A Guide to the 25 Best London Parks

While everyone assumes it rains all the time in Londonspoilers: it doesn’t! In factLondon has some great weather during certain seasonsespecially late springsummerand early autumn. Similarlyeveryone assumes London is all urban – but there are huge swaths of green spacethanks to wise city planners and the formerly extensive lands held by the Royal family.

For these reasonsLondoners all know that on a sunny daythe perfect place to go is to one of the best London parks across the city.

In this postI’ll share my list of the best parks in Londonfrom former Royal holdings to orderly squares and parks that stretch into the green English lands beyond the city. I highly recommend making a visit to one or two of these parks during your London itineraryas they offer you a moment to slow downbreatheand enjoy your bucket-list trip to one of the world’s greatest cities.

Read on to see which 20+ green spaces make my list of the best London parks.

This post was originally published in August 2021and was updated in June 2022.

1. Alexandra Park

First up on my list of the best London parks? Alexandra Park! This 196-acre park is a haven for North Londonwith familiesdog ownersand runners invading its winding paths in search of a retreat from city life.

While it’s not as expansive as its counterpartsAlexandra Park has a vast diversity of landscapes. Visitors will find a pitch and puttrowing facilitiesa skateboarding parkand a children’s playground. The park also hosts an excellent farmer’s market most weeks on Sundays. Last but leastAlexandra Park is home to the Alexandra Palace – a top vantage point in the city – on its highest hill.

2. Battersea Park

Did you know that Londoners actually reclaimed space from the Thames to build Battersea Park? Wellnow you do. 

Besides the unmatched Thames viewthat Battersea Park offersthis park is much more than just a pretty face. This green space has an art gallery (The Pump House)and a family-run zoocomplete with lemursmeerkatswallabiesGo Apeand Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Ohand as if the previous spots aren’t enoughthere’s a Buddhist Pagodatoo. 

I’m sure you can see why Battersea Park made it to our list of best parks in London.

3. Chelsea Embankment Gardens

Nestled between Cheyne Walk and Chelsea Embankmentthe Chelsea Embankment Gardens are little-known to most visitors to London.

The beautiful gardens opened in 1874 and stretch along the River Thames. There are flower beds in bloom in spring and summerlush green lawnsnumerous statuesand monumentsplus bench seating and plenty of trees to provide shade when the weather is sunny. Make sure to also peek at the handsome Cheyne Walk houses while you’re there.

4. Crystal Palace Park

A 200-acre green spaceCrystal Palace Park was a pleasure ground originally designed by Sir Joseph Paxton to provide a new home to his Crystal Palace – hence the name. 

Unfortunatelya fire burned the palace to ashes in 1936but other equally delightful structures still adorn the park’s grounds. The five gigantic dinosaur sculptures are arguably the park’s most famous feature – at least among little children. There’s also a fiendish maze created around 1870 and used to be one of the biggest in the UK. An urban farm and skatepark have been the latest additions.

5. Finsbury Circus Gardens

While all London parks have a fair share of history behind themFinsbury Circus Gardens stands out for being the first public park in the citydating from 1607. Set within the historic surroundings of Finsbury Circusthe park is also the largest public open space in the Square Mile. 

This Grade II listed garden is what remains of Moorfields. Howeverthe present garden still showcases the original layout designed by Charles Dance the Younger in 1815. It’s well known for its mature London plane trees and fine Japanese Pagoda tree – the only one in the city. 

6. Green Park

Enclosed by Charles II as a hunting ground in 1668Green Park has long been consecrated as one of the “royal parks” in London. Unlike other parksthis Green Park is quite simplebut it’s precisely that simplicity that makes it an absolute must-visit. 

This lush oasis has been open to the public since 1826and todayit covers about 40 acres in total. Green Park makes for the perfect spot to escape the buzzing city center and maybe enjoy a quick bite before continuing your visit. 

 If you happen to visit Green Park on the day of a special royal occasionlook out for the Royal Gun Salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. A basic salute involves 21 rounds of cannon firebut in Green Park20 extra rounds are added. 

7. Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is another one of the best London parks. This one is particularly special for earning the title of the oldest enclosed Royal Park. 

Throughout its 183-acre grasslandyou can find deersfoxesand over 70 species of birds. 

Within the parkyou can also find a child-friendly boating lakesix tennis courtsand the Greenwich Meridian Linewhich represents the prime meridian. It’s also home to The Royal Observatory. Located on a hillthis place has the best panoramic views of the city. So it’s well worth the trek; there’s also plenty of other things to do in Greenwich!

8. Hampstead Heath

If you want a break from London’s manicured parksyou can visit Hampstead Heath.  

The 320-hectares of the park are full of untamed nature where locals and tourists go to escape from the busy city life. Walking along the parkit’s not uncommon to see playgrounds packed with picnickersdog-walkers flooding the trailsand nature-lovers adventuring into the woodlands. 

