A Guide to The Best Parks in London

London is renowned for its historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and maybe surprisingly, it’s greenery! With 3,000 parks across the city, Greater London is made up of roughly 47% greenery. These green spaces offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing locals and tourists alike with an opportunity to unwind, explore and enjoy nature. Gardens, and private outdoor space, is quite limited in London properties, so you’ll find London Parks are full of people and life!

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll, a picnic spot, or a place to engage in outdoor activities, London’s parks cater to all preferences. As a Londoner, here are my favourite parks to go for unwinding and meeting up with friends.

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is a vast, ancient heath in North London, spanning 790 acres. Known for its rich history and natural beauty, it offers a blend of woodlands, meadows and ponds. What makes Hampstead Heath unique is its mix of untamed wilderness and well-maintained facilities.

My favourite place in Hampstead Heath is the Pergola and Hill Gardens. I love strolling along the raised walkways of this Edwardian Pergola, that’s covered in vines and pretty flowers. Another favourite part of mine are the famous Hampstead Ponds, perfect to swimming in the summer. Although braver swimmers face the waters year-round. For more views over London, walk up to Parliament Hill where you can spot the Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral. There are numerous trails and open spaces to explore.

The nearby village of Hampstead is perfect for a post-walk coffee or meal. If you’re visiting Hampstead, be sure to pop into one of the quaint, local pubs!

Location: North-West London. Nearest stations Hampstead Heath, Gospel Oak and Hampstead.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, Hampstead Heath Official Site

Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park, another of London’s Royal Parks, covers 410 acres and is located in the heart of the city. It is known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, boating lake and the famous ZSL London Zoo. The park also features the Queen Mary’s Gardens, home to over 12,000 roses, and the Open Air Theatre, which hosts performances during the summer months. To the north of Regent’s Park you’ll find Primrose Hill, an elevated point in the park that provides excellent views over London. This is definitely a place to come during sunset with a blanket and some drinks (particularly if you’re looking for date ideas!).

It’s also home to a number of events every year, my favourite being the Taste of London. This 5 day food and drink festival is the perfect way to kick of summer each year.

Regent’s Park is a go-to for the city’s cyclists, who frequent the park to do laps. If you’re looking for a place to cycle, especially away from London’s dangerous roads, Regent’s Park is a must! The nearby areas of Marylebone and Camden offer a variety of dining and entertainment options, from Camden Market to Madame Tussards and the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

Location: Central London – nearest stations are Baker Street, Regents Park & Great Portland Street.

Opening Hours: 5am – 9:30pm Regent’s Park Official Site

Holland Park

Nestled in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Holland Park is a picturesque haven, covering 54 acres. It is renowned for its serene Kyoto Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden complete with koi pond, waterfall and stone lanterns. The park also features extensive woodland, formal gardens and an open-air theatre.

Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, visit the Holland Park Café, or explore the Holland House ruins. My favourite parts are the Kyoto Gardens, Dutch Gardens and the woodland trails. Holland Park has Kensington High Street on one side and Notting Hill on the other. Both great areas for shopping, cafes and restaurants.

Location: West London – nearest stations are Holland Park & Kensington Olympia. Holland Park Official Site.

Opening Hours: 7.30am until 30 minutes before dusk.

Kensington Gardens & Hyde Park

Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park together form one of London’s largest green spaces, offering 625 acres of lush parkland. Hyde Park is famous for its large boating lake, the Serpentine, and the historic Speaker’s Corner.

Kensington Gardens is home to the magnificent Kensington Palace and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. Both parks provide numerous opportunities for leisure activities such as boating, cycling, and horse riding. The parks’ central location makes them easily accessible and ideal for a day out.

Hyde Park holds a number of big events throughout the year, from BST Hyde Park music festival, to Winter Wonderland at Christmas.

Location: Central London. Nearest stations are Hyde Park Corner, Lancaster Gate, Queensway, Knightsbridge and High Street Kensington.

Opening Hours: 5am-midnight – Hyde Park Official Site and 6am-9:45pm Kensington Gardens Official Site.

St James’s Park and Green Park

St James’s Park, the oldest Royal Park in London, is located in the heart of the city. With its beautiful flower beds, lake, and views of Buckingham Palace, it offers a serene escape amidst the city’s landmarks. Unique features include the Blue Bridge, which provides iconic views of the London Eye and St James’s Palace. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including pelicans and squirrels, and regularly hosts ceremonial events.

