the 14 best parks in london

Uncovering London's Top Parks for Relaxation and Adventure

What better way to spend your holiday if not visiting some of the best parks in London? They are some of the most beautiful parks in the world, and they are all free to visit.

These London parks are perfect for a peaceful stroll or even a family picnic. Events are usually held in some of these parks such as the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park during the Christmas season.

Stunning Parks in London

The following is our choice of the best parks to visit in London. Under each park, we also provide the district the park is located and the closest underground station including an approximate distance and walking time.

hyde Park in london

Hyde Park London

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.

Among other activities, visitors can boat on the Serpentine Lake, cycle, horse ride, or simply stroll. Concerts, festivals, and outdoor theatre performances are also frequently held at the park throughout the year. In 2007, Hyde Park hosted its first Winter Wonderland festival.

Neighbourhood/District: Hyde Park, City of Westminster

Closest underground stations:

• Hyde Park Corner Station arrives with the Piccadilly Line (Dark Blue) at a distance of 0.4 miles or 0.6 kilometres. Walking time 8 minutes.
• Marble Arch Station arrives with the Central Line (Blue) at a distance of 0.6 miles or 1.0 kilometres. The walking time is approximately 12 minutes.
• Lancaster Gate Station arrives with the Central Line (Blue) at a distance of 0.2 miles  (0.32 kilometres). Walking time is a few minutes as it is just across the road.
• Queensway Station arrives with the Central Line (Blue) at a distance of 0.2 miles  (0.32 kilometres). Walking time is a few minutes as it is just across the road. It is on the same road adjacent to Hyde Park.
  

the regent's park london

Regents Park London.

Regent’s Park is the largest grass area for sports in Central London. An ambience of relaxation is created by the lush gardens, tree-lined paths, and open spaces. The park's beautiful spaces were designed by John Nash in 1811 to accommodate the many daily visitors.

The beautiful rose gardens, spacious open spaces, and lakeside relaxation are some of the activities visitors can enjoy. It is also the home of the London Zoo with over 750 species of animals. A perfect day out is made easy with the park's cafes and restaurants.

Neighbourhood/District: Regent's Park, City of Westminster

Closest underground stations:

• Regent's Park Station with the Bakerloo Line (Brown) and a distance of 0.2 miles (0.3 kilometres). Just 4 minute walk.
• Great Portland Street Station served with Hammersmith & City Line (Pink), Circle Line (Yellow) and Metropolitan Line (Purple). A distance of 0.3 miles / 0.5 kilometres. Walking time of 6 minutes.
• Warren Street Station with Victoria Line (Light Blue) and Northern Line (Black). A distance of 0.5 miles / 0.8 kilometres. Walking time of 10 minutes
• Baker Street Station with Bakerloo (Brown), Hammersmith & City Line (Pink), Circle Line (Yellow), Jubilee Line (Grey) and Metropolitan Line (Magenta). With a distance of 0.6 miles or 1.0 kilometre and a walk of around 12 minutes.
• Camden Town Station is served by the Northern Line (Black). A distance of 0.9 miles / 1.4 kilometres and 18 minutes walking time.
  

Richmond Park london

Two deers at Richmond Park London

Richmond Park is a large and stunning park located in southwest London, covering over 2,500 acres. Deer roam freely within the park's grounds, making it a unique attraction. There are numerous walking trails in the park, which provide stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

As well as numerous gardens and ponds, the park is known for its impressive collection of plants and flowers, including the Isabella Plantation. Wildflowers, birds, bats, beetles, grasses, and fungi inhabit the park.

Neighbourhood/District: Richmond, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Closest underground station: There are no underground stations near Richmond Park.

• Richmond Station (overground) District Line (Green). A distance of 3.5 miles / 5.6 kilometres and approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes walking distance to reach the park.

Railway/Train Station: Since there is no metro, you can use other forms of transportation such as trains and buses to reach the park.

• Norbiton Station (Southwestern Railway): Distance of 2.80 miles / 4.5 kilometres. The time by bus from the railway to the park is 15 to 20 minutes.
  
• Kingston Station (Southwestern Railway). Distance of 3.5 miles / 5.6 kilometres. Time by Bus from the railway to the park is 20 to 25 minutes.

St James's Park in london

St. James Park in London

In the heart of London, right next to Buckingham Palace, St. James's Park is a beautiful royal park. The picturesque lake in the park is home to a wide variety of waterfowl, including pelicans, ducks, and swans. It offers stunning views of Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament, as well as several iconic London landmarks.

Over 12,000 roses of different varieties can be found in the Rose Garden, one of the park's many gardens. Cafes and restaurants make it a perfect spot for a relaxing day out.

