From elegant Victorian gardens to rugged woodland, London boasts an impressive variety of green spaces. Here's our roundup of everything you should know about the best-loved parks and commons in all four corners of the capital.
Can't choose between them? This self-guided weekend walk takes in four of London's Royal Parks.
The best parks in central London
Green Park
The verdant triangle between Piccadilly and Buckingham Palace may lack the flowerbeds and lakes boasted by other Royal Parks, but it's probably the most tranquil of the lot — and there's plenty to discover here if you know where to look.
Take, for instance, the circle of plane trees pictured above: a rumoured Druidic landmark that's hiding in plain sight.
Other secrets of Green Park include the buried River Tyburn, one of London's last porters' rests and (possibly) several ghosts.
Nearest tube stations: Green Park, Hyde Park Corner.
Hyde Park
One of London's largest Royal Parks, Hyde Park is home to the vast Serpentine Lake (which you can swim in), the majestic Wellington Arch and even a hidden pet cemetery.
With 350 acres to explore, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to picnic spots, and there are three cafes (including a stingray-shaped one) where you can replenish your supplies.
Other points of interest include the Diana Memorial Fountain, the Hyde Park Rose Garden, and the Achilles statue, which actor Laurence Olivier once called "the best arse in London". See the park in all its glory here.
Nearest tube stations: Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge.
This is a sponsored inclusion on behalf of The Royal Parks.
Discover one of Hyde Park’s best-kept secrets this summer
Did you know that The Royal Parks now have their own official shop? And not just any old shop either — this is a beautifully-curated treasure trove of prints, books, homewares, garden accessories and other unique keepsakes, in a truly idyllic setting.
You'll find this hidden gem alongside the Boating House by the Serpentine in Hyde Park (super convenient if you fancy popping in between picnics and pedalo rides!) Its seasonal product ranges mean the shop's chock-full of lovely things to enhance al fresco fun this summer, from picnic accessories to kids' activity cards. What's more, any purchase you make supports the vital work of The Royal Parks charity — these folks maintain over 5,000 acres of historic green space across London, all of it open to all.
In addition to helping maintain The Royal Parks, you also have the chance to support an array of small, sustainable, and socially-conscious businesses when you shop here. Take The Royal Parks' unique birdhouses, for example — crafted by artisan workers using recycled sari material, they help fund the survival of many women and their families from rural Bangladeshi communities. Talk about a feel-good shopping experience!
The Royal Parks Shop is open 10am-8pm seven days a week. Find it by the Boating House next to the Serpentine in Hyde Park.
Kensington Gardens
Once the private gardens of Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens are now open to all. The picturesque Royal park was the setting of JM Barrie's Peter Pan and is now home to a much-cherished statue of the boy-who-never-grew-up, which once fell victim to a messy art war. Other notable sights include the Grade II listed Elfin Oak, the Esme Percy Fountain, and the parakeets that will perch right on your hands. Read more about both Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park here.
Nearest tube stations: Lancaster Gate, Queensway, Bayswater, High Street Kensington.
St James's Park
Named after a hospital for people suffering from leprosy, St James's is perhaps the most regal of all Royal Parks — home to both The Mall and the Horse Guards Parade, and flanked by Buckingham and St James's palaces.
However, the real stars of the park have got to be the half-dozen pelicans that call it home: Isla, Tiffany, and Gargi, plus recent additions Sun, Moon and Star. Other attractions include vibrant flower beds, two cafes, and a possibly haunted statue of Queen Anne.
Nearest tube stations: St James's Park, Charing Cross, Westminster, Green Park, Victoria.
The best parks in north London
Hampstead Heath
Part of what makes Hampstead Heath so special is its wild beauty — check it out in all its rugged glory here.
Then there are those stunning views of the capital, which makes the heath perfect for picnics, as does its proximity to some stellar delis and bakeries.
It's also a cracking choice for a weekend ramble — these two take in much of the Heath.
Landmarks include a beautiful old viaduct, a hidden stately home, and some incredible bathing ponds.
Nearest tube stations: Hampstead, Golders Green, Gospel Oak, Tufnell Park.
Regent's Park
An abandoned garden, a secret garden and an ornate mosque that took 37 years to build — these are just some of the hidden gems that await you at Regent's Park. This gorgeous Royal Park has a sweeping grass area for sports, and also houses parts of London Zoo. It also hosts the annual Frieze Art Fair and accompanying al fresco sculpture trail every October.
Nearest tube stations: Regent's Park, Great Portland Street, Baker Street, St. John's Wood, Camden Town.
Finsbury Park
Finsbury Park benefitted from major renovations during the early noughties and now boasts tennis courts, a running track and play area, as well as a full-blown gallery specialising in the intersection between art and technology.
