24 Best Parks In London | Beautiful Green Spaces You’ll Love To Visit

I’ve spent years visiting the best parks in London, from royal gardens to quiet green escapes. Here are 24 peaceful spots I always return to for calm and fresh air.

Author:James RowleyOct 13, 2025

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Beautiful Parks In London You’ll Love To Visit Again And Again

London never fails to surprise me. Beneath its rush-hour chaos and tall glass towers lies a calmer side, one filled with ponds, ancient trees, and people stretched out on picnic blankets as if time had stopped.

When I first moved here, I thought Hyde Parkwas all there was. But after years of wandering through the city, I’ve learned that London’s parks each have their own heartbeat, some wild, some royal, some secret.

Here’s something most people don’t realise: London isn’t just about concrete and red buses, it’s one of the greenest cities in the world, home to nearly 3,000 parks. These 24best parks in LondonI want to share with you are places I’ve fallen in love with through weekend walks, early morning runs, and lazy picnics.

I’ll share what makes each special the quiet corners, the hidden viewpoints, even the practical stuff like when to go and how to get there so you can find your own perfect green escape in the city.

1. Hyde Park

View of a serene park lake with a jet of water rising from a fountain, bordered by a fence and a gravel path where several visitors are relaxing

Let me start with the obvious one. Hyde Parkis probably what most people picture when they think of London parks. It's massive, covering 350 acres right in the heart of the city.

What I love about Hyde Park is that it somehow manages to feel spacious even when it's busy. You've got the Serpentine lake cutting through the middle, where you can rent a pedal boat if that's your thing. There's Speakers' Corner where random people get on soapboxes and debate anything under the sun. And honestly, the people-watching is entertainment enough.

2. Regent's Park

A wide shot of a park and city view at dusk, showing warm park lights contrasting with the distant, brightly lit buildings of a metropolis

If Hyde Park is London's living room, Regent's Park is its fancy garden party. This place has style. We're talking perfectly manicured gardens, a boating lake, and an actual open-air theatre where you can watch Shakespeare under the stars in summer.

The Queen Mary's Gardens section is ridiculous. Over 12,000 roses in the summer months. The smell alone is worth the visit. And London Zoo sits right on the northern edge, so you'll hear the occasional lion roar if you're nearby.

3. Richmond Park

An elevated shot from a stone staircase, framed by brick walls and foliage, looking out over a green park and a densely built urban area with historic architecture

Whenever I need to feel tiny under open skies, I go to Richmond Park. It’s over 2,500 acres and home to herds of red and fallow deer that roam freely.

The star attractions are the deer. Not cute, tame deer. Wild red and fallow deer have lived here for centuries. During rutting season in autumn, you'll hear the stags bellowing across the park. It's primal and absolutely mesmerizing.

I won't lie to you: Richmond Parkis big enough that you'll want a bike or be prepared for serious walking. But that's what makes it special. You can actually get lost here. You can find spots where you forget you're in a city of nine million people.

4. Hampstead Heath

An elevated view of a formal English garden featuring a red brick wall, a black metal fence, and an overhead wooden pergola covered in climbing plants

Hampstead Heath is where Londoners go when they want to feel like they've left London. It's wild, hilly, and wonderfully uncivilized compared to the manicured Royal Parks.

The ponds are what make it famous. Yes, you can actually swim in outdoor ponds in the middle of London. There are three swimming ponds: men, women, and mixed. People swim here year-round, even in winter when you have to break ice on the surface. I'm not that brave, but summer swims are glorious.

The view from Parliament Hill is the best free view in London. You can see the entire city skyline spread out before you. On clear days, you can identify individual buildings. It's especially magical at sunset.

5. Greenwich Park

A bright summer day in a park showing a busy boating pond and a lawn full of visitors, with the lower buildings of Greenwich and the tall towers of London beyond

Greenwich Park gives you everything: history, views, culture, and that satisfying feeling of standing on the Prime Meridian with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the western.

The hill climb to the Royal Observatory is a bit of a leg-burner, but the view from the top over the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the old Naval College is absolutely worth it. This is where London's maritime history comes alive.

What I appreciate about Greenwich Park is that it's beautifully designed but still feels natural. The ancient trees, the flower gardens, the deer park it all flows together nicely.

6. Kensington Gardens

A wide, straight avenue in a park, lined by tall green trees, leading to the red-brick facade of a historic palace under a clear blue sky

Technically part of Hyde Park but managed separately, Kensington Gardens has a more refined, quieter atmosphere. This is where you come when Hyde Park feels too busy and you want something more peaceful.

The Italian Gardens are stunning ornate fountains and perfectly symmetrical flower beds. The Albert Memorial is impossible to miss (and surprisingly interesting if you take time to look at all the details). And kids go absolutely mental for the Peter Pan statueand the Diana Memorial Playground.

7. Victoria Park

An expansive, flat grassy field with a clear boundary of colorful, leafy trees in the background under a pale sky

Victoria Park is where East London hangs out. This is a proper community park where you'll see everything from tai chi classes to football matches to people DJing by the lake.