Hampstead Heath is also notable for its excellent views of the London skylinewith the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and the City of London easily seen. If you’re in for a bit of a workouthead to the highest hill (322 ft) and enjoy postcard views of London. 

9. Holland Park

Not only is Holland Park one of the best London parksbut it is also one of the finest. What stands out the most from Holland Park are the flowers (the most beautiful in the citysome might say.) This is not by mere chance. 

Holland Park used to be the land surrounding a Jacobean mansionHolland Housenamed after its second ownerthe Earl of Holland. It was the Earl of Holland’s wife who (successfully) first grew dahlias in England! 

The dahlias are still grown within the park’s 55 acres and now are accompanied by Japanese- Kyoto Gardensthe new addition to the park’s landscape. In summeropen-air theatre and opera are staged in the park.

10. Hyde Park

Arguably one of the most famous parks in LondonHyde Park sprawls 1.5 miles long and about a mile wide. Inside Hyde Parkyou’ll find London’s oldest boating lakeThe Serpentinewhich is home to duckscootsswansand tufty-eared grebes. Hyde Park also hosts the most various cultural eventsmostly on the Speaker’s Corner. There you can see people present on various topics as well as witness open-air rock shows of infamous bandssuch as Queen.

If you’re in for a spooky visiton Hyde Park’s northwest corner is a hidden Victorian pet cemeterywhere around 300 furry Londoners from the past are buried.

11. Jubilee Park & Garden

Jubilee Park and Gardens are one of the newest additions to the park scene of London. Located on London’s South BankJubilee Park & Garden is a landscaped park with mature trees and lawnsall designed in 2012 by landscape architects West 8a cutting-edge practice that delivers ground-breaking urban parks and public spaces worldwide. 

Jubilee Park & Garden has an enclosed adventure playground for children aged up to 11 years oldwhich makes the green space a favorite hangout for local families and children. 

The tranquil atmosphere is amazing to unwind and take in the vibrancy of this city.

12. Kensington Gardens

Located in Central LondonKensington Gardens is one of the best parks in London. As the name suggeststhe 270 acres of grassy sprawl used to be the gardens of Kensington Palace (which still sits in the middle of the park.)

Kensington Gardens is known for having a strong connection to Princess Diana. Insideyou can see the DianaPrincess of Wales Memorial Playground. Besides the playgroundthere’s also a memorial fountain dedicated to the Princesswhich attracts thousands of visitors all year round.

13. London Fields

London Fields is a handy little park at the top of Broadway Market. With a vibrant and hipster atmospherethis London Fields has it allvibrant local pubsa thriving street marketa permanent ping pong tablea wildflower meadow in the spring and summerand a lido! 

The best way to make the most of London Fields is to bring a picnic. You can buy first on Broadway Market (they have some posh picnic food there) and then find your spot. You won’t regret it!  

NB: London Fields is a popular hangout among young people. Somaybeif you have kidsthis won’t be the best park to come to. 

14. Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Located in Central LondonLincoln’s Inn Fields is the largest public square in London. 

Before being a parkLondon’s Inn Fields was used for grazing cattleand it was architect Inigo Jones who conceived Lincoln’s Inn Fields as the square that it is today. Howeverlocals had to wait until 1985 for Lincoln’s Inn Fields to open as a Victorian public garden.

Along its 7.25 acresyou can find lawnstreespublic tennis courtsand a bandstand. Right next to Lincoln’s Inn Fields is Sir John Soane’s housea museum of antiquities very well worth visiting. 

15. Postman’s Park

While Postman’s Park’s beautiful gardens attract locals looking for a secluded place to enjoy their lunchthis park is actually more than a hideaway from the hustle and bustle. 

Postman’s Park is a poignant reminder of the beauty of humankind. Quaint and beautifulPostman’s Park is home to the touching Memorial To Heroic Self-Sacrifice. The memorial was devised in 1887 by artist George Frederic Watts who wanted to honor “ordinary” people who sacrificed their lives to save others and might otherwise be forgotten. It contains 54 plaqueseach with the person’s name and a detailed account of the feat. 

The park is located just a short distance north of St Paul’s Cathedral.

16. Potters Fields Park

Set next to Tower BridgePotters Fields Park offers visitors impressive views of the Thames river and a quirky past. 

The history of this unique green open space with spacious lawns and whispering trees dates back to the 17th Century. OriginallyPotters Field Park was a space where poor people were buried; in biblical timespriests would buy clay-rich land owned by pot-makers (hencethe name Potter Fields) for their burial grounds. 

Luckilythe park’s subdued past has been left behind. TodayPotters Fields Park is a colorful wildlife-friendly gardenstanding as a true oasis in the middle of London.

17. Primrose Hill

Not to be confused with Regent’s Park (it’s set just above it)Primrose Hill is one of the prettiest parks in North London.

