DK Travel : London : Royal Parks and Gardens

Royal Parks and Gardens

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Buckingham Palace overlooks two of London’s most central Royal Parks –St James’s and Green Park – and is just a short walk from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Along with the other London parks, these provide year-round pleasure and an invaluable retreat for all who live, work and visit the city. Many offer facilities for tennis, riding and boating, as well as opportunities for other activities. Picnicking in the park while a band plays is one of London’s greatest summer joys.
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Top 10 Green Spaces

1. Hyde Park

1. Hyde Park

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.
2. St James’s Park

2. St James’s Park

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).
3. Kensington Gardens

3. Kensington Gardens

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.
4. Regent’s Park

4. Regent’s Park

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 .
5. Green Park

5. Green Park

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.
6. Greenwich Park

6. Greenwich Park

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).
7. Richmond Park

7. Richmond Park

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.
8. Primrose Hill

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.
9. Bushy Park

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.
10. Grosvenor Square

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.

Practical Information

Most of the larger parks have a number of open-air cafés, restaurants and ice-cream stands. Parks open at dawn and close at sunset (around 9:30pm in summer). Don’t get caught in the middle of large parks just as the sun goes down. Open-air concerts, festivals and other events are regularly held in Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and St James’s Park in the summer months. Royal Parks HQ, The Old Police House, Hyde Park, London W2 020 7298 2000 www.royalparks.gov.uk