Green Park, one of London’s eight Royal Parks, is a serene and scenic escape located between Hyde Park and St James’s Park. Unlike its neighbouring parks, Green Park is known for its more natural and minimalist landscape, with mature trees and open grassland rather than formal flowerbeds. It’s a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Both parks are near many popular tourist attractions such as The Mall, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and Horse Guards Parade.

Location: Central London, Nearest station is St. James Park, Westminster and Green Park

Opening Hours: 5am- Midnight. St. James Park Official Site and Green Park’s Official Site.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a botanical paradise located in Southwest London. Spanning 300 acres, it boasts the world’s largest and most diverse collection of living plants. My favourite areas to explore here are the Palm House and the Temperate House. I also love the Treetop Walkway, which provide stunning aerial views of the gardens, and the Great Pagoda. This is a restored 1762 pagoda decorated with colourful dragons with views over London from the top.

Kew Gardens is also home to art galleries, a lake, and numerous themed gardens. It’s a must-visit for plant enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. You’ll find a various events are on throughout the year, with the most notable probably being the Christmas Light show held between November and Early-Jan.

Once you’ve finished exploring the gardens, head over to the charming village of Kew. There are a number of quaint cafes and shops to explore around here. Be aware that you’ll need to buy a ticket to view some parts of Kew Gardens, like the Palm House.

Location: South-West London, Nearest station is Kew Gardens

Opening Hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm (last entrance 6pm) Kew Gardens Official Site.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park, the largest of London’s Royal Parks, covers 2,500 acres and is famous for its herds of free-roaming deer. This expansive park offers a taste of the countryside within the city, featuring woodlands, grasslands, and ponds. Key attractions include the Isabella Plantation, a stunning woodland garden, and King Henry’s Mound, which provides a protected view of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Richmond Park is perfect for walking, running, cycling, and horse riding. Along with Regent’s Park, Richmond Park is very popular amongst cyclists, particularly in the summer and before/after work. Be aware of vehicles if you do come here to cycle as the roads are open to cars.

Once you’ve finished exploring Richmond Park, be sure to head to Richmond town! There are a number of shopping and dining options. I love to come here and sit by the river in the summer.

Location: South-West London, Nearest station is Richmond.

Opening Hours: 7am-9pm. Richmond Park Official Site.

Bushy Park

Bushy Park, located near Hampton Court Palace, is the second largest Royal Park, spanning 1,100 acres. It is known for its beautiful waterways, abundant wildlife, and historical features such as the Diana Fountain. The park’s Longford River and numerous ponds make it a haven for birdwatching and fishing. This makes Bushy Park a great place for enjoying picnics, sports, and dog walking.

Bushy Park is also home to the very first Parkrun – a free 5km walk/run held every Saturday morning. Since the inaugural run in Bushy Park, Parkrun is now held across thousands of parks around the world every Saturday morning.

The park is adjacent to Hampton Court Palace, providing a perfect combination of natural beauty and historical exploration. I would recommend coming here for a day trip to really make the most of the park, exploring Hampton Court Palace and the surrounding area.

Location: South-West London. Nearest stations are Hampton, Hampton Wick, Teddington and Hampton Court (these are all Rail lines and not London Underground).

Opening Hours: 6:30am – 9pm. Bushy Parks Official Site.

Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and offers a mix of historic sites and green spaces. Covering 180 acres, it provides spectacular views of the River Thames and the London skyline from its elevated points. This makes is a great place to have a watch the sunset! The park is also home to the Royal Observatory, the Prime Meridian Line and the National Maritime Museum and a deer park.

There’s a lot to see and do in Greenwich Park, so i’d recommend setting aside a day to explore the park and Greenwich itself. The surrounding area of Greenwich is also full of things to do, from the Cutty Sark to the bustling Greenwich Market nearby. Read more on the best things to do in Greenwich.

Location: South-East London. Nearest stations are Greenwich and Maze Hill.

Opening Hours: 6am – 9:30pm, Green Park Official Site.

Brockwell Park

Located in South London, Brockwell Park spans 126 acres and is a local favourite for its scenic beauty and community vibe. The park features rolling meadows, ornamental gardens, and a historic walled garden. One of its main attractions is Brockwell Lido, an art deco outdoor swimming pool open year-round. The Brockwell Lido offers great relief from the summer weather and I loved coming here when I lived nearby.

Brockwell Park is also known for its sports facilities, including tennis courts and a BMX track, as well as hosting events like the Lambeth Country Show. The park offers panoramic views of the city skyline and is close to the bustling neighbourhood of Brixton.

Location: South London, Nearest Station: Brixton, Tulse Hill.

Opening Hours: Brockwell Park Official Site