Though London’s thriving, bustling rhythm has its attractions, a peaceful day out with surrounding greenery can also be welcoming. The city has a reputation of being green across the world, and contains some truly magnificent parks which are worth visiting simply for their wide range of things to discover and see. From being inundated by the sweet smells of flowers to a bracing ball game, these greenlands are charming secrets to unfold. London has a variety of royal parks which offer not only numerous historical monuments, but fascinating wildlife, greenery, and activities. There are hundreds of these to explore, however, the most central and well known are the Kensington Gardens, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Victoria, and Regent’s Park.
See London at it's best in Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens, found in central London, is an enormous park with all sorts of things to see. It’s winding paths and old gnarled trees are perfect for glimpsing nature in the hub of the city with beautiful statues of Queen Victoria, Peter Pan, and numerous other modern structures. The most famous of the artistic structures is the ornate Albert Memorial commemorating the death of Prince Albert in 1861. Kensington Gardens is worth visiting only for this elaborate golden marvel with intricate friezes and designs. Kensington Palace is also worth visiting for a tour of the stylish royal residence within, and the private gardens of the palace. There is a surprising abundance of art in this park with the free Serpentine Galleries; which boasts contemporary artists, such as Francis Bacon. Ponds and the river in this enormous park additionally give refuge to all kinds of birds, such as herons, owls, and geese. The unexpected variety of things to see in the Kensington Gardens can take up a whole day, and can suit not only lovers of birds, but bikers, artists, and historians. It’s centrality and connection to royalty ensures that it is one of London’s gems, and never fails to disappoint.
Feel the heart of royalty at Green Park
As a charming nook of wide grassy landscape, Green Park is one of the smallest of the eight royal gardens in London. Located right next to Buckingham Palace, this gorgeous scenery is surrounded by fascinating British culture, and its angular paths radiate majesty and beauty. This public garden comprises of forty acres (16.18 hectares) of mature trees and grass, and likewise, is dotted with original pieces of art to admire during a leisurely stroll. This destination is also a prime place to sunbathe, have a picnic, or simply watch the thriving, beating heart of London pump on. It’s open twenty-four hours a day, and often hosts iconic events, such as the Royal Gun Salutes; which consists of firing salutes on royal occasions.
Break away to explore lofty Greenwich
Though it is not central-based, Greenwich is easily one of the prime places to see in London. With it’s tall observatory atop a steep hill, Greenwich boasts a stunning view of the rest of London, and is a breathtaking sight at any time of the day or year. Like Hyde Park and Green Park, Greenwich is also a royal park making it a historic recreational ground with endless things to do within the vicinity. Attached, is the National Maritime Museum and Old Royal Naval College which are worth visiting, as well as the Royal Observatory. Greenwich also dates back the farthest to Roman times, and was enclosed in 1427 and offers imperious views over the city. The Pavilion Cafe, built in 1905, also offers a cozy refuge in the winter, and serves not only breakfast but pastries, muffins, and rolls. Another point worth seeing in this endless playground, is the herd of deer kept here, adding to the glorious wonders of the area.
Take a lazy Sunday stroll in Victoria Park
Also known as “Vicky Park”, this beautiful location is ideal for lazy Sunday strolls or ball games. Surrounding canals in the East of London are homes to an endless row of houseboats, and the bodies of water within the park support a large ecosystem of birds and wildlife. Geese, swans, and herons all live here, feasting off the loaves of bread from passers-by and provide a quietly amusing source of entertainment for bench-sitters. The Pavilion Cafe, placed directly on the waterfront, is an ideal place for breakfast, lunch, or pit stop coffee, serving avocado sandwiches, curry, and English breakfast; all from organic based produce. Picnic tables outside are strategically arranged to allow a peaceful view of the ducks paddling by. There are not only two vast playgrounds for children, but also a skate park and other sporting facilities to cater to a vast array of audiences.
Spend a fulfilling day In Regent's Park
Last but definitely not least, Regent’s Park is the glittering jewel of London, packed with endless possibilities of things to do and see, and located in a glorious area in Central London. Though this parkland is too vast to describe, the climax of a stroll here would be the arrival atop Primrose Hill; from here the onlooker can see London stretched out on all sides. However, south of Primrose Hill you can find a hundred species of wild birds, twelve thousand roses with over four hundred varieties, along with stunning ponds, and the largest sport facilities in London. Winding paths within the separate gardens and intimate clearings add a sense of magical privacy, every turn revealing a new surprise to marvel at. Here, you will also discover a boating lake during the summer where rowboats and pedalos can be rented out for a scenic and relaxing float for about ten pounds an hour (14 USD).
Take a break In London's best gardens
For anybody wanting to learn about the population of London, the best place to position oneself is in one of the parks on a strategically placed bench, and sit back to observe the world go by. This city sometimes has such a vast amount of things to do, that the only thing to do is wander through greenery and take a break from it all. The most special part about this, is the surprising amount of things to explore and learn from a simple walk: historical posters, art, and architecture make this an intellectual experience while bike lanes, skate parks, and exercise areas make it a physical workout. Playgrounds, ducks, and coffee shops make these illustrious areas a pleasure for all ages during any time of year.
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