Best parks in London

St James’s Park

Perhaps the most royal of London’s royal parks, St James’s Park is literally the king’s front garden. Situated in central London between Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall and Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park provides a serene retreat amidst the bustling cityscape. This historic park, dating back to the 16th century, covers 57 acres of lush greenery, vibrant flower beds and a picturesque lake home to a variety of waterfowl, including its iconic pelicans.

Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along tree-lined pathways, take in stunning views of Buckingham Palace from the Blue Bridge, or relax on the expansive lawns. The park's beautifully landscaped gardens and tranquil environment offer a perfect escape for both Londoners and tourists alike, making it a quintessential stop on any visit to the city. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply seeking a peaceful spot to unwind, St James’s Park delivers an unforgettable experience.

Hyde Park

Fun fact: This iconic 350-acre park was once Henry VIII's hunting ground! Established in 1536, Hyde Park opened to the public in 1637 and quickly became the stage for May Day parades and aristocratic duels. From royal hunts to rock concerts and revolutionary speeches, Hyde Park has always been London's most iconic green oasis.

Regent’s Park

Ah, Regent's Park—where London's charm blooms across 410 lush acres of sheer splendour. This Royal Park, nestled snugly between Westminster and Camden, is a veritable Eden of history, horticulture, and highbrow hijinks. 

Back in the 1500s, Henry VIII nabbed the land during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, likely envisioning a serene hunting ground. Fast forward to the 1810s and the Prince Regent, with an eye for grandiosity, enlisted John Nash to transform it into a playground for the elite, and the parks grandeur persists to this day…

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is a tranquil retreat just half an hour from central London. It covers over 790 acres and offers a mix of woodlands, meadows, open spaces and several ponds. There are three ponds available for open eater swimming - one solely for men, one solely for women, and one mixed. Wildlife enthusiasts will spot plenty of diverse species such as woodpeckers, kingfishers, and owls, while culture vultures can explore Kenwood House.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park, fondly known as the People's Park, has been a green oasis in Tower Hamlets since 1845. Originally designed for the East End's working class, it has transformed over the years into a hotspot for community activities, live music, and sports. The West Park features a picturesque boating lake, home to ducks, geese, and swans, as well as the recently renovated Chinese Pagoda, accessible by the intricately designed Pennethorne Bridge.

Nearby, the Pavilion Cafe offers delightful treats, from Sri Lankan breakfasts to saffron buns – a bit pricey but worth every penny.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was created for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and is a lasting legacy for East London. Spanning over 560 acres of formerly-industrial land, the now green and vibrant space also features several world-class sporting venues and facilities, as well as the famous AcelorMittal Orbit sculpture.

Battersea Park

Battersea Park is a 200-acre public park that runs along the south bank of the River Thames in the London Borough of Wandsworth, a huge green oasis that offers a diverse range of attractions and activities. Opened in 1858, this Victorian park boasts beautiful gardens, wide-open spaces, and scenic riverside views. From calm walkers to pumped-up joggers and adventurous climbers, there really is something for everyone in Battersea Park.

Crystal Palace Park

Crystal Palace Park is a sprawling Grade II* listed oasis in south-east London. Originally created as a pleasure ground surrounding the iconic Crystal Palace—relocated here from Hyde Park after the 1851 Great Exhibition—this park has a history as captivating as its panoramic views. Nestled atop Sydenham Ridge, it offers sweeping vistas of London to the north and the North Downs to the south, ensuring that visitors are as uplifted by the scenery as they are by its rich heritage.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest of London's Royal Parks, a sprawling 2,500-acre expanse originally used as a hunting gound by King Henry VIII. Amazingly, some ancient trees from his time still stand, bearing silent witness to centuries of history. The park’s star residents are undoubtedly its 650 free-roaming deer, who make a majestic sight against the backdrop of rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and expansive grasslands.

Finsbury Park

An oasis of calm and tranquility in North London that can also get rowdy for international music events like the annual Wireless Festival. With plentiful green space, gardens, and even a boating lake and duck pond, its a great place to come with kids. Quite uniquely, Finsbury Park also has a great Parkland Walk, a linear trail that follows a former railway line for 4 kilometres with a Wildlife Trail planted and maintained by local volunteers. 

Finsbury Park is also the home of the national championship-winning London Mets baseball team, and now the Museum of Homelessness.

Holland Park

An idyllic public park in London's 'Millionaire's Row', where you can reasonably expect to spot celebrities and even peacocks amidst the perfectly-maintained Kyoto Gardens. Visitors can also enjoy the formal Dutch  Garden and the Fukushgima Memorial Garden, but there’s far more to see and do than that - the park covers 56 acres with semi-woodland areas (and attendant wildlife) to the north, as well as a brilliant adventure playground and even a top-notch Italian restaurant!

Brockwell Park

A sprawling 125-acre park famed for the Brockwell Lido; locals and visitors have been flocking here for a summer swim since back in the 1930s, and the lido retains its original design. 

Every year Brockwell Park plays host to the brilliant Lambeth Country Show, a free festival of horticulture and arts that drew over 120,000 attendees for its 50th anniversary in 2024.