Among its towering skyscrapers and miles of concrete jungleLondon has an abundance of parks. In factit’s one of the greenest cities in the world; 40% of it is made up of public spaces where you can picnic with mates and enjoy being out in nature. Including its historical groundsroyal gardens and trendy fields in the east that flood with locals cooking BBQs as soon as the sun comes outwe’ve compiled a guide to London’s best parks.
Hampstead Heath
Famous for more than just Harry Styles-spotting, Hampstead Heath is a gorgeous wild park full of woodland and meadows. It spans over 800 acresplus has swimming ponds that become very busy in summer and stunning views of the capital atop Parliament Hill. What’s moreit even inspired C.S. Lewis to write the Chronicles of Narnia and features in John Keats' poetry. How's that for being a muse? Whether you’re bringing a date here on a romantic stroll or taking your four-legged friend for a wholesome Sunday walkthis area is a city staple.
What a rel-heath: from ponds to hill-side benchesthere's plenty to get excited about.
Clapham Common
A favourite among locals who bring alfresco to eats to its lawn, this is one of the oldest and largest public spaces in the capital. Keen runners and tennis players flock here to break a sweatplus you can even apply to Lambeth Council to get a fishing permit for the ponds. Clapham Common dates back to 1086 when it was mentioned in the well-known Domesday Book and dubbed ‘common land’ because it supported the livestock of nearby manors. Today it’s a very different story and is a much-loved green space donning a Victorian bandstandnetball courts and a paddling pool.
There's nothing common about this pretty green space.
Kensington Gardens
One of London’s eight royal gardensthis beauty was imagined by Queen Caroline in the 18th century. Originally exclusively part of the palaceit's now open to the public. It’s a truly gorgeous, well-maintained area that’s home to a sculpture of Peter Pan down by the Long Water and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground and Walk. Among vistas and lush flower trailsthere’s plenty to do at Kensington Gardenswhether it’s visiting the iconic palace or making your way over to the Serpentine Gallery to view some art.
Only a short walk from High Street Kensingtonthis garden is worth the visit.
London Fields
Walk through London Fields on a sunny evening and you’ll see East Londoners out in full forcegliding down cycle paths on their Lime bikesas well as offering a glimpse into the world of callisthenics and taking a four-packa blanket and a book to an unsuspecting patch of grass. The Hackney green land covers 31.3 acres and is home to a pretty 50m Olympic-sized lido that packs out in the summer and is within proximity to Broadway Market and popular boozer Pub on the Park.
This is one of the best parks in London for a picnic.
Holland Park
Wander deep into the heart of Holland Park and you’ll soon stumble upon a tranquil waterfallframed by bonsai and delicate cherry trees. The Kyoto Garden is a major draw to the Notting Hill locationas well as the blissfully unaware peacocks that strut its grounds. What remains of the old Jacobean Holland House (after the damage it suffered in World War II) is now the backdrop to summer open-air operaswhich you can book alongside Il Portico picnic hampers.
Spend a day off in Kyoto here.
Gunnersbury Park
You might recognise this West London area from an array of TV showsas well as being the music video location of Liam Gallagher’s ‘Once’. Fame asideGunnersbury Park’s existence was first recorded in 1347 andover the yearsits house has been acquired by princesses and lived in by the Rothschilds. Since 1929it’s been home to a museum with a collection spanning over 50,000 archival items. In the summeryou can take a pedalo out on the lake and watch one of the many concerts that take place, with the likes of BoygeniusLimp Bizkit and The Darkness having previously graced its lawn.
This park borders ActonBrentford, Chiswick and Ealing.
Battersea Park
Battersea Park is a 200-acrelistedVictorian park that fronts a beautiful riverside promenade and a miniature zoo where you can meet the likes of monkeys and meerkats. It’s also home to the Pump House Gallerya restored Grade II-listed building that used to supply water to the lakes. A magnet for sports enthusiasts (thanks to its top-notch facilities) and firework display attendees alikeit’s a gorgeoushistorical spot that comes with views of the Power Station and is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
A scenic running route.
