Top 10 Parks In London | London Top 10 Green Spaces

Summary

10 of the best parks in London to visit during the spring and summer of 2025. Each park offers a unique experience, from peaceful strolls and scenic gardens to open spaces perfect for sports and picnics. Key parks covered include Hyde Park, Kew Gardens, Hampstead Heath, Regent’s Park, Richmond Park, Holland Park, St. James’s Park, Greenwich Park, Clapham Common, and Victoria Park. Each park is described with essential information like size, address, how to get there, and nearby amenities, making it easy for anyone to plan their visit.

London ranks second for the number of well-loved green spaces, with 78 parks, just behind Tokyo’s 159. Despite having less space, London leads in searches for parks, with 5.18 million annual queries. Popular spots include Hyde Park, Victoria Park, and Hampstead Heath. The Greater London Authority estimates around 3,000 parks across the city, with 20% of the area made up of public green space. In 2019, London was named the world’s first National Park City. So, despite the city’s grey reputation, there’s plenty of greenery to enjoy.

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s most iconic green spaces, offering vast open areas perfect for picnics, sports, or simply enjoying the fresh air. With its large lake, the Serpentine, it provides a perfect spot for boating and peaceful walks. During the warmer months, the park hosts numerous events and is a gathering place for both locals and visitors. The park’s spacious layout allows for a sense of calm amidst the bustle of the city, with plenty of cafés and benches for relaxing.

  • Address: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
  • Size: 350 acres
  • How to Get There:
  • Nearby Amenities:
    • Kensington Palace
    • The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen
    • Shops and restaurants around the park

2. Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens)

Kew Gardens is a beautiful and expansive botanical garden, home to a vast array of plant species from around the world. It’s a peaceful retreat, with large glasshouses, tree-top walkways, and scenic paths to explore. The gardens are known for their lush displays during spring and summer, offering visitors a chance to unwind while surrounded by nature. Whether you’re looking for a quiet stroll or want to admire exotic plants, Kew Gardens offers an ideal escape.

  • Address: Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE
  • Size: 326 acres
  • How to Get There:
    • Tube: Kew Gardens Station (District Line and London Overground)
    • Train: Kew Bridge Station (South Western Railway)
  • Nearby Amenities:
    • The Botanist restaurant
    • Kew Village shops and cafés

3. Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is a vast and rugged park, with woodlands, ponds, and meadows scattered across its 790 acres. It’s a place to escape the busy city life and enjoy nature in its more untamed form. The park is a local favourite for its swimming ponds, which are open year-round, and its panoramic views of London from Parliament Hill. There are also plenty of walking paths, perfect for a stroll or run, making it a great destination for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet.

  • Address: Hampstead Heath, London NW3 7JR
  • Size: 320 hectares (790 acres)
  • How to Get There:
    • Tube: Hampstead (Northern Line), Belsize Park (Northern Line)
    • Train: Hampstead Heath Station (London Overground)
  • Nearby Amenities:
    • Parliament Hill Café
    • The Bull & Last pub
    • Hampstead High Street cafés and restaurants

4. Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park is one of London’s most beautiful parks, known for its formal gardens and scenic pathways. The park is home to the famous Queen Mary’s Gardens, with one of the largest collections of roses in the country. It also features a boating lake, perfect for a relaxing day on the water. London Zoo, situated within the park, adds a fun family element, while the wide open spaces make it a great place for a walk or a picnic.

  • Address: Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NR
  • Size: 166 hectares (410 acres)
  • How to Get There:
    • Tube: Regent’s Park (Bakerloo Line), Great Portland Street (Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan Lines)
    • Bus: Routes 18, 27, 30, 88, 453
  • Nearby Amenities:
    • London Zoo
    • Camden Market (a short walk away)

5. Richmond Park

Richmond Park is one of the largest and most tranquil parks in London, covering over 2,500 acres of open land. Famous for its wild deer, the park offers wide expanses of grassland, woodlands, and ponds. It’s a great spot for walking, cycling, and enjoying the outdoors. The Isabella Plantation, a beautiful woodland garden within the park, is particularly stunning in spring. Richmond Park is an ideal place for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature.

