Victoria Tower Gardens

Victoria Tower Gardens is a little lawn sided by large trees in central London. During the warmer months you will see people relaxing on the grass, or having a break on one of the benches at the Thames riverside. What makes the place so special is the magnificent surrounding architecture of Westminster Palace. With the Gothic Buxton Memorial Fountain and the sculpture The Burghers of Calais by Auguste Rodin, the gardens contain some outstanding monuments.

Please note that the gardens close at night. Get directions.

St James's Square

St James's Square is a lovely little oasis with dense vegetation and flowerbeds in the heart of London. It is one of London’s earliest garden squares, dating back to 1670. The shaded square is surrounded by stately architecture. The buildings here have had many illustrious residents. During WWII Charles de Gaulle and Dwight Eisenhouwer had their headquarters located here. In the middle of the square there’s an equestrian statue of King William III.

The square is open to the public on weekdays until 16h. Get directions.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest of the royal parks. Since the 17th century the park is enclosed by a 13-km wall, as the private hunting ground of Charles I. Today you will still see wild deer here, grazing warily under shaded trees, some of which 700 years old. The grounds of Richmond Park are excellent for long walks or cycling. If you’re not into active leisure, try to catch some fish in the Pen Ponds, or have a picnic at the Isabella Plantation, where azaleas and rhododendrons bloom during the warmer months.

The park can be visited till dusk. Get directions.

Jubilee Gardens

The Jubilee Gardens on the south bank of the Thames river were opened to mark Queen Elizabeth’s silver jubilee on the throne. The green space features little hills, flower beds and more than a hundred trees, including English oaks, one of the symbols of Great Britain. It is a wonderful place to have a rest in the grass, especially as from here you will get an incredible close-up view of the London Eye.

The Jubilee Gardens can be visited any time of the day. Get directions.

Whitehall Gardens

Whitehall Gardens is a calm and neat green space with plenty of benches in a busy part of central London. It is decorated with beautiful flowerbeds and a wide variety of trees, including palm trees. One of the sculptures here is dedicated to William Tyndale, a famous philosopher who first translated the New Testament into English, an effort for which he got executed. All along one side of the gardens, you will see the magnificent facade of the 19th century Whitehall Court.

The Whitehall Gardens are open any time of the day. Get directions.

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is reaching English countryside with London public transport. It is wilderness, landscaped parks, and magnificent views over London from Parliament Hill. The 320 hectares are excellent for endless walks through sloping hills, or bicycle tours. Not to mention all the picturesque ponds, which invite for a swim on hot days. Among the fifty places of archaeological and historical value in Hampstead Heath, are the 17th-century Kenwood House and the 19th-century Athlone House. Visit the official website for more info. Get directions.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is a traditional resting place for Londoners and tourists. Here it’s pleasant to go jogging, cycling, to simply relax on the benches, or to have a picnic near the Serpentine lake. Just south of the Serpentine, you will find the Memorial Fountain of Princess Diana, who used to live in Kensington Palace. Another highlight in Hyde Park is the Speakers’ Corner from 1872, which provides a stage for anyone who likes to ventilate his or her ideas – for most fireworks, consider going on Sundays.

The royal park is open daily from early morning till night. Get directions.

Highgate Cemetery

Highgate Cemetery opened in 1839 to become one of the most famous Victorian cemeteries in England. The cemetery is popular with tourists because it is not just a burial place, but a magnificent park with unique flora and fauna, Gothic crypts and tombs, the most famous of which is the tomb of Karl Marx. Be sure to stroll the western part to see the magnificent funerary architecture of the Egyptian Avenue and the Circle of Lebanon.

Please note that the entrance to the cemetery is paid. Have a look at the official website to find more information about guided tours. Get directions.

Battersea Park

Before opening as a public park in 1858, Battersea Park was used for growing vegetables due to its fertile soil. London’s second public park contains a man-made boating lake, little waterfalls and several styled gardens, including a small subtropical garden with magnificent palm trees, evergreen oaks and ferns. One of the eyecatchers is the Buddhist Peace Pagoda, a 35-metre monument built by Buddhist monks and nuns.

The park is open daily until dusk. Get directions.

Kensington Gardens

The Kensington Gardens were originally part of Hyde Park, nowadays only separated through a narrow road. The gardens are the charming decoration of Kensington Palace, where Queen Victoria was born and Princess Diana lived. There is always a pleasant atmosphere in this royal park, no matter if you sit on the grass near the Round Pond, rent a bicycle, or stroll past its grand monuments like the Albert Memorial and the Peter Pan Statue. Recently, small parakeets have settled here and you can feed them along the Long Water Lake.

