Parks & Gardens London

Parks & Gardens

London parks and gardens are located throughout the city serving as a breather from the daily grind of modern living. But a visit to any of London’s parks and gardens is not only about having a break. In fact, each destination offers a variety of activities to explore and experience. Hence, all the more reason to include any or even all of the following parks and gardens in London to your itinerary. Best of all, you can stopover on any day of the year.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is located in the heart of London. Yet its beauty and size could make you forget where you are. Moreover, the numerous activities it offers can already fill your itinerary for a day or two. Indeed, there is something for everyone to do – you can go for a swim, ride a bicycle, as well as go boating and horse riding. Ice-skating is even possible from November to January when its large lake freezes over.

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The Serpentine Bridge, the Archiles statue, and the Joy of Life fountain are some of the notable buildings and monuments throughout this 350-acre park. You do not have to leave Hyde Park for a good meal. Its two lakeside restaurants can provide you with everything from a cup of coffee to a full-course meal. No wonder, Hyde Park is one of the best city parks in the world.

tips

The park opens every day from 5am to 12 midnight. If you wanted to know if there are upcoming events and celebrations within your stay in London, better check the Hyde’s Park official website to know more prior to your visit.
If you want to enjoy the heat and the water, Serpentine Lido’s paddling pool is available throughout the weekends of May. Daily services are offered every June to mid-September. For cheaper admission, you must arrive 4pm onwards.
Princess Diana Memorial Fountain is free.

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London, UK

Free

Monday - Sunday: 5AM - 12AM

Lancaster Gate Subway Station

443000612000

www.royalparks.org

St James's Park

St. James’s Park might be familiar to many who have watched countless ceremonial parades and various national celebrations in London. Indeed, its flowerbeds located in front of Buckingham Palace are often in the background. Chances are you have seen it during the Queen’s birthday for the Trooping the Colour parade. Hence, making the occasion even more colorful.

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The pelicans who call St. James’s Park home is another reason to visit this royal park. Did you know they have been there for close to 400 years? Daily feeding is at 14:30. Owls, bats, woodpeckers, and water birds are some of the other animals to watch out for. From April to September, children can play at the playground while parents relax on the deckchairs. Refreshment kiosks and a restaurant are open to the public.

tips

St. James Park is open whole year round, from 5am to midnight and admission is free. If you want to sit, relax and enjoy a company of a book, you can rent a a desk chair for £1.50 an hour.
The park has 15 species of bird but the most popular are the group of pelicans. To join the feeding activities with pelicans, visit between 2:30 to 4pm.
Go to the Blue Bridge on a fine day to capture some great photos of Buckingham Palace to the west and Big Ben to the east. You can also see the London Eye and the horse Guard Parade on that spot.

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London SW1A 2BJ, UK

Free

Monday - Sunday: 5am - Midnight all year round.

Green Park Subway Station

443000612350

www.royalparks.org.uk

Bushy Park

Bushy Park can make you feel as if you were in the English countryside instead of the highly urbanized city of London. The entire scenery comes complete with ancient trees, streams and ponds, as well as a diverse selection of plant and animal life. Where else in the English capital could you walk among deer roaming free here apart from its nearby neighbour Richmond park. Its extensive area makes it even more spectacular and awe-inspiring to be in the middle of it all.

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One of the more interesting areas in Bushy Park would no doubt be the Woodland Gardens. Indeed, many consider it a secret paradise. A stroll through this area is one of the favorite pastimes of visitors to Bushy Park. The trail is bound to make anyone a nature lover soon enough. So, consider this a warning, once you enter Bushy Park you might be tempted to get lost in its beauty for hours.

Like other parks and gardens in London, Bushy Park also offers a variety of activities to allow visitors to make the most of its green spaces. Children can enjoy the playground while adults can get in a bit of exercise from cycling or horseback riding. Take your pick.

The Pheasantry Café situated in the Woodland Gardens comes highly recommended for its wide array of snacks, drinks, and of course, ice creams.

tips

Bushy Park is actually just opposite of Hampton Court. You can potentially combine 2 amazing sites in just one visit.
As you try to sit on the ground or explore the place, you will eventually see animals in the area. May it be squirrels, rabbits and deer. Be sure to ready your camera to capture everything.
Bring your pets – they’re allowed here.

