9 Parks in London to Relax and Explore

London is renowned as a large and bustling city, but it also boasts numerous parks where you can unwind. Here are some of the big parks in London where you can relax, get some fresh air, and admire the gardens.

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All prices and times were accurate when this information was written or updated; however, please verify the details on the websites before your visit.

Parks in London City

The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill

Regent’s Park is at the top end of the city, off Marylebone Road. Nearby underground stations are Great Portland Street, Regent’s Park, and Baker Street.

There is so much to see and do walking through the gardens, and it can take you as long or as short a time as you like. At 410 acres (166 hectares), you could end up spending the whole day here.

The Queen Mary’s Gardens hold the Rose and Begonia Gardens. When in full bloom, this part of the park will be full of colour and well worth a visit.

Walking through here, you will find a cascading waterfall on the Japanese Garden Island.

London Zoo

At the northern end of the park is the London Zoo, a great place to visit, especially for families.

With numerous walk-through areas, you can get up close to the animals and observe them in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible.

Hours

ZSL London Zoo is usually open every day of the year, except on Christmas Day, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Check their website for any updates to these hours, especially in June and July, regarding Zoo Nights.

• The last admission is one hour before the advertised closing time.
• Some animal exhibits may close up to 30 minutes before closing time.
  

Eateries and cafes

• Coffees and hot drinks are available from our Barista Bar, next to The Terrace Restaurant, from 10 am until the Zoo closes.
• The Terrace Restaurant is open for eat-in or takeaway service from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, year-round.

Prices

All tickets must be booked in advance, which can be done on their website.

Continuing north, Primrose Hill offers stunning views of London and is a picturesque spot for picnics. This will make a lovely end to the day, or you can head into Camden Town.

Hyde Park

At 350 acres (23 hectares), Hyde Park is the second-largest in London.

If you visit Hyde Park on a Sunday, go to the Speakers’ Corner to hear people’s views. You can then head over to the Serpentine, where you can go on a row or pedal boat.

If you walk through to the end, you’ll find Kensington Palace and Gardens.

Kensington Palace

Take a tour of Kensington Palace and learn about the history of the Royals who have lived there.

Hours

Click on the website to check out the times the Palace is open when you visit.

Prices

To find the prices, click here.

Read more about Kensington Palace on my blog, using the London Pass.

St. James’s Park

With Buckingham Palace at one end and the Horse Guards Parade at the other, St. James’s Park is my favourite park.

At 56 acres (23 hectares), this is the second smallest park in London, but it’s still worth a visit. It’s a very central park with many attractions only minutes away, like the Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey, the Royal Mews, and the Queen’s Gallery. You can find more information on these attractions on my blog, Using the London Pass.

With beautiful gardens, a lake at its centre, and wildlife on both the water and the land, it is a great park to sit and relax, watching everything that is happening.

Green Park

Green Park is another central park next to Buckingham Palace. This is definitely the park to relax in, with deck chairs available for rent.

With an underground station nearby, this park is highly accessible.

The RAF Bomber Command Memorial, a new addition to the park, commemorates the 55,573 airmen who lost their lives during World War II.

Parliament Square Garden

Parliament Square Gardens are in the heart of the political capital. This green oasis borders the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the Supreme Court.

Visit here to see statues of significant historical figures, such as Churchill, Mandela, Gandhi, and Millicent Fawcett, or to take a break from your exploration.

Parks in Greater London

Kew Gardens

One of the best parks, Kew Gardens, is 300 acres (121 hectares), and you can catch the underground on the District line, one station back from Richmond, just outside of central London.

This is another vast park where you can spend the entire day exploring the gardens and hothouses, as well as taking the Tree Tops Walk.

Walking 18m off the ground, you get to see the gardens from the perspective of a bird, far up in the canopy of the trees.

From here, you can also visit Kew Palace. You can also view Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, which is the home of George III and Queen Charlotte. There is also the Great Pagoda, which you can climb, although it is 253 steps if you are able.