The park is open daily until sunset. Get directions.

Bushy Park

Those who love exploring nature will surely enjoy the beautiful rural and enchanting landscapes of Bushy Park. The park has a good population of noble deer, grey herons and blackbirds. Don’t miss the Diana fountain, built in the 17th century to welcome guests of Hampton Court Palace. Another delightful attraction here, is the Baroque style water garden, with picturesque cascades and pools.

Bushy Park is open daily till late evening. Get directions.

St James's Park

St James's Park is one of the oldest British parks, created in the time of Queen Elizabeth I. Just a short walk from the noisy streets of central London, and you are already in the middle of marvelous nature. Fifteen species of birds live on its lake, including pelicans, which are solemnly fed daily at 14:30h. Some parts of St James's Park might seem familiar to you, as the park was featured in various films and series like 101 Dalmatians, James Bond and Sherlock.

Please note that the park closes at night. Get directions.

St Paul's Churchyard

Located in one of London’s busiest areas, the shaded St Paul's Churchyard is surprisingly quiet. The church grounds were first opened to the public in 1878. There’s plenty of benches to take a rest and enjoy the moment next to the majestic St Paul's Cathedral.

The churchyard is free to visit in summer until 20.30h and in winter until 16h. Get directions.

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is a grassy hill north of Regent's Park. Most likely, the hill acquired its name thanks to primroses blooming on its slopes. In the 16th century the hill was part of the hunting grounds of Henry VIII, back then populated by deer and wild boars. In the middle of the 19th century, Primrose Hill was turned into a public park, and became a favorite for watching great panoramas over London. In fine weather, from here you can see the Big Ben, the London Eye and many skyscrapers.

Primrose Hill can be visited any hour of the day. Get directions.

Brockwell Park

Recognized as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, the area of Brockwell Park is an amazing place to have a rest. Here you can enjoy sitting under the leaves of centuries-old oak trees, play tennis or explore local greenhouses. You can arrange a picnic in the fields, or join bathers in the art-deco Brockwell Lido, an open-air swimming pool. Those with children can have fun riding a miniature railway, located in the north-eastern part.

The park works daily until dusk. Get directions.

Chiswick Gardens

The Chiswick Gardens were developed as the private garden of the Chiswick House, built in 1729 for Richard Boyle, Earl of Burlington. After his trip to Rome, Boyle was so impressed with the architecture that upon his return he decided to build a Palladian-style villa with a palace garden, like he had seen in Rome. Throughout the park you can see copies of antique sculptures, vases with flowers, as well as a beautiful crystal palace with a collection of camellias. To visit the villa, book your tickets online.

The gardens are open daily and free of charge. Get directions.

Gray's Inn Gardens

Gray’s Inn is a beautiful educational complex that conveys all the splendor of 17th-century English architecture. It is one of the four Inns of Court in London. The court is an oasis of rest, with tidy green lawns, flowerbeds and beautiful trees. Students often sit down in the grass, and at times you can even see lawyers in gowns passing from one building to another.

Please note that the gardens are open to the public only from 12h to 14:30h on weekdays. Get directions.

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park

Tower Hamlets Cemetery appeared in the East End area in 1841 and was intended primarily for working-class people. Since 1966 new burials were prohibited, as the cemetery had to be turned into a park. What remains today is a very atmospheric cemetery woodland, with wildlife and historic graves all over the place. One of the most famous tombs is the grave of Dr. Rees Ralph Llewellyn, who performed autopsy on Mary Ann Nichols, generally considered as the first victim of Jack the Ripper.

The cemetery park is open 24 hours a day. Get directions.

Berkeley Square Gardens

The small park on Berkeley Square contains some of the oldest trees in London, planted in 1789. When the Duke of Berkeley sold most of his land in this area to the Duke of Devonshire, he asked not to build up this piece of land, so his view from the window wouldn’t get ruined. The agreement has still been upheld, as Berkeley Square remained a pleasant green corner. Get directions.

Holland Park

Until 1952 the grounds of Holland Park were privately owned, and belonged to the Holland House. Today you can see the ruins of this Jacobean house, which was badly damaged during WWII. A magnificent detail of Holland Park is the traditional Japanese Kyoto Garden, as guarded by beautiful peacocks. Unlike many other green areas in London, the vegetation in Holland Park looks quite lush and wild, making it a great place to get lost and relax.