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Hampton Ct Rd, Hampton TW12 2EJ, UK

Free

Monday - Sunday: 8:00am and close at dusk
Pedestrian gates in Bushy Park are open 24 hours except during the deer cull.

Teddington Station

442073323322

www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is well-loved for its green spaces. The park has a rich environment where wildlife thrive. For the this reason, the City of London supports and recognizes the significance of Hampstead Heath to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The animals found here include exotic birds, ring-tailed lemurs and coatis to name a few.

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Yet it is not the only reason why the park is popular. Imagine taking a dip in its open air Lido on any day of the year. Varied activities also take place at Hampstead Heath with its numerous amenities for sports and recreation. Thus, making Hampstead Heath your perfect getaway from the city.

tips

Hampstead heath has the highest and best view in London. To experience the stunning view, got to Parliament Fields and to Primrose HIll where the city sights can be seen clearly.
There are also 3 pools available for men, women and mixed groups. The men’s and women’s pool are available whole year round. During wintertime, only club members are allowed to use the mixed pool.
For additional activities for the kids and adults, a zoo and a butterfly house can be found in Golden Hill Park.

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Hampstead Heath, London, UK

Free

24 hours Everyday

Tufnell Park Tube Station

442073323322

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens serves as the scenery for one of the popular royal residences – Kensington Palace. Hence, the formal landscaping as well as the collection of ornamental flowers and grand trees found here.

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Perhaps the most famous royal residents of Kensington Palace were Princess Diana and Prince Charles along with their two boys, Princes William and Harry. So, imagine yourself walking along the same garden the Princess used to visit herself. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground by Black Lion Gate was built in her honour.

The Sunken Garden is one of the highlights at Kensington. Interest in this particular place grew ever since it became the venue for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement announcement. This area also prides itself in its rotational display of summer and spring flora. Perhaps the best months to visit are from April to October when their colors are vibrant. Exotic plant life are also on display at this time.

Additional places of interest at Kensington Gardens are the Italian Gardens, the Serpentine Gallery, the Cradle Walk, and the Peter Pan statue.

tips

Most of the parks in London opens 24 hours a day or until midnight but Kensington Gardens is different - it opens from 6 AM to dusk all year round. It is recommended that prior to your visit, you check the opening and closing time if there are any changes to avoid disappointment.

Public transports are readily available as tube stations and bus stops surround the park. But if you are using your car, it wise to use maps or SatNav for guidance as the park covers a vast area.

If you are still in the park after closing time and the gates are closed, there are turnstile gates which will allow you to exit the park. These are the Temple Gate, Back Lion Gate, Orme Square Gate, Palace Gate and Marlborough Gate.

basic information

London W2 2UH, UK

Free

The park is open from 6am to dusk all year round.

Queensway Station

4403000612000

www.royalparks.org

Chelsea Physic Garden

Chelsea Physic Garden holds the distinction of being a botanical garden. Since its inception in 1673, it remains dedicated to the study of plants for medicinal purposes. To date, it watches over more than 5,000 species and studies their properties and origins. The visit becomes most interesting since the garden’s microclimate allows plants uncommon to London to thrive.

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Over the years, it has earned another accolade of being one of London’s secret gardens. Hence, consider it a hidden gem in the city where visitors are more than welcome to drop by. The area is secluded. So, the garden serves as a quiet place where one can drown out the hectic pace of the city.

Be sure to check out the other highlights of Chelsea Physic Garden like the World Woodland Garden, the Tropical Corridor, the Garden of Edible and Useful Plants as well as Victorian Cool Fernery.

tips

Be sure to ready your pen, paper or phone as the garden contain 5000 medicinal and rare plants that you can learn about.
If you enjoy learning while travelling, the garden host variety of courses for the guests like botany, beekeeping, handicrafts and plant photography.
On Mondays the garden is open from 11 AM – 5:00 PM and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Tuesday to Sunday. Be sure to check for updates and changes before visiting.

