Although the first thoughts that spring to mind when thinking about London may be red buses and busy underground stations, there are lots of other sights to experience in the city. In fact, the urban jungle is home to some stunning parks which allow anyone to take a break from busy streets in luscious areas. Â
In this blog, we’ll share the best parks to visit in London if you are hoping for an outdoorsy trip. We will also share what areas are best to stay in and want to experience some of the green space that London has available plus highlight what there is to do within the best parks.Â
How Many Parks Are There in London?
London is home to more than 3000 parks which means that the city comprises around 20% of green space. This is made up of a blend of man-made parks and sprawling areas that have been built around over the years. There are also eight royal parks in the city that represent the locations for some prestigious events and notable historic landmarks.Â
If you are planning a weekend getaway in London or want to stay for longer, we think that a visit to one of the city’s stunning parks is essential. Keep reading to learn what spots are worth a trip!
What Are the Top 10 Parks in London?
London is filled with many beautiful green areas that allow a way to relax away from the daily hustle and bustle of the city. Below are the top 10 parks we recommended visiting if you are coming to stay in the big smoke.
Hyde Park
If you are looking for a visit to London that combines shopping with access to one of London’s famous green spaces, look no further than Hyde Park.
Located at the end of Oxford Street, the park is one of the largest royal parks in the city. There’s plenty to experience from the lake-side views to independent cafes. The park is also home to some well known events such as Winter Wonderland and live concerts. One of the benefits is that although around 13 million people visit this park every year, as it measures 351 acres, there is always a quiet and relaxed place to find within the leafy grounds.
Regents Park
If a trip to London Zoo is on your itinerary, then a visit to Regents Park is a must.Â
Bordering the famous attraction is a stunning and well-maintained park full of seasonal blooms and row boats, ideal for the entire family. There are also beautiful rose gardens, which are famous throughout the city, and the park is known for hosting a selection of events throughout the year.
Hampstead Heath Park
Featured in many movies and TV shows, Hampstead Heath Park offers some of the best views of the London skyline without having to travel to dizzying heights. Whether you visit in the Summer or colder months, you can guarantee there are always a large number of people seeking an escape from the city’s inner areas, which adds to the calming ambience.Â
The park was also the inspiration for C.S.Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, making it a popular place for literary lovers to visit.
Clapham Common
Clapham is an area of London which continues to increase in popularity especially with younger visitors.
Clapham Common is a popular park which offers a range of outdoor sports and activities perfect for unwinding in the great outdoors. The Common is also home to the largest bandstand in London which makes for a beautiful photo opportunity thanks to its vintage design.
Dulwich Park
Although one of the smaller parks, we think Dulwich Park is a great place to visit if you are nearby.Â
Filled with meadow-like blooms, calming water and plenty of open spaces, the park is the perfect oasis amongst the busy surrounding areas. In fact, the park’s name takes inspiration from the old English words for ‘ a meadow where dill grew’ highlighting the area’s vibrant gardens.
Battersea Park
A park close to many attractions is Battersea which is just a stone’s throw away from the converted power station, Dogs & Cats rescue centre and a small zoo. As one of the four largest royal parks, Battersea offers riverbank views and 350 acres of open space.
Famous attractions inside the park include The Old English Gardens, The Boating Lake and stunning pergolas, which nod to old-time London.
Greenwich Park
Home to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park is often filled with wildlife, making it a relaxing place to visit. The leafy landscape offers plenty of places to sit down and unwind, with views across Canary Wharf and beyond.Â
There’s also something to do for the entire family with plenty of amenities including sporting areas and a boating lake filled with pedalos. There are also many historic sights to take in as the park is known to date back to the 17th-century meaning making Roman monuments remain.
St. James Park
Known for the native flock of pelicans, St. James Park is close to Buckingham Palace. The park is filled with stunning sights known for their royal connections making it the perfect spot for tourists. Also included are beautiful lakes and the ornate fountain which is known for adding the calming background sound of trickling water to the location.
Victoria Park
If you are looking for a park with more traditional touches than some of the modern areas, this is ideal. Vintage and characterful touches are available throughout the park, and traditional sights are available for all.
As the largest park in Tower Hamlets, the park has become known as ‘The People’s Park’ given its accessibility by both tourists and local residents. The flat area is also known for being highly accessible and more simplistic in its layout, which adds to the overall charm.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Lastly, we have to include one of the most popular parks in modern London, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.Â
What was home to the London Olympics is now a popular residential area which boasts plenty of green open spaces. Included within are pay areas, waterways, a selection of venues, and easily accessible parklands that offer lots of spaces to explore.
What’s the Easiest Way to Travel to Parks in London?
One of the main benefits of visiting parks within London is the ease of accessing the different spaces. All are either close to tube stations, accessible via foot or close to roads, meaning all of the modes of transport shared in our article about how to get around London easily can be used.
Visiting parks is often a nice way to break up busy days filled with exploring the urban side of London, which is why we recommend checking out which green spaces are near the spots you plan on visiting. You will be surprised just how effective the leafy trees are at blocking out the surrounding noise that London creates.
Choose a Hotel for an Outdoorsy Stay in London!
Are you planning a trip to London and want to experience some of the beautiful green spaces? Thanks to the wide selection of areas covered by our hotels, we make it possible for anyone to plan a lovely, outdoorsy trip to the city.Â
Stays are available at the Great St Helen Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Mabledon Court Hotel, Hotel Cavendish, and Arran House Hotel, with special offers available most of the time. Whether you need to be close to a London walking tour, want to be centrally located, or are not fussed about where you stay, we have something available for everyone.Â
Click here to explore our rooms and easily also book online when you have decided on the perfect Crown Hotel for your trip! For more information about parks in London or our hotels, you can also contact our team.
