London has some of the most amazing parks in any city around the world. They may not be as iconic as Central Park in New York or as heavily featured in movies or on TV like Jardin des Tuileries in Paris, but they're just as, if not even more beautiful. And it's high time you learned about the ten London parks you should see at least once! Naturally, there's Hyde Park, for example, which is largely considered the city's main park. To say that it's a must-see is an understatement! You also can't miss the elegant Kensington Gardens, the massive Regent's Park, the rural-like Hampstead Heath, and more.
Hyde Park
As one of the biggest Royal parks in London, Hyde Park is widely considered the “main” green space in the city. It's almost akin to
Central Park in New York City or Jardin des Tuileries in Paris. 350 acres of lush fields, tall trees, colorful flower beds, and even a serene pond offer an enchanting, countryside-like escape amidst the bustling metropolis. With three cafes inside too, it's one of the best places to go on a romantic date in London, especially if you don't want to spend too much money.
Regent's Park
No list of the quintessential parks in London is complete without mentioning Regent's Park. Located in the fairly posh Camden Town, one of
London's central neighborhoods, this green space used to be an abandoned secret garden. You can still see traces of its once well-manicured fields, complete with beautiful hedges, fresh flower beds, ornate fountains, and more. Today, it's become one of the best places for families to spend the day in London, especially since this is where the beloved London Zoo is located.
Hampstead Heath
Part of what makes the very popular Hampstead Heath one of the best, must-see parks in London is that it practically serves as a slice of the
English countryside in the English capital. Wide open fields and small patches of woodlands dominate this massive green space, transporting any city-dweller to the more rural parts of the country. It's easy enough to forget that you're still in one of the world's busiest cities when you go here, but if you need a reminder, you can always climb the park's many hills and take in its stellar city views.
Battersea Park
For one of the smaller parks in London, Battersea Park still provides a healthy dose of botanical bliss. It helps that it's one of the greenest spaces in the city, with more forested areas than lush fields. Most of the other parks on this list tend to be the opposite. At the same time, you can't escape the zen aura of the park thanks to the famous Peace Pagoda and the many cherry blossoms that bloom here every spring. This small slice of the enchanting East is worth taking in again and again.
Kensington Gardens
The Kensington Gardens are as regal as they sound. From its well-manicured fields and flower beds that are looked after, the place still looks like the private garden of a Royal Estate. It almost looks too good to tread upon, especially since it's in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, one of
London's central boroughs, known as one of the poshest parts of the city. Don't worry! The Kensington Gardens are open to the public. Its beloved Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is even a favorite among the little ones.
St James's Park
St James's Park is another must-see park in London that used to belong to a Royal residence, St James's Palace. You can even see it and another iconic landmark, Buckingham Palace, from some parts of the park. If you're an artist looking for inspiration to paint or snap a picture, the scenery here will be more than enough. From the Royal palaces to the famous London Eye, St James's Park offers some of the most breathtaking views from any park in the city. Moreover, you can't overlook the pelicans and other water-loving birds who frequently hang out here too.
Primrose Hill
Speaking of London parks with extraordinary views, don't forget about Primrose Hill too! If you're
moving to London soon, you should truly consider settling down here. The area that surrounds Primrose Hill is one of the loveliest in the city, evoking a charming village-like appeal that's far different from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the metropolis. And of course, living here will place you near Primrose Hill itself, a refreshing green space that overlooks the rest of the city. To say that the views here are beautiful is an understatement!
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is yet another slice of the English countryside located in the middle of the bustling English capital. It's an entire 2,500-acre national nature reserve, after all, so you can't help but feel like this must be what the countryside is life. Especially with all the fallow and red deer that roam freely here. As they majestically run across Richmond Park's wide open fields or hide within its deep woodlands, it's almost as if you're looking at a fairytale setting come to life. Hence, it’s also one of the
best London parks to walk your dog. They’ll love running around and chasing the deer here!
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is so big and spacious, it has hosted countless concerts, festivals, and the like over the years. Hence, if you're the kind to go to these sorts of things, there's a good chance you'll see yourself visiting this park often. Then again, even if you're not, Greenwich Park is still a great place to hang out. Its massive fields make it the perfect place for a picnic, playing sports with friends, or simply soaking in the sunshine every spring and summer.
Victoria Park
As the grittier corner of the city, East London tends to get a bad rap. It's not necessarily as sketchy as many make it out to be, but there's no denying that the area frequently gets busy and crowded. Fortunately, places like Victoria Park, the largest in Tower Hamlets, offer a charming escape from it all. Here, you can spend the day rowing a boat on the lake, skating with friends, relaxing in the park's cafe, and more. What's not to love?
You simply have to see any or all of these beautiful parks in London. Not only are they some of the loveliest green spaces in any big city, but they also prove that London isn't the dreary grey town many people say it is.
