A rundown of the natural open spaces we so love to enjoy in the warmer weather! Take a look at our top 12 choices of gardens and parks in London.
Richmond Park
Famed as the largest enclosed space in London, wildlife enthusiasts might just spot some of the majestic red and fallow deer that live throughout this national nature reserve. Don’t get too close though – those antlers can cause damage!
Kew Gardens
Designed by Marks Barfield architects (who created the London Eye), the treetop walkways offer a unique perspective to admire the luscious landscapes and botanical art of London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site – a mere 30 minutes from central London.
Kensington Gardens
One of the capital’s eight Royal Parks, you could spend hours exploring the 265 acres of gardens. Visit the Italian gardens and allotments; it’s the ideal nature escape from the capital.
Kyoto Gardens
Located in the heart of Holland Park, this quaint Japanese garden is like a small slice of Japan amongst an English setting – a perfect spot to relax and unwind.
St James’s Park
Surrounded by some of the country’s most famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, The Palace of Westminster and St James’s Palace, this green space is home to some rather unlikely residents. Living near Duck Island since 1664 are the rather social creatures, pelicans. Look out for feeding time between 2.30 and 3 pm every day.
Hampton Court Palace Gardens
Covering a third of an acre, lose yourself in the Hampton Court Maze; the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze. Navigate your way out for a well-deserved coffee (or something stronger) at one of the cafés.
Primrose Hill
Climb to the peak of this grassy hill and enjoy spectacular views over London. Featured in blockbusters such as Bridget Jones, this famous spot could be the start of your very own love story.
Chelsea Physic Garden
Tucked away beside the Thames, Chelsea Physic Garden is home to around 5,000 different edible, medicinal and historical plants; boasting the title of London’s oldest botanic garden.
Hampstead Pergola & Hill Gardens
Immersed inside the famous Hampstead Heath is one of London’s hidden treasures, where you can venture along an eerie raised walkway overgrown with vines and exotic flowers, set above some brilliantly dramatic gardens.
Brockwell Park
Once the kitchen garden for Brockwell Hall, Brockwell Park is the perfect respite from busy city life. Located next to the vibrancy of Brixton, this peaceful paradise is popular among the locals. Bursting with plants, flowers and gorgeous fountains, relax and take in your surroundings from one of the secluded benches.
Crystal Palace Park
Winner of TimeOut’s Love London award in 2015 and 2016, Crystal Park Palace is the ideal family day out. Discover the dinosaur sculptures lurking among the trees surrounding the lake, before getting lost in the infamous park maze.
Syon Park
Explore 600 years of unspoilt garden history at the Parkland, Grassland and Meadows, and the Great Conservatory. Escape to what feels like deep countryside, just nine miles from Charing Cross.
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