Discover incredible London wildlife, beautifully designed gardens and plenty of space for summer picnics and refreshing autumnal walks in London's best parks.
Famous parks in London
1. Hyde Park
Take a leisurely stroll, kick back in a deckchair, zip around on a bicycle, row a boat or swim in the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Whichever way you choose to explore this huge and centrally located park, there's plenty to see and do, with thousands of trees, a lake, a meadow, rose gardens and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. Head to Speakers’ Corner on a Sunday morning for lively public speeches and debate.
2. Regent's Park
Stop and smell the roses in the beautiful gardens at Regent’s Park. Renowned architect John Nash designed the park in the 1810s, and it spans 197 hectares (487 acres). Alongside stunning formal gardens, this London park has a boating lake, playgrounds and one of the largest outdoor sports areas in central London. The Open Air Theatre stages performances of plays, comedies and musicals.
3. Kensington Gardens
Take a stroll through the gorgeous Kensington Gardens, a Royal Park that's home to Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial, the Peter Pan statue, beautiful flowers, green grass for picnics and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground.
4. Holland Park
Wander through Kensington’s 54-acre tranquil oasis, Holland Park and discover the formal gardens, children’s adventure playground as well as a range of sporting facilities, including netball, cricket and tennis courts. Don’t forget to admire the picturesque Kyoto Garden within, featuring Japanese maple trees, tiered waterfalls and a pond with koi carp.
5. Primrose Hill
Walk up the picturesque Primrose Hill, just north of Regent’s Park, to discover one of six protected viewpoints in London. Admire sweeping vistas of the city’s skyline and surrounding neighbourhoods. Don’t forget to look out for an oak tree on the slope of the hill, known as “Shakespeare’s Tree”, planted in 1864 to mark the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth.
Best parks in London for walks
6. Clapham Common
Jog around Clapham Common, one of the city's largest flat open spaces, or simply relax in the sun by one of the three ponds. Check out the skatepark, cosy pubs, tennis courts, grass pitches and bandstand that keep south Londoners entertained.
7. Hampstead Heath
Escape the hustle and bustle of central London a mere four miles (6.5km) north in Hampstead Heath. Climb to the top of Parliament Hill for magnificent views or admire the wisteria in the romantic flower and vine-covered walkways of the abandoned Pergola and The Hill Garden. Cool off with a dip in one of the heath's natural bathing ponds or book a slot at Parliament Hill Lido, one of London's best outdoor swimming spots.
8. Lee Valley Regional Park
Cycle along the paths or take a stroll in Lee Valley Regional Park. Stretching 26 miles (42km) along east London’s river Lea, past Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and up to Ware in Hertfordshire, this huge park has plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife, relax or play. Active types will love the range of sports on offer here, including white water rafting, cycling and ice skating. There’s also a farm and a horse-riding centre.
9. Brockwell Park
Explore the wide, open meadows of Brockwell Park in south London. Admire the walled flower garden, network of ornamental ponds and 19th-century Tritton Clock Tower, donated to the park in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. You’ll also find a BMX track, ride-on miniature railway and multiple sports and play areas, as well as Brockwell Lido, an outdoor swimming pool by Brockwell Hall, a Grade II-listed Georgian country house.
Parks in London with lakes
10. St James's Park
Channel your inner royal as you ramble through St James's Park. Surrounded by three royal palaces, including Buckingham Palace, it's also next to Horse Guards Parade and the tree-lined Mall. Visit the lake at 2.30pm to see the famous pelicans being fed fresh fish, before stopping off for a hot drink at St James’s Cafe.
11. Victoria Park
Head to Victoria Park, or "Vicky Park" if you ask an east London local, to explore the canals, ponds and a pavilion in one of the capital's oldest public parks. The large open green spaces play host to big music festivals in the summer, and there are plenty of areas for sport, picnics and relaxing.