It's got this great mix of Victorian heritage (beautiful old pavilions and fountains) and modern London energy. Summer weekends bring food festivals, outdoor film screenings, and markets. It feels alive in a way that some of the more formal parks don't.

I’ve spent countless weekends here cycling, grabbing coffee from Pavilion Café, or just people-watching. If you want to see how locals actually enjoy London, start here.

8. Battersea Park

A section of Battersea Park on a clear day, showing low-lying bushes, rose beds, and four sculptural yellow gates or domes with white tops

Battersea Park sits right on the Thames with views across to Chelsea. It's got this Victorian elegance mixed with modern facilities that works really well.

The subtropical garden section is like stepping into a different climate huge exotic plants and a peaceful atmosphere. There's also a small zoo (much more manageable than London Zoo for young kids), a boating lake, and the Peace Pagoda, which is genuinely beautiful.

9. St James's Park

An autumn scene in St. James's Park with a person walking down a lane lined by thick tree trunks, where the ground is covered in a carpet of brown and yellow leaves

St James's Park is the smallest of the Royal Parks, but it might be the prettiest. It's right in the heart of tourist London, sandwiched between Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade.

The lake dominates the park, and it's full of waterfowl, including actual pelicans. Yes, pelicans in central London. They've been here since 1664 when the Russian ambassador gave them as a gift. They get fed at 2:30pm daily, which is quite the spectacle.

10. Bushy Park

Historic water cascade in Bushy Park, showing multiple steps of flowing water and a brick archway on the right under a clear, bright sky

Bushy Park is Richmond Park's lesser-known sibling, and it's better for it. You get the same wild deer herds, but with about half the visitors. It’s my go-to when I want open space without the crowds. The Diana Fountain at the heart of the park adds a regal touch to an otherwise wild setting.

The Chestnut Avenue is famous a straight, tree-lined road that leads to the Diana Fountain. It's spectacular in autumn when the chestnuts turn golden. The woodland areas feel properly wild, and the waterways are full of wildlife. If you are looking for where to go for a quiet day in London, Bushy Park is exactly that place.

11. Holland Park

A lush, densely planted park landscape featuring a pond reflecting the trees, with a bright red maple tree near a large rockery

Holland Park is a haven of ,pure elegance in West London. It's not huge, but every corner is beautiful. The Kyoto Garden is the main attraction a Japanese-style garden with koi carp, waterfalls, and peacocks wandering around like they own the place (which they basically do).

The park was once the grounds of a grand house, and you can still see the ruins, which lend a romantic, slightly melancholy atmosphere. The formal gardens are immaculate. It’s where I go when I want beauty without busyness. Every corner feels cared for, and peacocks wander freely. It’s also close to Notting Hill, so you can pair it with a market stroll.

12. Clapham Common

People sitting and relaxing on a wide, sunlit green common, with a line of tall, mature trees forming the background

Clapham Common is huge (220 acres) and incredibly popular with South Londoners. It's got this great energy always something happening, always people out enjoying themselves.

There are three ponds, loads of sports facilities, and endless space for everything from yoga classes to football matches. It's particularly great if you have a dog because there's so much space for them to run.

13. Primrose Hill

Night view from Primrose Hill: the dark foreground is contrasted by the glowing yellow streetlights of the park below and the distant city towers

Primrose Hill is tiny, really just a hill with a bit of grass around it but the view is unmatched. From the summit, you get a perfect panorama of London's skyline with none of the crowds you get at Parliament Hill.

It's become a bit of a local scene, especially at sunset when people bring wine and cheese and watch the sun go down behind the city. Very civilized.

People bring wine and have picnics here. No, it's not strictly allowed, but nobody seems to care as long as you're respectful. The nearby Regent's Park Road has excellent shops and cafes for picnic supplies.

14. Brockwell Park

A wooden children's play area in a park, including small huts and a slide, surrounded by overgrown foliage on a cloudy day

Brockwell Park is one of those parks that South Londoners love and everyone else seems to have missed. It's hilly, which means great views over London. It's got a proper Victorian walled garden, a fantastic lido (outdoor pool), and loads of character.

The community feeling here is strong. You'll see local yoga classes, cricket matches, kids' birthday parties. It feels like a neighborhood living room.

The lido is brilliant but gets very busy on hot days. Members get priority, so if you're visiting in summer, book ahead online. The cafe at Brockwell Hall is lovely and has a big terrace overlooking the park.

15. Alexandra Park

Alexandra Park's elevated view, showing a wide green lawn in the foreground and a huge expanse of residential roofs and trees stretching to the distant financial district towers

Alexandra Park is famous for Alexandra Palace sitting on top of it, but the park itself is excellent. It's on a steep hill with woodland, a boating lake, and fantastic views.

The palace hosts events, exhibitions, and has bars and restaurants, making it easy to combine a park visit with other activities. The ice rink is open year-round if you fancy skating.

16. Crystal Palace Park

The tree-lined central walk in Crystal Palace Park on a sunny day, with deep green foliage creating a tunnel effect over the path

Crystal Palace Park is wonderfully weird. The main attraction is the dinosaur sculptures life-size models from the 1850s that are hilariously inaccurate by modern standards but absolutely charming.