It's also part of the Parkland Walk pedestrian and cycle route — follow this scenic route from Ally Pally and finish up with a picnic in Finsbury Park.
Nearest tube stations: Finsbury Park, Manor House.
The best parks in south London
Brockwell Park
This 19th century beauty boasts tons of stunning period features, including a charming 'Old English' walled garden, a clock tower dating back to 1897, and ornamental ponds. There are also more modern additions, including a BMX track, a miniature railway and — our personal highlight — a lovingly-restored art deco lido for you to cool off in.
Nearest stations: Herne Hill, Tulse Hill.
Clapham Common
One of south London's many commons, this vast triangle of verdancy dates as far back as 1086. Amenities include three ponds and a pretty Victorian bandstand.
Look out for this mysterious drum-shaped structure while you're there — it's actually a passageway to a cavernous shelter used during the second world war.
Nearest stations: Clapham South, Clapham Junction, Clapham High Street.
Crystal Palace Park
Who needs Jurassic Park when you’ve got this south London gem? Crystal Palace Park has quite the unique claim to fame: it's home to a herd of dinosaurs. The series of historic sculptures, first unveiled in 1854, are located by the lakes near the Penge entrance of the park.
Other Victorian attractions include one of the country's largest mazes and the breathtaking Crystal Palace Subway – usually closed to the public, but due to reopen following the completion of a major revamp. The park is also home to a fishing lake, a museum, a city farm, and the recently renovated Crystal Palace Bowl.
Nearest stations: Crystal Palace, Penge West.
Peckham Rye Park & Common
The most striking feature of Peckham Rye Common? It's got to be the beautifully-carved wooden totem pole that sits at its border. Head south from here to access the main part of the park, which boasts a cafe, an adventure playground and a skate park.
It's also home to the hidden Sexby Garden, which is one of the best places in London to see wisteria in bloom during the spring. Hidden treasure include the (mostly buried) River Peck and the remnants of a second world war POW camp.
Nearest stations: East Dulwich, Honor Oak, Nunhead.
The best parks in east London
Greenwich Park
Home to one of London's most stunning viewpoints: a dramatic sweep of lawn looking out onto the 17th century marvel that is the Queens House, with the River Thames and Canary Wharf's gleaming skyscrapers beyond. The Royal Park boasts a rose garden, an orchard, and a kids' playground, and even the home of Greenwich Mean Time itself, Sir Christopher Wren's stunning Royal Observatory.
Nearest stations: Greenwich (National Rail), North Greenwich.
London Fields
At the bottom of Broadway Market lies one of Hackney's most popular parks, London Fields. As well as being a perfect place to scoff your market food on a Saturday, it's got its own lido and a pub slap-bang in the middle of it. Bucolic, it ain't, but it's certainly one of the buzziest green spaces in London.
Nearest stations: Hackney Central, Cambridge Heath, Haggerston.
Victoria Park
Once voted the nation's favourite park, Victoria Park is the largest green space in Tower Hamlets, with amenities including a boating lake, two cafes, a skate park and a large playground.
The flower-strewn Old English Garden is a particular highlight, as are the canine statues guarding the park gates. Make sure you drop into the phenomenal People's Park Tavern while you're there.
Nearest stations: Hackney Wick, Homerton, Cambridge Heath, Mile End.
The best parks in west London
Battersea Park
Get lost in the glorious leafiness of Battersea Park — home to many notable trees, a children's zoo (a much cheaper alternative to ZSL), and a Buddhist monk, who has lived inside the park's striking Peace Pagoda since the 1980s. Keep an eye out for the Brown Dog Statue which once caused a riot, a Barbara Hepworth sculpture, and pay a visit to the Grade II listed Pump House Gallery if you can.
Nearest stations: Battersea Park, Queenstown Road.
Bushy Park
Famed for its roaming herds of red and fallow deer, Bushy Park is a great place to experience some wildlife (just remember to keep your distance). Other attractions include the Grade I listed Diana fountain and a baroque-style water garden.
Nearest stations: Teddington, Hampton Wick, Hampton Court.
Richmond Park
Want to feel like you're in the countryside without leaving London?
Head to Richmond Park, a 2,500 acre national nature reserve teeming with rare species of fungi, birds, beetles, bats, grasses, wildflowers and more. The Isabella Plantation and its spring azaleas are an Instagrammer's delight. Just remember to watch out for the deer — especially if it's rutting season.
Nearest stations: Richmond.
Holland Park
A 'secret' Japanese Kyoto garden. London's saddest statue. The tamest peacocks in the capital. These are just some of the curiosities waiting to be discovered at Holland Park, which began life as the grounds of Cope Castle — though only the front terrace of the Jacobean manor still stands today.
Nearest stations: Holland Park, High Street Kensington.
