The Royal Parks In London
With over 3000 parks of varying sizes and beautiful features, London is one of the greenest cities in the world. In fact, these lush spaces beloved by locals and tourists alike cover almost 18 per cent of the capital, which is more than the area covered by railways and roads combined. It’s, therefore, no surprise that you don’t necessarily have to leave the city’s bustling atmosphere behind if you want to find peace. Simply head over to your nearest royal park in London for anything as lovely as taking a scenic boat ride in Hyde Park to deer-spotting in the countryside of Richmond Park.
The eight royal parks of London are located as follows: five within central London and three that scatter the edge of the city limits.
- Central London: Green Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park and St James’s Park
- Outskirts: Bushy Park, Greenwich Park and Richmond Park
Unlike conventional public parks, the Royal Parks of London are owned by the crown and managed by a government agency called Royal Parks. They serve as historical places of interest among gorgeous flora and fauna by displaying perfectly preserved statues, fountains, stonework, and cultural events.
Of course, the pride Londoners have for their green spaces comes to life in the summer when pristine picnic patches fill up, footballs are kicked around under blazing heat, and ice-cream trucks sell out – but that does not mean that they’re not loved no matter the season. I might even be bold as to say that witnessing the changing colours of autumn is sometimes the best way to admire the best parks in London.
So read on to discover where to wander if you hope for a regal escape into nature and appreciate why London is considered the world’s largest urban forest – and trust me, it’s so much more than the 8.3 million trees crammed into 600 square miles.
Why Are There So Many Parks in London?
In case you were wondering, London is dominated by parks due to a local effort to bring more greenery and open space to the city, which had become incredibly urbanised over time.
Travel and Accommodation In London
While London is a large city, it is incredibly well connected, and you can catch any transport link by simply tapping your card or phone wallet to the card readers on the bus or at the barriers before the train platforms. If you don’t have access to contactless payments, you can buy an Oyster Travel Card and top it up with a card or cash at any station.
Good accommodation options to explore the royal parks in London:
The Eight Royal Parks In London To Explore
Each Royal Park has its own character and unique history that draws special attraction to those excited to see what all the fuss is about.
Bushy Park
One of the most underrated royal parks in London due to its location, Bushy Park, forms a boundary with Hampton Court Palace and although a little out of the way, is a must-visit for its herds of roaming red and fallow deer. Beyond this, the landscape is a patchwork of a millennium of English history including the remains of medieval farming systems, 17th-century water gardens, neoclassical decorative pieces and traces of military camps that played their remarkable part in both World Wars.
Things To Do In Bushey Park:
- Explore Waterford Woodland Garden
- Admire the Diana Fountain
- Marvel at the Roaming Deer
- Swim at the Hampton Heath Open Air Swimming Pool
- Walk Along Longford River
- Celebrate Chestnut Sunday on Chestnut Avenue in May
When Did Bushy Park Become A Royal Park? 1529 – when it was given to King Henry VIII by his advisor Cardinal Wolsey.
How Big Is Bushy Park? At 1100 acres, Bushy Park is the second largest of London’s eight Royal Parks.
Nearest Stations To Bushy Park: Teddington, Hampton Wick, Hampton Court
Green Park
Although the smallest of the royal parks, Green Park is a triangular paradise beside Buckingham Palace filled with mature trees, grasslands, lakes, and memorials – the most notable including Canada Gate (monument to Queen Victoria) and Bomber Command (in honour of those who died in the World Wars from the Indian sub-continent, Africa and the Caribbean).
Things To Do In Green Park:
- Appreciate Buckingham Palace From A Distance
- Picture the 250000 Daffodils That Bloom Each Spring
- Visit The Site Of The Royal Gun Salutes
When Did Green Park Become A Royal Park? 1668
How Big Is Green Park? 47 acres
Nearest Stations To Green Park: Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, Hyde Park Corner, St James’s Park, Bond Street
Greenwich Park
Claiming to be one of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in London, Greenwich Park is much more than trees and wildlife (although the Rose Garden and Queen’s Orchard are easy to fall in love with). Home to the Prime Meridian and the Royal Observatory, the royal park has a history that perfectly showcases the English artistic and scientific endeavours between the 17th and 18th centuries. Greenwich Park also offers spectacular views of the Thames and access to amazing summer music events, making it a lovely day trip for Londoners and non-Londoners alike.
Things To Do In Greenwich Park:
- Explore the Queen’s House (First Palladian Building in England)
- Visit The Royal Naval Hospital
- Stand Along The Meridian Line
- Discover the Stars at the Royal Observatory
When Did Greenwich Park Become A Royal Park? 1427 when it was inherited by the Duke of Gloucester.
How Big Is Greenwich Park? 180 acres
Nearest Stations To Greenwich Park: Blackheath, Greenwich, Maze Hill
Hyde Park
Perhaps London’s most famous park, Hyde Park lies at the heart of London and provides the perfect blend of world-class events and quiet places to unwind. Simply put, you can be relaxing under the trees one minute and dancing at a concert the next or sunbathing under blue skies and then hopping on a bike moments later. In many ways, Hyde Park is the personification of London – crowded and lively but peaceful when it wants to be.