Neighbourhood/District: St. James's, City of Westminster

Closest underground station:+

• St. James's Park Station with District Line (Green) and Circle Line (Yellow). A distance of 0.3 miles or 0.5 kilometres. Walking time of 6 minutes.
• Westminster Station with District Line (Green), Circle Line (Yellow) and Jubilee (Grey). A distance of 0.3 miles or 0.5 kilometres. Walking time of 5 minutes.
• Victoria Station with Victoria Line (Light Blue), District Line (Green) and Circle Line (Yellow). A distance of 0.6 miles or 1.0 kilometres. Walking time of 10 minutes.
• Charing Cross Station with Bakerloo (Brown) and Northern Line (Black). A distance of 0.8 miles or 1.3 kilometres. Walking time of 15 minutes.

Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park in London

There are several iconic attractions in Greenwich Park, including the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum, and the Queen's House, which is located in South East London. The park's hilltop provides a panoramic view of London, providing stunning views of the city skyline.

There are also several gardens in the park, including a herb garden, rose garden, and flower garden. It is a perfect place to spend a relaxing day out cycling, picnicking, and walking its many paths and trails.

Neighbourhood/District: Greenwich, Royal Borough of Greenwich

Closest underground station:

• North Greenwich Station is served by Jubilee Line (Grey) which is the closest. Distance of 1.5 miles / 2.4 kilometres. The walking time is approximately 30 minutes.
• Cutty Sark Station - DLR - Around a 15-minute walk to the park's Northwest entrance. A distance of around 0.8 miles or 1.3 kilometres.
  
• Greenwich Station - Southeastern rail and DLR - A 20-minute walk to the park's Northwest entrance with a distance of around 1 mile or 1.6 kilometres.
• Maze Hill Station - Southeastern rail - A 15-minute walk to the park's Northeast entrance, a distance of 0.8 miles or 1.3 kilometres.

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath London

The peace of Hampstead Heath is a mere four miles from central London Covering 790 acres. Visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city flock here. A popular swimming and sunbathing spot during the summer is Hampstead Pond, one of several ponds in the park. Parliament Hill in the park also offers stunning views of London.

Several sports facilities are also available at Hampstead Heath, including tennis courts and a running track. Hikers and nature lovers will love the park's large open areas and wooded areas.

Neighbourhood/District: Hampstead, London Borough of Camden

Closest underground stations are at a reasonable distance from the park.

• Hampstead Station - Northern Line (Black) - This station is the closest to Hampstead Heath, located about a 15-minute walk from the park's South entrance. The distance from Hampstead Station to Hampstead Heath is around 0.8 miles or 1.3 kilometres.
• Belsize Park Station - Northern Line (Black) - This station is about a 15-minute walk to the park's Southeast entrance, covering a distance of around 0.9 miles or 1.4 kilometres.
• Gospel Oak Station - London Overground - This station is about a 15-minute walk to the park's Northeast entrance, covering a distance of around 0.8 miles or 1.3 kilometres.
• Kentish Town Station - Northern Line (Black) and Thameslink - This station is about a 25-minute walk to the park's Northwest entrance, covering a distance of around 1.2 miles or 1.9 kilometres.

Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens London

In central London, Kensington Gardens is a gorgeous park that is shared by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster. There are several attractions and activities visitors can enjoy, including strolling through the Italian Gardens, which features several fountains, statues, and a beautiful water garden.

Additionally, Kensington Palace, which is home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Albert Memorial are located in the park. Several cafes and restaurants in the park offer a perfect London retreat.

Neighbourhood/District: Kensington, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Closest underground station:

• Queensway Station with Central Line (Blue) This station is the closest to Kensington Gardens, located about 7 minute's walk from the park's North entrance. A distance of around 0.2 miles or 0.3 kilometres.
• Lancaster Gate Station - Central Line (Blue). This station is about a 10-minute walk to the park's South entrance, covering a distance of around 0.5 miles or 0.8 kilometres.
• High Street Kensington Station - District Line (Green) and Circle Line (Yellow). About a 15-minute walk to the park's East entrance with a distance of around 0.7 miles or 1.1 kilometres.
• Notting Hill Gate Station - District Line (Green), and Circle Line (Yellow). About a 20-minute walk to the park's West entrance with a distance of around 1 mile or 1.6 kilometres.

Victoria Park in london

Located in East London, Victoria Park is a beautiful park in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Along the park's many walking trails, you can jog, walk, and cycle. There are two lakes east and west that are great for fishing. Several sports facilities are also available, such as tennis courts, basketball courts, and cricket pitches.

The Chinese Pagoda and the fragrant Victoria Park Garden are among the many gardens found in the park. Several events throughout the year, including music festivals, open-air film screenings, and cultural events are held here.

Neighbourhood/District: Hackney, Tower Hamlets

Closest underground station: 

• Mile End Station served by the District Line (Green) and Central Line (Blue) - This station is the closest to Victoria Park, located about a 10-minute walk. A distance of 1.5 miles / 2.4 kilometres.
•  from the park's South entrance. The distance from Mile End Station to Victoria Park is around 0.5 miles or 0.8 kilometres.
• Bethnal Green Station - Central Line (Blue) - A 15-minute walk to the park's Southeast entrance, covering a distance of around 0.8 miles or 1.3 kilometres.
• Cambridge Heath Station - London Overground - A 15-minute walk to the park's Northwest entrance, covering a distance of around 0.8 miles or 1.3 kilometres.
• Hackney Wick Station - London Overground - A 20-minute walk to the park's Northeast entrance, covering a distance of around 1 mile or 1.6 kilometres.

