From sunbathing and picnics, to long walks and bike rides, not to mention, summer concerts and theatre performances, there is always something to do in the parks of London. Here is an overview of our favourite, central parks in London.
Hyde Park
Located in heart of London, Hyde Park is the largest and probably, liveliest Royal Park in London. With bikes, boats, art galleries, and lakeside restaurants, there is something for everyone here. There are also tennis courts, tracks for horse riding and an amazing children’s playground.
The park is home to many beautiful buildings and monuments such as the Diana Memorial Fountain and the Serpentine Bridge. There are often open air events organised here as well as the tradition of Speaker’s Corner, where every Sunday, orators gather to express their opinions with those around.
Ice skating is also available every year between November and January.
Opening Times: 05:00-midnight
Nearest tube stations: Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge
https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park
Regent’s Park
Home to stunning rose gardens and a boating lake, this park was designed in 1811 by John Nash. It has the largest outdoor sports area in London, catering for all kinds of sports as well as being home to the London Zoo and the Open Air Theatre.
There are a number of Cafés to choose from such as the Garden Café, The Boathouse Café and the Tennis Centre Café. The most picturesque place in the park is the view from the top of Primrose Hill, with beautiful views across the whole city.
Opening Times: 05:00-21:30
Nearest Tube Station: Regent’s Park
https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is known for its abundance of deer and pastoral landscape and is located in South West London. It is full of wildlife and beautiful scenery, offering a peaceful park, less busy than those in the very centre of London. The woodland garden called the Isabella Plantation is particularly magnificent.
There are playgrounds, eateries, golf courses, places to fish and horse-riding tracks.
Opening Times: 07:30 – dusk in the winter
07:00 – dusk in the summer
Nearest Tube/ Train Station: Richmond
St James’s Park
This park is surrounded by three royal palaces, including Buckingham Palace, as well as the Horse Guards Parade and the Mall where ceremonial parades often take place. You can also see the pelicans being fed everyday at 2:30pm which is something not to be missed!
There is a children’s playground, a café and during the summer, you can rent deckchairs as you sunbathe in the sun.
Opening times: 05:00 – midnight
Nearest Tube station: St James’s Park
Victoria Park
Victoria park was the first public park in London, opened in 1845 in the East End of London, bordering Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
There are two cafés, The Pavilion Cafe in the West and the Park Cafe in the East, as well as two playgrounds on either side of the park and sporting facilities. The Victoria Splash Pool is open in the summer, which is great fun for children.
It is also used as a concert venue, hosting many festivals each year.
Opening Times: 07:00 – dusk
Nearest Tube Station: Mile End
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath offers a tranquil escape from the busy city, located just four miles from Trafalgar Square.
From Parliament Hill, there is a magnificent view across London as well as a zoo and butterfly house at Golders Hill Park. Activities include ponds, splash pools, sporting facilities and playgrounds.
Opening Times: 24 hours a day
Nearest Tube Station: Golders Green, Hampstead, Kentish Town
Nearest Train Station: Hampstead Heath, Gospel Oak
Clapham Common
Popular with joggers due to its large, flat, open spaces, Clapham Common offers a place to relax in the South West of London.
Sporting facilities, pubs, cafés and ponds surround the park as well as the largest bandstand in London where music concerts are often hosted in the summer.
Opening Times: 24 hours a day
Nearest Tube Stations: Clapham Common, Clapham South
We wish you a wonderful summer!