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Curators House, 66 Royal Hospital Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4HS, UK

Click here to see prices.

Sunday - Friday 11am - 6pm
Saturday - Closed

Sloane Square Tube Station

442073525646

www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is one of the prime locations to experience the London sunset. But this royal park has a lot more to offer than being only a setting for the spectacle of dusk.

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This would come as no surprise considering it is the largest in its category. Within its 2,500 acres is a haven for 650 deer. Its grasslands are also home to a wide range of plant and animal wildlife. Hence, it would be a welcomed breather for anyone eager to take a break from the hectic pace of city life.

The Isabella Plantation at Richmond Park is a natural woodland garden. Any horticultural enthusiast should not pass up the chance to visit this area. If you happen to be in London between the months of April and May, then you will be lucky to see the evergreen azaleas blossom at their best.

Nature at Richmond Park can also be the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. Visitors can try their hand at off-road cycling, power kiting, golf and even power kiting. Guests of Richmond Park can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at Pembroke Lodge. The Georgian mansion also serves a spectacular view from its tea rooms of the St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Richmond Park holds the distinction of being a National Nature Reserve.

tips

As you visit the park, leave nothing behind and take nothing away. After eating and enjoying your picnic, you can take home your litter or put your garbage on the trash bins to maintain the cleanliness of the place.
Take nothing from the park like wildflowers, acorns and fungi as these can be food for the animals and insects. Also don’t bring or move any dead branches of trees as it may be a habitat to the creatures of the park.

Respect the wildlife by staying on the pathways when walking or on the tracks when using your bikes. Never light a fire as it may damage the areas and may be dangerous to the animals.

basic information

Richmond, UK

Free

April - September: 10am - 4pm (Everyday)
October - March: 11am - 3pm (Mon - Fri) and 10am - 3pm (Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays).

North Sheen Station

443000612200

www.royalparks.org.uk

Kew Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew features distinctive landscapes and classic architecture representative of the garden’s extensive history of more than two centuries. Hence, its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

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Visitors to the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew are in for a treat when walking around this historic landscape. Be amazed at the works of prominent landscape architects like Bridgeman, Chambers, and Kent to name a few.

Among the main attractions of the Kew Gardens are its majestic glasshouses – the Temperate House and the Palm House with its tropical rainforest. Visitors should also make their way to the Princess of Wales Conservatory where it is possible to explore different climatic zones from around the world in a single area. The Treetop Walkway would delight any visitor regardless of age. Imagine walking high above the gardens at 59 feet.

Beyond its aesthetic splendor, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is also an institution dedicated to the study and conservation of plants. Thus, generations to come will be able to appreciate and enjoy its diverse botanic collections for years to come.

tips

There are various attractions in the area which open and close at different times. To maximize and know all the details regarding the houses and conservatories, it’s recommended to visit their website first before buying tickets.
The queue on the ticket office can be long so better buy the tickets ahead to avoid all the hassle of lining up and wasting precious time while waiting. Tickets for adults cost 15 pounds. Ticket office charges 3.5 for ages 4-12. Family tickets are also available.
It requires a full day to visit the entire Kew Gardens so make sure to fully stack up on food and water so you can fully enjoy the plants and flowers in the garden.

basic information

Richmond TW9 3AB, UK

Adult from £16.50
Child from £4.50
Concession from £14.50

10am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Opening times change throughout the year.

Save money when you buy tickets online.Click here to check tickets online.

Kew Bridge Station

442083325655

www.kew.org

Hampton Court Palace Gardens

Hampton Court Palace Gardens are world famous owing to its strong association with various royal figures. King Henry VIII established its distinct landscape. Afterwards, royals King William III and Queen Mary II were responsible for the garden’s composition.

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Spring is one of the best times to visit the Hampton Court Palace Gardens when its flowering bulbs are in full bloom. Then again, summer is also special as the Exoticks of Queen Mary II emerge at the Lower Orangery Garden. The season also welcomes an array of herbs at the East Front Gardens.