Crystal Palace Park

Crystal Palace Park is steeped in history offering a range of attractions and activities like a skate park, children's play park, a maze, sports centre, and athletics track among others. The park is home to several Victorian-era dinosaur sculptures, which were some of the first life-size representations of creatures ever created.

Visitors can also explore the park's many lakes, gardens, and woodland areas, which are perfect for picnics, walks, and other outdoor activities. Various festivals and events are held throughout the year, making it a popular destination for families and tourists.

Neighbourhood/District: Crystal Palace, London Borough of Bromley

Closest underground station:

• Crystal Palace Station Overground and Southern rail. This is closest to the park, located in the town centre, with a 10-minute walk to the main entrance.
• Penge West Station (Overground) is a 15-minute walk from the Thicket Road entrance.
• Anerley Station (Overground) A 15-minute walk from the Thicket Road entrance.
• Sydenham Station Overground and Southern rail.  A 20-minute walk from the Sydenham Gate entrance.

Danson Park

Danson Park is a large 74-hectare public park in Bexley, South East London. There are several sports facilities, including water sports, where families with children can enjoy safe entertainment, including a boating lake, an adventure playground, and several sports attractions.

A football pitch and tennis courts are also included. A beautiful rose garden, ornamental fountains, and statues are also found in the park's formal gardens. A summer concert series and fireworks display are among the festivals and events held at the park.

Neighbourhood/District: Bexleyheath, London Borough of Bexley

Closest underground station: is Bexleyheath Station (Overground) A distance of 2.3 miles / 3.7 kilometres and a walking time of approximately 45 minutes.

Bushy Park

Several herds of deer roam freely throughout Bushy Park, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. There are also several historic landmarks in the park's woodlands, including the Diana Fountain and Chestnut Avenue. Several cricket pitches and a golf course are also available in the park.

Additionally, the park has several gardens, including the Water Gardens and the Sunken Garden, which are perfect for picnics and relaxing. Sporty enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers will love Bushy Park.

Neighbourhood/District: Hampton, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Closest underground station: Teddington Station (South Western Railway) A distance of 2.7 miles / 4.3 kilometres, 55 minutes walk.

Battersea Park

South West London's Bushy Park offers visitors a variety of attractions and activities. A large royal park with a range of attractions where also wildlife enthusiasts flock to the park to see herds of deer roaming freely. Apart from woodlands, visitors can also explore the Diana Fountain and Chestnut Avenue, two historic landmarks.

Several sports facilities are available including a golf course and cricket pitches. Several gardens in the park, including Water Gardens and Sunken Garden, are perfect for picnics and relaxing.

Neighbourhood/District: Battersea, London Borough of Wandsworth

Closest underground station: Sloane Square Station (District Line (Green) and Circle Line (Yellow). A distance of 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometres) and a walking time of 35 minutes.

Lee Valley Regional Park

The Lee Valley Regional Park is a world-class sports and leisure destination in Greater London. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy the park's sports facilities and activities. There are miles of traffic-free cycle routes and a BMX track for adrenaline junkies. Athletics is also popular, with several national and international events being held at the state-of-the-art facility.

There are lakes and reservoirs for fishing and sailing, as well as a white water centre for kayaking and rafting. Golf courses, equestrian centres, football pitches, and an ice centre are also found in Lee Valley Regional Park.

Neighbourhood/District: Multiple boroughs, spanning Hertfordshire, Essex and Greater London

Closest underground station: Stratford / Stratford International is the nearest station which is a 20-minute walk from both stations.

Clapham Common

Sports and fitness enthusiasts can enjoy several walking, and jogging paths, several football pitches, tennis courts, and a skatepark at this popular destination in South West London. There are also several gardens in the park, including Holy Trinity Church Garden and Old Town Hall Garden.

Throughout the year, the park hosts several festivals and events, including the Picnic Rocks, the South West Four Festival and the Clapham Common Fireworks display. Fitness enthusiasts will also enjoy the park. Concerts with 45,000 people are held over the massive grassland.

Neighbourhood/District: Clapham, London Borough of Lambeth

Closest underground station: Clapham Common Station with Northern Line (Black). Distance of 0.2 miles / 0.3 kilometres. Walking time of around 4 minutes.

So we have reached the end of our guide to the best parks in London and we hope that this has given you a better insight into the parks in London. While here why not check out other free things to do in London.

Photo sources & resources

• Kensington Gardens - Image by Adam Hill from Pixabay
• Hampstead Heath - Photo by Amadeusz Misiak on Unsplash
• St. James Park London - Image by Oleg Ilyushin from Pixabay
• Regents Park - Tom Page from London, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Richmond Park in London - Image by Maciej Cieslak from Pixabay
• Parks of London UK - Image by Ana Gic from Pixabay
• Greenwich Park - Image by David Mark from Pixabay

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