The park is open daily until dusk. Get directions.

Soho Square Gardens

Soho Square is a small lawn sided by mature trees and shrub planting. It feels like an island of peace, away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, although it can get pretty crowded here on warmer days, with people relaxing on the grass. The hut in the middle of the square is a place of legends, is it a tunnel to Buckingham Palace? You can never be sure, but we take it as a shed for gardening tools, built in 1926. Get directions.

Buckingham Palace Gardens

Unlike the nearby Royal Parks of London, the Buckingham Palace Gardens are generally closed to the public. However, when the palace is open in August and September, visitors have access to parts of the garden at the end of their tour. If you manage to get here, you will see beautiful and well-groomed fields and magnificent old trees, like mulberries from the time of James VI. If you are lucky, you will also meet the royal pink flamingos.

Have a look at the official website to plan your visit in summer. Get directions.

Waterlow Park

Waterlow Park used to be the private estate of Sir Sydney Waterlow which he generously presented to the public in 1889. The park was fully refurbished in 2005 and is now a hugely popular public space with a kitchen garden, an orchard, a play area for children and many wide, open spaces. Waterlow Park also boasts a variety of wildlife, including ducks, bats, herons, woodpeckers, hedgehogs, bees, frogs and butterflies.

The park is open daily till dusk. Get directions.

Finsbury Park

Finsbury Park locates in the middle of a busy area and big roads. It is a nice mixture of alleys with tall old trees, formal gardens with flower beds, and open grounds where you can find an athletics field, football courts and a skatepark. If the weather is good, you can also rent a boat and enjoy a ride on the lake.

The park is open daily until dusk. Get directions.

Green Park

The Green Park is the smallest of the Royal Parks of London. And although it cannot boast of beautiful ponds or famous monuments, it is perfect for relaxing while exploring the city. They say that once King Charles II had picked some flowers here and gave them to a woman. His wife got so angry because of this, that she ordered all flowers to be removed from the field. Since then there is not a single flower bed anymore in the park.

Note that the park is open till dusk. Get directions.

Regent's Park

Regent's Park is the most classic of London's royal parks, with strict alleys, geometric-shaped flower beds, and neatly trimmed bushes. But, besides this, you’ll find big old trees, a beautiful boating lake and a huge number of flowers – more than 400 varieties of roses alone. The park is excellent for romantic walks, exercising and playing tennis, or watching outdoor theatre at the Open Air Theatre.

Please note that Regent's Park closes at night – have a look at the official website for further information. Get directions.

Ruskin Park

Ruskin Park bears the name of the famous English writer John Ruskin, who lived nearby between 1823 and 1871. Since 1907 the park has been a little gem for the people living in Denmark Hill, offering walking trails, sports fields, a playground and a picturesque little pond. The park’s highlights include an 18th century portico, a classic bandstand and a labyrinth garden.

Please note that the park closes at night. Get directions.

Bethnal Green Garden

Bethnal Green Garden is a little garden on the territory of the Bethnal Green Library. It has good facilities for playing football or tennis, nice shady trees and even some palms. You may also notice squirrels running around, so don’t forget to bring some nuts. Near the northern gate you’ll find the Stairway to Heaven memorial, dedicated to the victims of the Bethnal Green Tube Disaster that happened during WWII, when 173 people died rushing to the underground station.

The garden is open all day. Get directions.

Brunswick Square Gardens

The neighborhood of Bloomsbury is notable for its garden squares. The London planetrees growing on Brunswick Square are considered one of the oldest in the city. Here you will often find students sitting in the grass, or people simply chilling on the shaded benches of this little green oasis.

The gardens are open to the public during daylight hours. Get directions.

Greenwich Park

The vast territory of Greenwich Park can be traced back to Roman times. With iconic views over the Thames and beautiful landscapes, the scene is ideal for a picnic. It looks especially beautiful in spring, when azaleas and rhododendrons bloom here. Along with the famous Greenwich Observatory, you will find Roman ruins here, as well as a famous old oak that has been there already since the 12th century.

The park is open during the day, but the exact hours vary per month. Get directions.

Hampton Court Park

Hampton Court Park consists of borderless meadows and sloping hills particularly beloved by deer, and a number of Baroque gardens directly surrounding Hampton Court Palace. The palace gardens are all well-groomed and formal, but themed differently. There is the central Privy Garden, the exotic Lower Orangery Garden, the Pond Garden that once kept the fish for Henry VIII’s table, as well as the Secret Garden – of course, we cannot share any information about that one.