Crystal Palace Park
Designed by Joseph Paxton in 1851Crystal Palace Park remains a popular destination for leisure and entertainment to this day. It’s seen motor racing circuits open on its grounds and fires engulf the palace. Grade II-listed (including its full-scale model dinosaurs)it draws revellers in from across the city to conquer its maze and watch gigs at its concert bowl. Legendary artists such as Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones have played hereand 2024's South Facing Festival welcomed many more famous artists last summer.
Make some prehistoric friends and see some live music at Crystal Palace Park.
Hyde Park
Without a doubtHyde Park trumps the best parks in London lists with 350 acres of Grade I-listed greenery and an events roster that includes the iconic Winter Wonderland and British Summer Time festivals. It was established by Henry VIII when he took some land from Westminster Abbey and has since been the centre of significant cultural momentsfrom suffragette speeches to Pride marches. The Lido is located on the south bank of the Serpentine and is the location of the oldest swimming club in Britain.
Take a pedolo out before treating yourself to an ice cream from a riverside cafe.
Richmond Park
Picture this: it’s a Sunday and you’re looking up the best parks in London for walks in a bid for a little bit of mother nature after a slap-up roast. Enter Richmond Park, the largest site of special scientific interest and an important area of wildlife conservation. Created as a deer park by Charles I, it’s now Grade I-listed and home to an array of beautiful trees and the Georgian mansionPembroke Lodge. Steeped in historyit features booksartfilms and now your afternoon stroll.
See if you can spot some deer at this wildlife conservation.
Regents Park (And Primrose Hill)
When it comes to famous parks in Londonthis stunning landscape has it all. Home to the picturesque Primrose Hillsporting breathtaking city views and glimpses into the monkey enclosures of London Zooit covers over 5,000 acres. Once described as a ‘wonderland’ by Sylvia Plathit features pretty floral displays found in Queen Mary’s and Avenue Gardensas well as the capital’s largest outdoor sports area. Regents Park is the perfect setting to have a datea sunset picnic or to find creative inspiration while casting your eyes out across the capital.
You'll be climbing up that hill to get some stellar views.
Greenwich Park
Filled with herb gardensorchards and wildlife, Greenwich Park is an incredibly historic hotspot that’s within walking distance of the National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory and Queen’s House. Across the yearsit has welcomed ancient RomansAnglo Saxons and Tudorsall of whom have, at some pointwandered up to the summit of One Tree Hill to see soaring views of London’s skyline. Whether you’re passing through from visiting Cutty Sark or are an astronomy fan heading for the Peter Harrison Planetariumit’s well worth ticking off your park bucket list.
Greenwich Park is located near many fascinating city attractions.
Dulwich Park
Dulwich Park is a South East London gem that spans 30 acres and features tennis courtsan outdoor gymping pong tablesa boating lake and so much more. Created in 1890 by the Metropolitan Board of Worksit used to be Queen Mary's favourite walking spot and today is a Grade II-listed space. Perfect for picnic dates or cute stop-offs at the Dulwich Clock Cafe if you don't have the time to make the sandwichesit's got plenty on offer to doand the famous Dulwich Picture Gallery is only moments awaytoo.
There's never a dul moment at this park.
Victoria Park
Commonly known as 'Vicky Park' or the 'People's Park' to locals, Victoria Park is one of the most visited green areas in the capital and spans 86 hectares. It's slap bang in the middle of all the major East tube stationshas had a 12 million renovation and features a gorgeous Chinese Pagodaas well as a bandstand. Swing by with a cup of coffee after browsing the market (open every Sunday from 10am 'til 4pm)or tuck into breakfast at Pavilion Cafe. Come summertimethe land sees All Points East take over and major artists headline the stagesuch as LCD Soundsystem and Mitski.
Victoria Park is more than just an East London favourite.
In the mood for more green spaces? Check out our guide to London's best gardens and sign up to our newsletter for all the latest.
