Hyde Park
MAP | WEST LONDON
This vast open space in the heart of the city is packed with things to discover. At its heart is the Serpentine, boasting panoramic lake-side paths, waterfront cafes, the official Royal Parks shop, and an abundance of wildlife to spot. Look out for the heron under the bridge – and hardy swimmers at the Lido, home to the oldest swimming club in Britain.
For a tranquil visit, explore the winding paths and picturesque meadows in the north of the park or head for the rose garden, near to sandy Rotten Row – a historic route that ran from Kensington Palace to Whitehall.
Opening times (pedestrian gate): 5am – midnight
Green Park
MAP | WEST LONDON
With its shaded avenues of mature trees and stretches of picturesque grassland, it’s the perfect place to get away from it all. Step inside and slow down.
While the north-eastern corner of the park is popular with sunbathers and picnickers, elsewhere the charm of The Green Park lies in its simplicity. There are no formal beds of flowers here. Instead, this is a place to enjoy the play of sunlight through leaves, the sway of wildflower meadows and the song of visiting birds.
5am – midnight
St. James Park
MAP | WEST LONDON
There’s always something to see here – from soldiers in scarlet tunics marching down The Mall to bright beds of flowers bursting with blooms. Don’t miss the classic London views from the lake, where you should also keep an eye out for the famous pelicans who call the park home. Did you know that pelicans have been kept at the park since 1664, when a Russian ambassador presented them to King Charles II? You can often find them perched on benches by the lake, graciously greeting visitors from around the world.
If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, wander along the peaceful lakeside path where you can admire the spectacular trees and abundance of colorful waterbirds. There’s always something new to discover in this historic landscape – from spring bulbs to autumn colors.
5am – midnight
Chelsea Physic Garden
MAP | WEST LONDON, CHELSEA
Established in 1673, by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London, Chelsea Physic Garden is home to over 4,500 medicinal, edible and useful plants. Open Sunday – Friday, visitors can explore the historic glasshouses, discover the plant collection, or simply relax and enjoy the four-acres of green space in central London.
Open: Sunday – Friday, 11am – 5pm
Regent’s Park
MAP | CENTRAL LONDON
If you’re after horticultural excellence, head for Queen Mary’s Gardens. In the summer, when the heady scent of 12,000 jewel-like roses fills the air, you’ll understand why poet Sylvia Plath described it as a ‘wonderland’. Next, visit Avenue Gardens for vibrant floral displays that wrap around historic fountains and ornate planters.
Over 120 species of bird can be seen at The Regent’s Park each year. And it’s not just birds – the park is even home to London’s only breeding population of hedgehogs. With 5,000 varieties of tree, areas of wild meadow and precious historic grasslands, wildlife thrives here.
Open 5am – 9:30pm
Hampstead Heath
MAP | NORTH LONDON
Hampstead Heath is a wild park of woodland and meadows sprawling over 800 acres and boasts some of the most spectacular views in the city. This is the park that inspired C.S. Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia, that Constable spent his final years painting, and Londoners of all stripes have been coming here to escape the city for over 200 years.
Today, there are few better ways to spend a Sunday in London than with a lazy ramble on the Heath, followed by a pint, or a roast, at one of our wonderful local pubs. The swimming ponds – particularly the ladies’ and men’s – hold almost mystical status among those brave enough to take a dip. Come to fly your kite on Parliament Hill, bring a picnic, and while away your afternoon.
Open 24/7
Holland Park
MAP | WEST LONDON
Holland Park is spread across 54 acres of what used to be the grounds of Cope Castle, a large Jacobean mansion hidden in the woods. Sir Walter Cope built it in the early 17th century. He became Chancellor of the Exchequer under King James 1.
Holland House was badly damaged during World War 2. One wing was saved and is used as a youth hostel. A section of the front terrace was saved. This is used for the park’s summertime open-air theatre productions and classical concerts.
7.30am until dusk
Kew Gardens
MAP | KEW
Wander through beautiful glasshouses such as the iconic Palm House, home to an exotic rainforest; explore different climate zones at the Princess of Wales Conservatory; or be amazed by the giant lily pads at the Waterlily House.
Enjoy floral displays from more than 60,000 plants along the Great Broad Walk Borders or spot some of the 14,000 trees in the colorful Arboretum. The gardens also include the ornate Great Pagoda and Kew Palace – the former summer residence of King George III. For a bird’s-eye view of the gardens, walk along the 18-meter high (59ft) Treetop Walkway.
The nearest Tube station to Kew Gardens is Kew Gardens (District line), which is 500 meters from the Victoria Gate entrance. This station also connects to the London Overground network.
Weekdays, 10am to 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Weekends and Bank Holidays, 10am to 8pm (last entry 7pm)
Richmond Park
MAP | RICHMOND
Spend the day in the company of kestrels, fallow and red deer, and meadow butterflies.
Around the perimeter of the park, you’ll find the Tamsin Trail – a scenic route of just over 7 miles, popular with joggers and hikers. For a more leisurely visit, head to pretty Pembroke Lodge. This historic Georgian mansion boasts elegant tea rooms and picturesque gardens with sweeping views over the Thames Valley.
Pedestrian gates 24/7
