London is a city that many travelers like me fall in love with. But then you must be there at the right time when it’s sunny and nice during the summer. And pray that the rain gods spare you at least a few days. So that you can spend at least a day out in few of the 8 most beautiful parks of London. And maybe some more if you are there for a longish holiday. Come let’s have a look at some of the most visited ones out of an estimated 3000 parks in London.
The Parks of London that we bring to you today are amongst the 8 Royal Parks of London. And some of them are almost interconnected as you can move from one to the other. We start with Hyde Park which is the largest of the four Royal Parks that form a chain. Starting from the entrance of Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens you reach Hyde Park through Hyde Park Corner. And then you can move on to Green Park past the main entrance to Buckingham Palace. So let’s get going.
1. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is where the suffragettes, as these women were called, gave fiery speeches fighting for their right to vote in Great Britain. Also known as the People’s Park it’s where Rolling Stones rocked out, Nelson Mandela took the stage and UK’s first Pride March began. The panoramic lake side paths, abundant wildlife to witness, waterfront cafes to relax a while is all very inviting. Also the official Royal Parks Shop to carry back a few mementos is in all a visitor’s delight.
2. Kensington Gardens
Originally part of Kensington Palace the Kensington Park is now open for all visitors. This extraordinary park lined with historical tree avenues and the charming flower walks where many generation of writers and artists have let their imaginations flow and the famous Albert Memorial. The nearby iconic Italian Gardens is also a serene retreat with its beauty and cascading fountains. For the younger ones there is The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground as well to enjoy.
3. Green Park
Apart from being popular amongst the sunbathers and picnickers, the charm of Green Park lies in its meadows and the songs of birds. There are three memorials here, Canada Memorial, Bomber Command Memorial and the Memorial Gates which pays tribute to 5 million people from India, Africa and the Caribbean who served during the two World Wars.
4. Buckingham Palace Gardens
Buckingham Palace Gardens is a 39 acres private garden attached to the palace and boasts of 325 wild-plant species, 30 species of breeding birds and over 1000 trees including 85 different species of oak. It also hosts garden parties and royal events by the Royal Family.
5. St. James Park
St. James Park is London’s oldest park and one of the most visited ones. It is famous for the Royal ceremonies including the daily changing of guards outside Buckingham Palace and in early June the full pageantry of Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade. We were lucky to be there on one occasion.
6. Greenwich Park
The Greenwich Park is spread over a huge area with the world-famous Royal Observatory sitting right in the middle of the park. It is here where the Greenwich Prime Meridian begins. This is the line that divides the world into Eastern and Western hemispheres and standing with your feet on both sides is an experience everyone queues up for. You can purchase a ticket to experience more inside the observatory. The gardens next to it a peace lover’s spot.
7. Richmond Park
Richmond Park is London’s site of specific scientist interest and a National Nature Reserve with its ancient woods, wide open grasslands, rolling hills and herds of deer, birds, fungi and wildflowers. The park traces its origins to 1625, when Charles I brought his court to nearby Richmond Palace to escape the plague sweeping through London. He later turned it into a hunting park, filled with red and fallow deer. Some of the trees of those days still stand today.
8. Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park boasts of being London’s largest outdoor sports arena and a park where you can spend a full day to explore it all. At The Hub you can hire pitches for a wide range of sports – from football and rugby to cricket and more.
You can also head to the lake for a boat ride and then observe some of the over 120 species of bird that can be seen at the park each year. The park is also home to London’s only breeding population of hedgehogs. With 5,000 varieties of tree, areas of wild meadow and historic grasslands, wildlife truly thrives here.
After having a British lunch at the cafe you must head to the top of Primrose Hill to enjoy some amazing views over the city of London. For generations, this hilltop has inspired artists and poets amongst others.
If you loved these beautiful parks of London, PIN it for your visit & forward for friends!