Things To Do In Hyde Park:
- Take A Boat Ride On Serpentine Lake
- Wander Over To Speaker’s Corner And Listen to People Be Either Incredibly Interesting Or Very Annoying
- Rent And Ride A Bike
- Brave The Icy Waters of Serpentine Lake On Christmas Morning
- Photograph The Queen’s Swans
When Did Hyde Park Become A Royal Park? 1536 – when Henry VIII took the land from Westminster Abbey for a hunting ground.
How Big Is Hyde Park? 350 acres
Nearest Stations To Hyde Park: Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge
Kensington Gardens
Steps from Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens is a tranquil oasis of elegant formal gardens, blooming flowerbeds, Victorian splendour and picturesque landscapes highlighted by an iconic Sunken Garden and Cradle Walk. If you want to avoid the crowds of nearby Hyde Park but be close enough to the vibrant activity of London, this is where to go!
Things To Do In Kensington Gardens:
- Explore the Sunken Garden
- Enjoy the Cradle Walk
- Admire Views of Kensington Palace
- Look For The Peter Pan Statue
- Discover the Serpentine Galleries
When Did Kensington Gardens Become A Royal Park? 1536 – when they were established by Henry VIII as hunting grounds.
How Big Is Kensington Gardens? 270 acres
Nearest Stations To Kensington Gardens: Lancaster Gate, Bayswater, High Street Kensington
Regent’s Park
Named after the Prince Regent, a.k.a. the playboy princes who later became King George IV, Regent’s Park in all its immense beauty, combines large open spaces with tree-lined pathways and formal gardens to form one of the city’s most comforting environments. Walk through the graceful flowerbeds of Avenue Gardens, marvel at the 12000 roses of Queen Mary’s Gardens, hire a boat for splendid sails and climb up Primrose Hill for the best day out in London.
Things To Do In Regent’s Park:
- Enjoy A Boat Ride
- Play A Game of Football
- Photograph the Roses of Queen Mary’s Gardens
- Appreciate The London Skyline From Primrose Hill
- Watch A Show At The Open Air Theatre
When Did Regent’s Park Become A Royal Park? Around the 1500s – upon the dissolution of the monasteries and the land came into possession of The Crown.
How Big Is Regent’s Park? 410 acres
Nearest Stations To Regent’s Park: Regent’s Park, Baker Street, Great Portland Street
Richmond Park
Escape into lush grasslands, ancient trees, and deer herds at London’s largest royal park – Richmond Park. Like Greenwich Park, you can spend the whole day here, wandering in pure bliss and understanding why it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. While the delightful deer are what you may go for, don’t forget that there is so much more to admire in these 2500 acres such as the Isabella Plantation and climbing to the park’s highest point for views of St Pauls Cathedral that stands 12 miles away.
Things To Do In Richmond Park:
- Test Your Photography on the Deer Herds
- Discover The Isabella Plantation
- Take In The Views Of The Thames Valley From King Henry’s Mound
- Enjoy Off-road Cycling Along The Tamsin Trail
- Spend Time at the Georgian Tea Rooms of Pembroke Lodge
You can read more about things to do in Richmond here.
When Did Richmond Park Become A Royal Park? 1625
How Big Is Richmond Park? 2500 acres
Nearest Stations To Richmond Park: Richmond Station
St James’s Park
St James’s is the oldest of the royal parks in London. Stretching between Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards Parade, it remains popular for locals searching for a break from the business of the city and tourists on a break from the surrounding landmarks of London. With views of the London Eye and flowerbeds that have been the backdrop of the Trooping The Colour for decades, it is a stunning place to explore at the heart of the capital.
Things To Do In St James’s Park:
- Sit By the Lake at St James’s Café
- Watch the Pelican Feeding Every Afternoon From 2:30 – 3pm at Duck Island Cottage
- Witness Horse Guards Changing of the Guard at 11am on Sunday.
When Did St James’s Park Become A Royal Park? 1536
How Big Is St James’s Park? 57 acres
Nearest Stations To St James’s Park: St James’s Park, Westminster, Charing Cross
The Diana, Princess Of Wales Memorial Walk
Arguably one of the British Royal Family’s most famous members, the legacy of Princess Diana is treasured by the seven-mile Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk that stretches across Four of the eight Royal Parks of London. Through St James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, 90 plaques set in the ground take you within sight of famous buildings and locations associated with Princess Diana during her life.
Practical Information About London
Location: England, United Kingdom
National Languages: English
Currency: Sterling Pound
Neighbouring Countries: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
2 Comments
Aimee
Cannot wait to explore all these over the London summer!
Kristi
I had no idea there were so many parks in London – this post definitely makes me want to go check them all out!