“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy.'”
—Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar
You will never be too far from a green area in London – wherever you turn you will find squares, parks, commons, etc. This week is promising us Londoners some fantastic weather, sunshine and all, so here’s a list of some London Parks for you to explore while you’re out and about:
- Green Park – one of the Royal Parks of London which is located centrally. Look out for Victoria Memorial, Royal Gun Salutes, Canada Memorial and Buckingham Palace while you’re walking around. St. James’ Park (The Mall, Horse Guards Parade) is right next to it as well – even more to discover!
- Hyde Park – centrally located and full of beauty: Kensington Gardens, Serpentine (think of renting a boat) and the Long Water, Serpentine Bar and Kitchen, Diana Memorial Fountain, The Lido Bar and Cafe, and Spakers’ Corner (located near to Marble Arch and Oxford Street where historic figures such as Karl Marx, George Orwell and Vladimir Lenin were know to demonstrate free speech).
- Regent’s Park – another Royal Park which boasts Queen Mary’s Gardens, Primrose Hill, an Open Air Theatre, the London Zoo, a tennis centre and more.
- Richmond Park – the largest of London’s Royal Parks and the biggest enclosed space in London, also a National Nature Reserve. Like spotting deer? Well, this is the place for you! It’s also home to the beautiful Isabella Plantation, Pembroke Lodge (a gorgeous Georgian Mansion), King Henry’s Mound, and if you’d like you can also rent a bike and go riding around through the park.
- Hampstead Heath – think open space and stunning views as it’s one of the highest points in London. If you’re a swimmer, check out the ladies’ and men’s ponds and lido. Make sure to visit Kenwood House while you’re there, you won’t regret it!
- While you’re in the Hampstead area, visit the Highgate Wood which is a haven for wildlife. Don’t miss Highgate’s lovely suburban town.
- Alexandra Park – home to Alexandra Palace and another great vantage point if you like views of London from above. It hosts a farmers market, a garden centre, music venue, an ice skating rink (for those ice hockey fans) and street food festivals with live music and movie screenings around the summer months.
- Brockwell Park – located between Brixton (an area definitely worth exploring) and Herne Hill. Contains historic buildings, a lido, ponds and some summer festivals.
- Victoria Park – while you’re exploring East London, make sure to visit Victoria Park and its cafes. It boasts the most amazing play area for kids (and adults alike), don’t take my word for it 😉
- Holland Park – visit the beautiful Kyoto Garden, sports areas, a cafeteria, observe wildlife and much more.
Enjoy this green city and let us know if you end up discovering any other gems.
If roaming the parks isn’t your thing and you’d like more action, here’s a link to the London markets blog.
Photo (Finsbury Park) credit: Jovita Adom