  • Address: Richmond Park, Richmond, London TW10 5HS
  • Size: 2,500 acres
  • How to Get There:
    • Train: Richmond Station (South Western Railway)
    • Bus: Routes 65, 33, 72, or 490 to Richmond Park
  • Nearby Amenities:
    • The Dysart Arms pub and restaurant
    • Richmond Town Centre (shops, cafes, and restaurants)

6. Holland Park

Holland Park offers a peaceful retreat with a mix of formal gardens, woodlands, and open spaces. The park is home to the Kyoto Garden, a Japanese-style garden with a koi pond and waterfall, which is particularly popular in the warmer months. It’s also a great place to spot wildlife, including peacocks that roam freely. The park’s relaxed atmosphere and proximity to Kensington make it an excellent choice for a quiet afternoon out.

  • Address: Holland Park, London W8 6LU
  • Size: 22.5 hectares (55.6 acres)
  • How to Get There:
    • Tube: Holland Park (Central Line)
    • Bus: Route 94, 27, or 228
  • Nearby Amenities:
    • The Belvedere Restaurant (inside the park)
    • Notting Hill’s famous shops and cafés
    • The Design Museum nearby

7. St. James’s Park

St. James’s Park is located right next to Buckingham Palace, making it an ideal spot for anyone visiting the area. With its picturesque lake, tree-lined paths, and gardens, it offers a calm escape from the hustle of central London. You’ll often see pelicans in the lake, which have been residents since the 17th century. The park is also a great spot to enjoy the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, just a short walk away.

  • Address: St. James’s Park, London SW1A 2BJ
  • Size: 23 hectares (57 acres)
  • How to Get There:
    • Tube: St. James’s Park (District & Circle Lines), Westminster (Jubilee, District & Circle Lines)
    • Bus: Routes 9, 11, 24, 87, and 211
  • Nearby Amenities:
    • The Mall and Buckingham Palace
    • The Blue Boar pub near the park
    • Various cafes around the park’s edge

8. Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park offers some of the best views of the River Thames and the London skyline. With its large open spaces, it’s an excellent spot for walking or a picnic. The park is home to the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian Line, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts. Whether you want to enjoy the view from the hilltop or explore the park’s many paths, Greenwich Park offers a calm and historical setting for visitors.

  • Address: Greenwich Park, London SE10 8QY
  • Size: 74 hectares (183 acres)
  • How to Get There:
    • DLR: Greenwich Station (Bank-Lewisham Line)
    • Train: Greenwich Station (South Eastern Railway)
    • Tube: North Greenwich (Jubilee Line) + 10-minute walk
  • Nearby Amenities:
    • The Royal Observatory and Prime Meridian Line
    • The National Maritime Museum
    • Greenwich Market for shopping and food

9. Clapham Common

Clapham Common is a large, open park in South London, popular with both locals and visitors. It offers plenty of green space for relaxing or playing sports, along with tennis courts and a bandstand that hosts outdoor events in summer. The park is a good place to enjoy a leisurely walk or socialise with friends. It’s well connected to local cafés and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for a casual afternoon out.

  • Address: Clapham Common, London SW4 9DE
  • Size: 89 hectares (220 acres)
  • How to Get There:
    • Tube: Clapham Common (Northern Line)
    • Bus: Routes 50, 88, and 155
  • Nearby Amenities:
    • Clapham High Street (cafes, restaurants, shops)
    • The Abbeville Road area for dining
    • Clapham Picturehouse (cinema)

10. Victoria Park

Victoria Park is one of East London’s most popular parks, offering large lakes, playgrounds, and plenty of open space. The park hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, making it a lively spot during the summer. Whether you want to enjoy the beauty of the Chinese pagoda or take a walk along the canal, Victoria Park provides an excellent place to relax or socialise with friends.

  • Address: Victoria Park, London E3 5TB
  • Size: 86.18 hectares (213 acres)
  • How to Get There:
    • Tube: Bethnal Green (Central Line) or Mile End (Central and District Lines)
    • DLR: Bow Church Station
  • Nearby Amenities:
    • Victoria Park Café
    • The nearby Regent’s Canal for walking and cycling
    • Local markets and food stalls