The Great Vine at the Hampton Court Palace Gardens dates back to 1768. Yet it remains productive. Harvesting its dessert grapes also takes place at the close of summer. The autumn colors give the grounds a different depth that is also worth checking out. The same goes for winter when snow looks like icing atop topiary in the Privy Garden. Indeed, any season is a great time to visit the Hampton Court Palace Gardens.

tips

Expect to spend at least half day to visit the Hampton Court Palace. The best time to visit is during lunchtime - everyone is eating in other spots.
To have the best view, round the corner on a downstream boat to capture the full facade of the Baroque palace and its garden.
You can also buy fresh vegetables from the walled garden and Black Hamburg grapes from the Great Vine that’s on sale every autumn.

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Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, UK

Click here to see prices. You will get the best price if you book online.

Monday to Sunday: 10am - 6pm
Last Admission: 5pm

Hampton Court Train Station

440203166

www.hrp.org

Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is one of the eight royal parks in London. In fact, it is the oldest among them. As it turns out, Henry VIII used these grounds for hunting. Nowadays, the park offers a variety of activities designed to give visitors more than just breathing space in the urban jungle.

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The setting of Greenwich Park makes it the perfect spot to view the London skyline. Be warned, it is a bit of a climb. Even so, the view is worth it. The grounds serve as an urban sanctuary for foxes, several species of birds, and deer. Additional facilities like a boating lake and tennis courts are also available for families to enjoy together. Children from ages 3 to 13 can have fun at its Adventure Playground.

The park is also the home of the Royal Observatory where visitors will find the Greenwich Meridian Line. Greenwich Park also holds the distinction of being a UNESCO Greenwich Maritime World Site due to the presence of The National Maritime Museum within its perimeter. Summer time is busy in Greenwich Park with concerts held at the Bandstand.

tips

The best time to visit Greenwich Park is during the summer. Activities line up during this season.
Greenwich Park is a great spot for nightlight viewing.
The park opens at 6am to 12.30am. While in there, you can feed some food to the friendly squirrels or view the deer in the deer enclosures.

basic information

London SE10 8XJ, UK

Free

Check opening times here.

Maze Hill Train Station

443000612380

www.royalparks.org

Kyoto Gardens

Kyoto Gardens in London’s Holland Park opened in 1991 to celebrate the friendship of Japan and the United Kingdom. The meeting of east and west offers a peaceful setting in the middle of a busy city. Hence, it is a great place to escape the noise and demanding pace of life.

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The key features of the Kyoto Garden are its tiered waterfalls, abundant koi carp, and stone lanterns. Peacocks are also part of the scenery. Thus, it is an added treat if you happen to spot one or two of them during your visit.

tips

If you want to enjoy the relaxing vibe of the place, proceed to the hidden pathways near the back of the garden.
They said that watching fishes can help you relax. Visit Kyoto Garden’s ponds – colourful kois can surely help you relax.
A park within a park, the Kyoto Park is absolutely free and it opens every day at 7.30 am and closes 30 minutes before dusk. Bring enough food if you’re planning on a picnic.

basic information

Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, Kensington, London W11 4UA, UK

Free

Monday - Sunday: 10AM - 6PM

Shepherd's Bush Trail Station

442073613003

www.rbkc.gov

Regent's Park

Regent’s Park has come a long way since its first designation as hunting grounds by King Henry VIII. To date, it is a vital attraction in the city with numerous activities to offer visitors. Among these are the London Zoo that serves as the park’s key feature.

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A trip to London from June to mid-September would coincide with shows at the open-air theater. The variety of productions range from classic Shakespeare to Broadway musicals by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Musical entertainment is also offered at the bandstand. Families can rent rowboats or paddle boats to enjoy the park’s beautiful lake. On the other hand, they can engage in sports at the Hub.

tips

If you want to catch the bird parade that Regent's Park is famous for, visit an hour after dawn.
If you're planning to go boating, do it before noon. After 12, the price for boat rentals often doubles.
Ducks are a plenty in Regent Park's lake. Make sure to bring enough bread so you can feed them.

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