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One of the most popular features of this huge London park (seeHyde Park and Kensintgon Gardens) is its lake, the Serpentine, with boats for rent and a swimming area. Horses can be rented and ridden in the park. At Speakers’ Corner, near Marble Arch, you can get up on a soapbox and address the crowds who gather there.

London’s most elegant park was laid out in the 18th century by Capability Brown. Its lake is home to some 40 varieties of waterfowl. It has an attractive café and, in summer, lunchtime concerts are given on the bandstand (see St James's Park).

A continuation of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens was opened to the public in 1841. More recently, the magical Princess Diana Memorial Gardens playground has proved a great hit with children.

Home to London Zoo and an open-air theatre, Regent’s Park is surrounded by John Nash’s Classical terraces. The fragrant Queen Mary’s Rose Garden is a delight .

Popular with office workers, this small park has deckchairs for hire in summer. It was once part of the grounds of St James’s Palace.

The 0º longitude meridian passes through the Royal Observatory Greenwich, located on a hill in this leafy family park. There are great views of the Old Royal Naval College, and over London (see Greenwich).

Covering an area of 2,350 acres, this is by far the largest Royal Park. Herds of red and fallow deer roam freely across the heath. In late spring, the Isabella Plantation is a blaze of colourful rhododendrons. The Royal Ballet School is based in the White Lodge, originally built for George II in 1727.

North of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill offers spectacular views of the city skyline from its 66-m (216-ft) summit. Once a popular venue for duels, this small park was saved from development in 1841 when it was taken over by the Crown Commissioners.

Chestnut Sunday in May, when the trees’ blossoms are out, is the time to come to Bushy Park, near Hampton Court. Like Richmond, this park is run by the Royal Parks Constabulary, game-keepers and wardens.

The hub of high society from the early 18th century until World War II, Grosvenor Square is the only London square that is owned by the Crown. On its west side stands the imposing American Embassy.