The park itself is Victorian and has this faded grandeur about it. There's a large lake, a maze, a farm, and the remains of the Crystal Palace itself (it burned down in 1936).

17. Burgess Park

A sunny view of a park lake with green water, featuring a wooden footbridge in the background and a few ducks and swans on the water and shore

Burgess Park is fascinating because it's relatively new created from former industrial land in the 1980s. It's still evolving, with new sections being added and improved.

What makes it special is the community it serves. This is one of London's most diverse areas, and the park reflects that. You'll see cricket matches, BMX riders, community gardens, and events celebrating different cultures throughout the year.

18. Wanstead Park

A beautiful natural landscape in Wanstead Park, showing a forest floor covered in a magnificent bloom of wild bluebells during the spring

Wanstead Park is a bit wild and overgrown, which is exactly why I love it. It used to be the grounds of a massive stately home that was demolished in the 1820s. Now it's part of Epping Forest and has this forgotten, romantic atmosphere.

There are several lakes, ancient trees, and ruins dotted around. It feels like you're exploring somewhere you shouldn't be, even though it's perfectly public.

19. Waterlow Park

A small, quiet lake in Waterlow Park, framed by thick woods, with a makeshift wooden raft floating in the center of the water

Waterlow Park is a hidden gem on the slopes of Highgate Hill. It's not big, but it's beautifully designed with terraced gardens, ponds, and great views over London.

The park has this peaceful, contemplative atmosphere. Maybe because it borders Highgate Cemetery, or maybe just because it's on a hillside away from main roads. Whatever the reason, it's lovely.

20. Dulwich Park

The curving wooden nature path in Dulwich Park, leading away from the viewer and bordered by water and tall, wild plants

Dulwich Park is one of those parks that just works perfectly for families. It's not trying to be anything fancy just a really well-maintained Victorian park with all the facilities you actually need.

The big thing here is the bike hire they have regular bikes, tandems, and tricycles for kids. The cafe is good, the playground is excellent, and there's an outdoor gym if you want to pretend you're being virtuous.

21. Lee Valley Regional Park

A white water rapids course with an athlete in a kayak navigating slalom gates, overlooked by a large stadium packed with spectators and flags

Lee Valley is different from every other park on this list because it's not really a park it's a 26-mile-long park corridor following the River Lea from East London into Hertfordshire.

This is where you come for proper outdoor activities. White water rafting, cycling, kayaking, climbing walls, athletics. The Olympic Park at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is part of it. There are nature reserves, working farms, and endless space.

22. Green Park

A pedestrian walkway in a London park on a bright day, with several visitors resting on wooden benches beneath the shade of tall deciduous trees

Just beside St James’s, Green Park feels like a breath: no statues, no flowerbeds, just grass and trees. It’s simple and peaceful, perfect for lying under the shade with a book. On lunch breaks, I often bring a sandwich here; it’s where central London actually pauses.

Because there are no fences or monuments, it feels open and endless. If you’re exploring the royal landmarks nearby, Green Park is your best quick escape from the noise. You can even catch a glimpse of it right now through this live Green Park webcamit’s a small window into the calm that sits right beside the city’s busiest streets.

23. Hackney Marshes

A natural area of marshes and woods is bordered by the wide, manicured soccer pitches of Hackney, with the sky overcast

Hackney Marshes is pure open space dozens of football pitches and trails that run along the River Lea. It’s less about gardens and more about freedom.

If you’re into cycling or jogging, this is your zone. I sometimes follow the Lea Valley path from here all the way north; it’s quiet and full of hidden wildlife pockets.

24. Horniman Gardens

A wooden gate standing open on a paved path leading into a sunny garden with green trees, rose bushes, and a bright yellow-leafed tree in the center

Beside the Horniman Museum, these gardens combine art, science, and greenery in the loveliest way. I come here for the views over south London and the community feel.

There’s even an animal enclosure, a butterfly house, and regular music events in summer. It’s small but full of soul the kind of park that makes you smile the moment you arrive.

Final Thoughts

Every London park tells its own story, some whisper of royalty and history, others sing with birds and laughter. Over time, I’ve realised they’re not just green spaces but emotional landscapes that shape how the city breathes.

If you only have a few days in London, start with Hyde Park, Regent’s, or Greenwich. But if you have time to wander, go beyond the obvious, sit quietly in Waterlow or walk deep into Kensington Gardens. You’ll see a side of London that tourists rarely do.

So grab your walking shoes, pack a small picnic, and let the city’s green heart surprise you.

James Rowley

Author

James Rowley is a London-based writer and urban explorer specialising in the city’s cultural geography. For over 15 years, he has documented the living history of London's neighbourhoods through immersive, first-hand reporting and original photography. His work foregrounds verified sources and street-level detail, helping readers look past tourist clichés to truly understand the character of a place. His features and analysis have appeared in established travel and heritage publications. A passionate advocate for responsible, research-led tourism, James is an active member of several professional travel-writing associations. His guiding principle is simple: offer clear, current, verifiable advice that helps readers see the capital with informed eyes.

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