12. Dulwich Park
Explore Grade II-listed Dulwich Park in south London featuring 72 acres of lush green space, woodland walks and playgrounds. It’s ideal for sporty types, offering an outdoor gym, outdoor table tennis, tennis courts, football, cricket nets and bicycle hire. Alternatively, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the lake as you take the pedalos or traditional rowing boats for a spin.
Best parks for kids in London
13. Crystal Palace Park
Discover Victorian-era dinosaur statues, get lost in one of the UK's largest mazes, or simply explore the many ponds and green spaces that Crystal Palace Park has to offer its visitors. This south London park plays host to gigs and festivals in the summer months.
14. Battersea Park
Talk to the animals at the Battersea Children's Zoo or walk along the grand riverside promenade in Battersea Park. Take in the magnificent fountains, admire the Peace Pagoda and rent boats on the lake in the summer. This huge south London park boasts plenty of play areas, plus the four-storey Pump House Gallery. Take in the views from the high rope treetop trail at Go Ape Battersea.
15. Danson Park
Sail around the lake or take the kids to the waterpark for a splash of fun at Danson Park in south-east London. This green space is a great family destination, with a peaceful rock garden, boating lake and the Grade I-listed Danson House.
16. Clissold Park
Head to leafy Stoke Newington to enjoy the 54-acre Clissold Park, open since 1889. Discover plenty of sports facilities, including tennis and table tennis courts, basketball courts, a skate park and running tracks. For the children, there’s a large adventure playground with a sand pit, wooden shipwreck climbing frame, splash pads and more, as well as an aviary and animal enclosure.
Quiet parks in London
17. Richmond Park
Admire hundreds of free-roaming deer, ancient trees and rare wildflower species at beautiful Richmond Park in south-west London. Covering 1,012 hectares (2,500 acres), this Royal Park boasts stunning views from the top of the hill that are protected by law. Seek out the Isabella Plantation, hidden within the park grounds, to capture the Instagram-ready evergreen Japanese azaleas.
18. Greenwich Park
Stop off in Greenwich Park for breathtaking views of the river Thames and Canary Wharf. The Prime Meridian Line runs through the park and is marked on the grounds of the Royal Observatory. Pretty flower and herb gardens dot the grounds of this south-east London park, and there’s also a kids’ playground with a maritime theme.
19. Bushy Park
Stroll down Chestnut Avenue to Hampton Court Palace or see trees full of mistletoe in south-west London’s Bushy Park, the second largest of the city’s Royal Parks. You can also find the Baroque-style Upper Lodge Water Gardens and the 17th-century Diana Fountain in these historic grounds.
20. Union Park
Unwind among lush lawns, wildflower meadows, ponds and fountains at Union Park, the newest park in Wembley Park. Enjoy the abundant green space, ideal for picnics or relaxing with family and friends, and the children’s paddling pool and playgrounds. There’s also a dedicated dogs off lead area and outdoor sports training equipment, including tennis and netball courts.
What is the most popular park in London?
Hyde Park is the most popular park in London. It is one of the eight Royal Parks and Grade I-listed. The park also hosts some of London's biggest events including Winter Wonderland.
What is the biggest park in London?
Richmond Park is the biggest park in London. The Royal Park in south-west London covers 2,500 acres (1,011 hectares) and is famously home to herds of deer.
How many parks are in London?
There are more than 3,000 parks in London of all shapes and sizes. This includes the eight Royal Parks (with five in central London) and large green areas like Hampstead Heath and Clapham Common. London currently contains 20% green space, and in 2019 became the world’s first National Park City by committing to turn more than 50% of the city green by 2050.
Looking for more outdoor inspiration around the capital? Check out this extensive list of green spaces in London, the best London picnic areas and 101 things to do outdoors across the capital. The city has activities to enjoy, including sporting events, outdoor theatre and entertainment and outdoor cinemas.
If you're exploring the capital with children, discover the 101 best things to with kids in London.