Hampton Court is open daily from 10h to 18h and a ticket is required. Get directions.

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Kew Gardens is a UNESCO-protected site filled with greenery, beautiful buildings and greenhouses. Its 121 hectares not only give space for 30,000 different plants, but also a Treetop Walkway, a Water Lily House and a Bamboo Garden. Landmarks include Kew Palace, the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world, and the 50-metre Great Pagoda from 1792.

The gardens are open every day, and admission is paid. Get directions.

Lincoln's Inn Fields

Lincoln’s Inn Fields is one of the largest green squares in London. It was founded early 17th century, and it takes its name from the nearby Lincoln’s Inn Law School. The shaded park is a very peaceful place, nice for jogging, and excellent for playing tennis. Who would have thought that this place was a public execution site under the Tudors and Stuarts?

Please note that the park closes at night. Get directions.

Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park

The Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park is a little green space surrounding the Imperial War Museum. The park contains plenty of mature trees, wide lawns and picnic tables, sports courts and some other attractions. One is the Tibetan Peace Garden, as opened in 1999 by the Dalai Lama. It is a tranquil space, perfect for contemplation and reflection.

The park is open all day. Get directions.

Kennington Park

Kennington Park is a place with a long history. Once part of Kennington Common, the park became famous for the Chartists demonstration for workers’ rights in April 1848. A few years later, the place opened as a public park. Here locals like to sunbathe on the central lawn or relax on one of the benches in the shade of big old trees. The park also contains an Old English Garden, as well as good facilities for sports and leisure.

Please note that Kennington Park closes at night. Get directions.

Mile End Park

Mile End Park is a relatively young park, created on a long piece of land that had been left devastated after WWII bombings. The linear park alongside Regent’s Canal is particularly popular for exercising. You’ll find here football and basketball pitches, a climbing wall, a BMX track and comfortable winding jogging paths.

Mile End Park can be visited any time of the day. Get directions.

Southwark Park

Southwark Park is a pleasant and neat park that has something for all. The park contains mostly plane trees and treasures a rose garden, a boating lake and a bandstand from 1884. Children will love the playground where they can find swings, a slide and other small rides. For sports enthusiasts, there are tennis courts, football pitches as well as an excellent track for running.

Please note that Southwark Park closes at night. Get directions.

Grosvenor Square

When Grosvenor Square was laid out in the 18th century by Sir Richard Grosvenor, it was initially only the residents of the surrounding houses who were admitted there. Most of them were rich aristocrats and diplomats. After the square opened to the public in 1948, it became one of the most beloved green squares in central London. The atmosphere here is nice and calm, with mostly families and children present. In the centre of the square you will see a statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt. And it was John Adams, the 2nd US president, who lived some years at Grosvenor Square 9. Get directions.

Russell Square

Russell Square is one of the beautiful square gardens of the Bloomsbury district. The lively square contains flowerbeds, plenty of benches and a fountain in the very centre. Undoubtedly the most impressive building facing the square is Hotel Russell, a magnificent example of a Victorian grand hotel – the building is easily recognizable by its facade of red terracotta.

Russell Square can be visited any time of the day. Get directions.

Syon Park

Syon Park is best known for the 16th century Syon House, which has been home to the Dukes of Northumberland for already more than 400 years. The 80-hectare Syon Park consists of tidal water meadows and fields, but also a 40-hectare garden with an arboretum. The garden contains over 200 species of rare trees.

For visiting Syon Park and Syon House you will need a valid ticket – have a look at the official website for the latest info. Please note that visiting is possible only from March to October. Get directions.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is London’s first public park, opened in 1845 on the lands of Bishop Bonner. As one of the favorite places for political rallies in London, Vicky Park became commonly known as the “People’s Park”. The 86-ha park remained popular through time, with its ponds, extensive lawns and sports pitches, or its Rose Garden and its Old English Garden. Children will appreciate the playgrounds, the petting zoo and the splash pools here. Of architectural significance is the 19th century drinking fountain, decorated in the Neo-Gothic style.

Please note that the park closes at night. Get directions.

Wimbledon and Putney Commons

Wimbledon and Putney Commons consists of 470 hectares of open space. The vast green wilderness is made up of Wimbledon Common, Putney Heath, Putney Lower Common and the Richardson Evans Memorial Playing Fields. With all sorts of woodland, scrubland, heathland as well as nine ponds, the area is home to a wide variety of animal and plant life.

As an unfenced area, the commons are open to the public 24 hours a day. Get directions.