by Queen Victoria in 1858.

📍 Location: London Borough of Wandsworth, South London

🚇 Nearby Metro Stations: Sloane Square

12. Victoria Park in London

Victoria Park is the Largest Park in Tower Hamlets

In Victoria Park, beauty and community spirit combine for a lively green space. A scenic lake, treelined paths, and wide lawns make this a great place to walk, cycle, or simply relax. There are many cultural events and festivals held throughout the year that can be explored, such as the Chinese Pagoda and Victoria Park Garden, as well as participating in sporting activities. There is a unique blend of culture and nature in the park.

🌟 Highlights: Victoria Fountain, Chinese Pagoda Replica, Lakes and Ornamental Bridges

🎭 Things To Do

• Enjoy boating along the lakes.
• Explore markets and pop-up events.
• Walk or hike through the various paths of the park.
• Jog, rollerblade, or cycle on wide, tree-lined paths.

📜 Heritage: The park was opened in 1845 by Queen Victoria on former farmland and brickfields as East London's first ‘People’s Park’ by Sir James Pennethorne. In 1847, the Victoria Fountain was built by Baroness Burdett-Coutts with a pagoda from Hyde Park's Chinese Exhibition.

📍 Location: London Borough of Hackney, East London

🚇 Nearby Stations: Mile End, Bethnal Green, Cambridge Heath (Overground)

13. Crystal Palace Park London

Crystal Palace Park, London

Crystal Palace Park is a historic landscape rich in character and curiosity. Its gardens, lakes, and woodland trails include Victorian dinosaur sculptures, one of the earliest attempts at re-creating prehistoric life. It is possible for visitors to explore the park's hedge maze, play areas, sports and leisure facilities, or even lose themselves in the hedge maze. Throughout the year, there are festivals, special events, and areas that are open for picnics and walks, creating a park that blends heritage with lively community spirit.

🌟 Highlights: Italian Terraces, Crystal Palace Museum, The Maze

🎭 Things To Do

• Discover early palaeontology on the dinosaur trail.
• Take a stroll along the Italian terraces and ponder the splendour of the former palace.
• Enjoy the hedge maze with family and friends.
• For a taste of Victorian history, visit the Crystal Palace Museum.

📜 Heritage: In the 1850s, Crystal Palace Park was built to house the relocated Crystal Palace following the Great Exhibition, featuring dinosaur sculptures and Italian terraces. It is now Grade II-listed and is governed by the Crystal Palace Park Trust.

📍 Location: London Borough of Bromley, South London

🚇 Nearby Overground Stations: Crystal Palace, Penge West Station

14. Clapham Common Park

The Historic Victorian Bandstand at Clapham Common

Green spaces like Clapham Common are always buzzing with energy. This park is popular for walking, jogging, and outdoor sports thanks to its wide grassy lawns and tree-lined paths, as well as football pitches, tennis courts, and skateparks. In addition to its calm gardens, large-scale concerts, seasonal festivals, and fireworks displays, visitors can enjoy its energetic atmosphere. One of the city's most sociable green spaces, it's a popular place for relaxation and recreation.

🌟 Highlights: Victorian Bandstand, Holy Trinity Clapham

🎭 Things To Do

• Enjoy a picnic or a sunbath on its expansive lawns.
• Enjoy wide paths while running, cycling, or walking your dog.
• Play sports on football pitches, tennis courts, and cricket grounds.
• Observe birdlife and the water from the ponds.

📜 Heritage: Under the 1878 Metropolitan Commons Act, Clapham Common, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as shared grazing land, became one of London's largest protected open spaces.

📍 Location: London Borough of Lambeth, South London

🚇 Nearby Metro Stations: Clapham Common

15. Alexandra Park London

Stunning Sunset View over Alexandra Palace in Alexandra Park

A timeless green stage where nature, heritage, and discovery meet. The park was once conceived as a 'Palace for the People', its rolling meadows, secluded woodlands, boating lake, skate areas, and creative hubs hosting everything from daring funfairs to world-first television broadcasts, making every step feel both ancestral and contemporary.

🌟 Highlights: Alexandra Palace, Panoramic London Views, Rose Garden

🎭 Things To Do

• It is possible to ice skate at Alexandra Palace Ice Rink throughout the year.
• Take in a show, tour, or event at the restored Alexandra Palace Theatre.
• Visit the grounds to try archery or other outdoor activities.
• For refreshments, stop by the Palm Court Café & Bar inside the palace.
• Visit the nature conservation trails to see birds and wildlife.

📜 Heritage: Founded in 1863 as part of the 'People's Palace' vision, Alexandra Park was later safeguarded as a public space by the 1900 Alexandra Palace and Park Act.

📍 Location: London Borough of Haringey, North London

🚇 Nearby Train Station: Alexandra Palace

And that wraps up our guide to the best parks in London! The gardens of London offer something for everyone, whether you are seeking a landscape of royal splendour or a hidden green nook. We hope this guide has inspired you to explore these beautiful spaces at your next visit, and that these tips will assist you in doing so. 🌳✨

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Resources

• Royal Parks - https://www.royalparks.org.uk

Best Parks In London Photo sources

• Holland Park - Photo by Andrea De Santis from Pexels
• Battersea Park - AndyScott, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Victoria Park - Stevekeiretsu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Crystal Palace Park - Ewan-M, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Clapham Common Park - Ptamb, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Alexandra Palace Park - Jack Rose, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Green Park - Image by Lisa DiAntonio from Pixabay
• Bushy Park - Photo by Josh Goddard on Unsplash
• Hampstead Heath - Photo by Krisztina Anna Berecz on Unsplash
• Hyde Park - Leonard Bentley, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Richmond Park in London - Image by Maciej Cieslak from Pixabay

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