London's best parks

It doesn’t get much more idyllic when strolling through one of London’s parks. In a city that can sometimes feel like a rat race through a congested concrete jungle we have to admire the generosity and variety of green space’s we have to escape the rush of it all and take in a moment with nature. Whether it be a scenic jog or bike ride, some relaxation and meditation, peace and quiet or a day out with the family, you can be sure that you will find a park that you are looking for to suit your needs. London is sprawling with green space’s that can accompany whatever activity may be and with summer just around the corner the anticipation of spending your time strolling through a park in the sunny days ahead has us looking at London’s best parks (and in no particular order) this is what we found:

1. Hyde Park

London’s largest central park set in the heart of London, Hyde Park with its 4,000 plus trees is something of a gem where you can find yourself escaping the ‘big smoke’ just a few steps away from the busiest street in London, Oxford Street. It’s the kind of place you find yourself wandering and suddenly not noticing a single sky scrapper in sight and just like that you are lost in the picturesque backdrop for a more calming side of London. Making your way passed Kensington Palace and wandering through Kensington Gardens all the way across to Marble Arch, everything else in-between is for the adventure inside you to indulge in the abundance of space for your ideal activities from sports whether it be on or off the water to horse riding or playing tennis to listening in to all walks of life at Speaker’s corner. Don’t forget to catch yourself in one of the many high profile events and gigs that happen throughout the year.

2. The Regent's Park

The park that never stops sleeping. London’s iconic Regent’s Park is the kind of place you find yourself getting absolute lost in, with its wide selection of unique gardens from the Queen Mary’s Rose garden- A charming tranquil pathway lined with roses of all colours and intoxicating aromas, down to the Japanese Garden Island- Regent parks hidden oasis with an eastern inspired tranquillity, wander around at your own leisurely pace and listen to the garden’s waterfall. You can wander pass the Regents University and make your way to the largest auditoria open aired theatre in London and be sure to book your tickets and check out any one of the theatre, music, comedy or film events during the summer season. Don’t forget to stop into anyone of the cafes and grab yourself a latte to go before making your way through the wetlands and admiring the 100 species of birds and watch people rowing a boat on the lake. The London Zoo sits on northern end of the park where as with any Zoo is commonly enjoyed by all ages. Perfect for a family outing, London Zoo (the oldest scientific zoo in the world) has over 670 species of animals to admire and discover. Your day won’t be wasted at Regents Park.

3. Primrose Hill

We couldn’t miss out Primrose Hill, although commonly linked with Regents Park we decided to give Primrose its own praise as it is well deserved. Located on the northern side of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill will delight you with scenic hilltop views over London central. It’s worth your time taking an easy stroll around the park taking in the calm of it all and make your way to the top of the hill to find yourself setting your eyes on some of the best views London can offer. It’s not hard to see we love this place, we recommended heading up the hill in the evening, grab a picnic and watch the spectacular views over London as the sun sets, the best part is and it’s free!

4. Victoria Park

The ‘People’s Park’ or more commonly known as Victoria park, one of East London’s best open spaces. With its historical importance being one of the oldest public parks visited by Londoners and tourist alike for over 160 years, Victoria Park offers a sense of diversity in its natural surroundings and those who spend time there and appreciate what the park offers. Whether it be for play, sports or relaxation the park offers wide open green spaces teeming with playgrounds equipped with swings to adventure courses for the kids, or for the sporting enthusiast try out the invigorating running track where you will find groups of runners pacing themselves all alongside two expansive lakes either side of the park, one of which including a Chinese pagoda island. Grab a coffee and the Pavilion café which sits so idyllically overlooking the Victoria Park pond with its dancing statues and water fountain that sits in the lake. Don’t forget to check it out on a Sunday where the inviting Victoria Park Markets (operating every Sunday) offer everything from fresh local produce, meat and seafood stalls, locally baked goods and everything you would need to make the perfect antipasto or cheese platter. Sit back and try some of the locally brewed craft beers and listen to the live Jazz providing the perfect end to you weekend.

5. St James's Park

In the middle of the hustle and bustle of London’s busiest tourist attractions, St James’s Park situates its self in the heart of iconic London and is to this day still one of the most popular and beloved parks in the city. Once dedicated as a hunting ground for royalty, the park is now enjoyed by the millions of people who visit it every year and it is not hard to understand why. Landscaped in such a way that the park is stretched between Westminster and Buckingham palace the park offers a sense of calm through the hordes of tourist looking for the opportunity to snap a photo with any one of the royal guards. Take a stroll down the perfectly tree-lined road of the Mall, where many ceremonial parades have taken place and even her majesty the Queen has delighted crowds with the royal wave. Find yourself walking down anyone of the paths that wind their way through the park grounds and notice the timeless feel to St James’s Park with the backdrop of such historic buildings you can sometimes feel you’ve been sent back in time. The open green spaces and stunning flowerbeds is home to over 15 different species of birds, where the most noticeable of all is the pelican, who have been residents to the park since the 16th century, don’t forget to catch the daily feedings at 2:30pm.

6. Green Park

Sometimes over shadowed by its impressive neighbouring Parks whom boast, large lakes or memorials, Green Park, as the name suggest, is just that – a peaceful and charming green space that offers its visitors a simple tranquillity, which is sometime just what is needed in the madness of London. With its hundreds of trees, Green Park is the smallest of the central Parks on London. Once the grounds where King Henry the 8th hunted, the simplicity of the park grounds today is most of all a reflective and peaceful place, welcoming its visitors to enjoy its simple beauty. On the edge of the park is a number of memorials to commemorate the soldiers of War not just from UK but from a number of commonwealth countries which adds to the parks reflective nature.

7. Battersea Park

Battersea is one of London’s more unique parks that was first opened to the public in 1885. The park is now recognised as one of London’s most bustling and vibrant parks. A space that boast river Themes views, a children’s zoo and an Art Gallery, Battersea Park proudly sits long the river themes in one of London’s most up and coming areas and without a doubt has a charming display and an abundance of variety for activities it hard not to see why this is a popular place for Londoners and tourist alike. Especially popular destination for young families, kids are often entertained for hours here, if not for the adventure playground then the Battersea Park zoo, an attraction that has been in the park since 1951 and is home to mammals including three different species of monkeys, reptiles and birds who all call this park home. The zoo offers an educational experience as well as fun for kids of all ages. Battersea is the perfect place to grab some fish and chips and sit alongside the river making the most of the longer sunnier days.

8. Clapham Common

Nestled in the hustle and bustle of South West London is Clapham Common. Known for being an oasis of peace and a relation, Clapham common also surrounds itself with cafes, sporting facilities, recreational centre and two large playgrounds. Also home to concerts in the summer time as the park is home to the largest bandstand in London, perfect for those summer nights ahead. Set yourself up with a picnic alongside one of the three ponds that add to the tranquil nature of the park. Clapham Common is truly a winning spot for the locals, if you’re looking to get away from the tourist crowds in the centre city that is. Clapham Common is known for being a great space to go out for a run with the dog or just spending some quality time with friends or family.