Top 20 Most Beautiful Parks in London: A Local's Ultimate Guide
Despite London's bustling traffic and crowds, the city boasts more parks and open green spaces than any comparable urban area. You'll never be far from a serene escape. While Hyde Park draws the biggest crowds, countless other gems await. Drawing from years of living in this vibrant city, here are the top 20 most beautiful parks in London.
Richmond Park – London's Largest Royal Park in Southwest London
Nestled in the charming town of Richmond, Richmond Park spans diverse landscapes: ancient woodlands, grasslands, ponds, and hills. Highlights include a 700-year-old oak woodland and the stunning Isabella Plantation, an organic woodland garden.
Sports enthusiasts enjoy golf courses, bike rentals, fishing spots, and kite-flying areas. Home to nearly 600 free-roaming deer—a remnant of its history as a deer-hunting ground—the park offers five dining spots, including the elegant Georgian Pembroke Lodge with its landscaped gardens.
Hyde Park – One of London's Best and Most Iconic Parks
Hyde Park, London's most famous green space, covers 350 acres in central London (nearest tubes: Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner). Grade I-listed and steeped in history—from Speakers' Corner to rallies—it features over 4,000 trees, a vast lake, meadows, and vibrant flower gardens.
Summer buzzes with activities: tennis, swimming, boating, cycling, skating, and team sports. Don't miss deckchairs by The Serpentine, the Diana Memorial Fountain, Achilles statue, children's playground, and two lakeside restaurants.
Greenwich Park – A Stunning Park in Southeast London
In picturesque Greenwich—a village-like enclave—this 74-hectare park is part of the Greenwich World Heritage Site. Once a royal hunting ground, it now offers Thames views and a unique summer ambiance.
Picnic amid green expanses, visit the Royal Observatory, museums, cricket pitch, tennis courts, deer park, rose garden, and winding paths. Sports include cricket, tennis, and boating. Ideal for longer stays, book self-catering or Airbnb via CozyCozy's 60,000+ London options. Click here to find an Airbnb in London on this site.
Hampstead Heath – London's Beloved Wild Green Space
A cherished haven in upscale Hampstead, Hampstead Heath blends hills, ponds, woodlands, and grasslands. Active visitors love eight playgrounds, running tracks, three swimming pools, and sports fields. Parts remain wild with ancient hedgerows and trees.
Explore Kenwood House (English Heritage) or Parliament Hill for panoramic city views.
Regent's Park – London's Elegant Royal Park
Regent's Park and Primrose Hill captivate with rose gardens and London's largest outdoor sports area. Rent rowing or pedal boats on the lake (kids' section available), or play tennis.
Nine eateries offer lunches, snacks, and coffee. Climb Primrose Hill—a celebrity favorite—for skyline vistas.
Ham House Gardens – A Hidden Gem by the Thames
National Trust-owned Ham House (built 1610) overlooks the Thames in southwest London. Restored 17th-century gardens feature the Cherry Garden, sweeping South Terrace lawns, Orangery Cafe (kitchen garden-sourced), and a medieval maze. Borders Eel Pie Island; perfect for picnics. Gardens: £3; house + gardens: £9.
Kensington Gardens – Surrounding Historic Kensington Palace
These formal gardens, once Kensington Palace's private grounds, now form a Royal Park. The palace (1689) housed Princess Diana and was Queen Victoria's birthplace.
Spot waterbirds by the palace pond, trace the Long Water and Serpentine, visit the Italian Water Garden. Kids adore Peter Pan statue and Diana Memorial Playground.
Kew Gardens – World-Class Botanical Gardens in West London
UNESCO-listed Kew Gardens (121 hectares) between Richmond and Kew advance horticultural science amid glasshouses, rainforests, and themed gardens. Near my home, it's a top stay spot.
Explore glasshouses, tree playground, guided tours, Riverside zone (Dutch House, Herbarium, Queen's Gardens), aquatic gardens, Sackler Crossing, Waterlily Pond, pagoda, Bamboo Garden. Museums abound. Adults: £13.90; kids free.
St. James's Park – Central London's Charming Royal Park
Adjoining The Mall (to Buckingham Palace) and Horse Guards Parade, this compact park centers on a lake crossed by the Blue Bridge. Watch pelicans fed daily at 2:30pm amid waterbirds.
Five refreshment spots include eco-friendly 'Inn the Park'.
Green Park – Tranquil Oasis Near Buckingham Palace
One of eight Royal Parks (40+ acres), Green Park offers grasslands, trees, memorials, fountains—a peaceful retreat (except royal events with gun salutes). Adjacent to St. James's; ideal for picnics, sunbathing, people-watching.
Hampton Court Gardens – Henry VIII's Legendary Estate
World-renowned in Richmond upon Thames, these gardens feature Victorian walls, canals, organic kitchen gardens, maze, Gothic tower, underground tunnel to sunken garden, and Lower Orangery. Boat from Westminster along the Thames. Palace + gardens: £15; gardens only cheaper.
Bushy Park – Expansive Royal Park in Southwest London
Second-largest Royal Park (1,000+ acres) north of Hampton Court, gifted to Henry VIII. Medieval vibes with bracken, heath, red/fallow deer. See 17th-century water gardens (Diana Fountain by Wren), neoclassical features, wildlife. Cafes and parking available.
Kyoto Japanese Garden in Holland Park – Serene Escape
Within Holland Park (west-central), this intimate garden—designed by Kyoto experts—boasts maple trees, waterfalls, koi ponds, rock gardens. Zen haven. Surrounding park: free pond, waterfall garden, playgrounds, sports, refreshments.
Holland Park – A Lovely Royal Borough Gem
The borough's largest park offers Kyoto Gardens, play areas, sports, cafeteria, woodlands teeming with wildlife. Walk dogs, picnic, or explore.
Battersea Park – Riverside Haven in South London
Grade II-listed 200-acre park (1858) on the Thames south bank: promenade, lake, ecology zones, Pump House Gallery, sports, children's areas, Peace Pagoda.
Alexandra Park – Award-Winning North London Retreat
80-hectare hillside park at Alexandra Palace (1863, Green Flag Award): eateries, pitch-and-putt, boating lake, skate park, deer park, gardens, playground, farmers' market.
Crystal Palace Park – Victorian Eccentricity in South London
Surrounding the former Crystal Palace site: dinosaur models, museum, sports centre, farm, playground, maze, concert stage, lake with birdlife.
Victoria Park – East London's 'People's Park'
Third-largest (218 acres) in Hackney/Bow: tennis, bowling, cricket, fountains, cafes, lakes. Hosts festivals like Lovebox and All Points East.
Finsbury Park – Vibrant North London Sports Hub
In multicultural Haringey: outdoor gym, lake, paths, running track, tennis, skate park, baseball, art gallery. Festival venue (Wireless, etc.).
Lee Valley Regional Park – Vast Northeast Greenway
23-mile riverside park (Ware to Thames): rafting, fishing, kayaking, cycling, golf, birdwatching. Heritage sites like Waltham Abbey, tidal mills, nature reserves, 2012 Olympics ties.
For more, try Wimbledon Common, Putney Common, Clapham Common, Brockwell Park, or Eltham Palace Gardens. Just pray for sun!