Like many other parksPrimrose Hill used to be one of the many hunting venues of Henry VIII. Todayhoweverthe park is far from royalty. Primrose Park boasts a simple neighborhood feel – no fancy bandstands or tropical gardens here– that attracts locals and tourists alike. 

It’s also home to the best views of the citywith a summit of 63 meters above sea level located inside. 

18. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

One of the youngest membersQueen Elizabeth Olympic Park was purpose-built for the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in London. The park has pretty much everything a green space can: lopping pathswaterwayssporting venuesplay areaspromenadessplash fountainslandscaped gardensdeer herds,… phew! That was a long list. 

In a few wordsQueen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a great escape outdoorsespecially on warm summer days. It’s just a stone’s throw away from central London and easily accessible from Stratford train station. 

19. Regent’s Park

With 410 acres in northwest LondonRegent’s Park is one of the most popular parks in London. The park is a work of art with brimming flowers all over. Of coursethere’s plenty to do in Regent’s Park. From the brilliant ZSL London Zoo to its enchanting Open Air Theatre to the gorgeous Japanese Garden Islandwhich is full of winding pathsornamental shrubsand flowers. 

Regent’s Park is also home to various food and music festivals during summer. On warmer days you can also hire a boat to meander gently down the river while having different views of the park.

20. Richmond Park

Covering 2,500 acresRichmond Park is the largest of London’s Royal Parks. More than a parkRichmond Park seems to be a wildlife sanctuary in the urban sprawl of London. Insidethere are hundreds of red and fallow deer roaming freely. From the park’s highest pointthere are unobstructed views of St Paul’s Cathedralover 12 miles to the east.

Besides the wildlifeRichmond Park is home to one of the prettiest flower gardens. Head to the Isabella Plantationa 40-acre woodland garden bursting with bright blooms of azaleasrhododendronsand camellias in the spring and summer.

21. Russell Square

Russell Square is Central London’s second-largest squarelocated to the northeast of the British Museum in Bloomsbury. It is named after the surname of the Earls and Dukes of Bedford and was laid out in 1801 by Humphry Repton on land earlier called Southampton Fieldsand subsequently Long Fields. 

Russell Square could be an interesting park for literature lovershaving appeared in Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day and in the early chapters of Thackeray’s Vanity Fair. The surroundings of the park are worth visiting as well with the southern side of Russell Square including Grade II listed 19th Century houses. 

22. Southwark Park

Opened in 1869 in South East LondonSouthwark Park is a sprawling green area encompassing a bowling greencafeboating lakeand bandstand. Beautiful and largeSouthwark Park is excellent for adults and kids who want to enjoy a day out in nature. 

There are plenty of things to dosuch as visit the art gallerydo outdoor gymplay tenniscricket or footballfeed the birds and swans and ducks near the pondand why nothave a lovely picnic in the grass.

23. St. James’s Park

St James’s Park is hands down one of London’s best parks. It was founded as a deer park for the royal occupants of St James’s Palaceand remodeled by John Nash on the orders of George IV. 

The park is surrounded by some of the most important sites in London: Buckingham Palace to one side; The MallWestminsterand Horse Guards Parade to the others. Despite its crowded locationthe park is surprisingly calm with its peaceful and picturesque 56 acres. Insideyou can find the central lake with numerous water-loving birds. The park is also home to the Blue Bridgewhich offers spectacular views across St James’s Park Lake to Buckingham Palace.

24. Victoria Embankment Gardens

A few steps away from the River Thames on Victoria Embankmentand just outside of Embankment Tube Stationare the wonderful Victoria Embankment Gardens. 

Like many other parks in LondonVictoria Embankment Gardens has been around for a long time. Opened in 1865Victoria Embankment Gardens was made from land reclaimed from the River Thames as part of the development of the Victoria Embankmentwhich was considered to be the finest thoroughfare in Europe at that time. 

Todaythese series of gardens are home to several statuesa memorial to the poet Robert Burnswar memorials commemorating the Second World Warand the newest for Iraq and Afghanistan.

There’s also the Embankment Cafea charming garden pavilion with a park-side terrace to grab breakfast or lunch on a summer’s day while people watching.

25. Victoria Park

Victoria Park started life as a Royal Park. Thankfullyit became open to the public in 1887. While it is less pompous than its counterpartsVictoria Park still has its own charmwith deersmoorhensgrey and Canada geeseand squirrels roaming around. By the lakeyou’ll find The Pavilion Caféa waterfront park pavilion serving organic produce breakfastslunch specialsand sandwiches. 

As London’s most popular ParkVictoria Park attracts around 9 million visitors a yearwhich is why it’s been dubbed People’s park by the locals. The park is famous for hosting popular festivals and events. So check out the cultural calendar to see if there’s something of your interest.

While this list is long – it’s not exhaustive; there are many more picturesque and small parks across London. Have you been to any other great London parks? Or have questions about these ones that made my list? Let me know in the comments!