Both of these attractions require further payment.

Hours

Please check out their website to see what is open when you plan to visit.

Prices

Please check their website to see current prices.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the biggest park in London, covering 2500 acres. This is a massive park, and to explore it effectively, it’s best to stay in the area unless you have a car to get around.

The Richmond Line is the best way to get here from London, and you can explore Kew Gardens, the stop before, on this line as well.

It is home to many types of wildlife, including Deer, bats, squirrels and birds. Rabbits and foxes, as well as many smaller mammals, are also here, although they may be harder to find.

If your interest is in insects or flora, this park will also interest you. It’s not only diverse but also has a protected status, as it serves as an essential habitat for all the wildlife it supports.

It is one of the best parks to visit from London, but you can also base yourself here and explore this area, which is rich in history. Hampton Court Palace, Runnymede, and Windsor are not far away.

Bushy Park

Bushy Park is another great park to visit in London. At 445 hectares (1,100 acres), it is the second-largest park in the area, located just across the road from Hampton Court Palace.

There are plenty of parking areas and walks to be enjoyed here, as well as the Pheasantry Cafe, offering freshly baked refreshments.

The Deer, once again, are free to wander the grounds, and if you’re lucky, you might see some squirrels as well.

This is an excellent park in Greater London for families to enjoy, whether you have a picnic or walk through the parkland before or after a visit to Hampton Court Palace.

Conclusion

I hope that you will get time to enjoy the parks in London. It’s undoubtedly great to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and breathe in some fresh air.

If you want to see and do more in London, check out my other blogs, Merlin London Big Adventure Pass and Using the London Pass.

Where I Stayed

I stayed in three YHA hostels while spending time in London: YHA London St. Paul’s, YHA Central London, and YHA London Oxford Street.

All are near attractions, which is why I moved around. YHA London St. Paul’s is convenient for St. Paul’s, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, but it’s so close to the River Thames and the Millennium Bridge that you can get those dawn shots.

YHA London Oxford Street and Central London are the best places to stay for attractions north and west of London, such as the London Zoo, Madame Tussaud’s, and Buckingham Palace.

Facilities

YHA London Oxford Street

• Free Wi-Fi in common areas and Internet
• 24-Hour Reception
• Towels, padlocks and power adapters are available for rent
• Hostel Activities like walks, pub crawls, etc
• Meal Available
• Late check out
• Luggage Storage
• Laundry
• Bar
• Tours/Travel Desk
• Key Card Access
• Near bus stops and underground
• Vending Machines

YHA London Central

• Wifi and full mobile coverage
• Stylish cafe and bar at the heart of the hostel
• Self-catering Kitchen
• 5-minute Walk from Oxford Street
• Self-catering facilities are available at any time of the day
• 24-hour access after check-in and 24-hour reception
• Ambulant and Wheelchair accessible
• Contactless payments
• Evening meals
• Licensed bar
• Near a bus stop, a train station and an underground
• Water refill station
• Luggage store
• Vending Machines
• Unlimited Breakfast

YHA London St. Paul’s

• Free Wifi
• Internet Access
• Fully Licensed Restaurant
• Free City Maps
• Linen Included
• Common Room
• Security Lockers
• Hair Dryers and Towels For Hire
• Restaurant, Cafe and Bar
• Bicycle Parking and Hire
• Laundry Facilities
• 24-Hour Security
• Late Check-Out
• Luggage Storage
• Tours/Travel Desk
• Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
• Vending Machines

Where They Are

YHA London St. Paul’s is situated in the former St. Paul’s Choir School, located at 36 Carter Lane.

YHA London Oxford Street is located at 14 Noel Street, one block back from Oxford Street, between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road Underground Stations.

YHA London Central is at 104 Bolsover Street, a 5-minute walk from Great Portland Street Underground Station and Marylebone Road.

How To Book

If you would like to stay at the YHA London St. Paul’s, the YHA London Oxford Street, or the YHA London Central, click on the links and get ready to start your adventure in London.

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