Parks and gardens that keep you in touch with nature when you visit the capital
London, a concrete jungle? No way! 40% of the capital is dedicated to parks and green spaces, which equates to a staggering 35,000-acres. Such figures make the capital one of the greenest in the world.
This means that not only is London brilliant for sightseeing but there are a number of places that will keep you in touch with nature during your visit!
Richmond Park
Stretching 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London. The pastoral landscape is home to 650 deer residing among the hills and woodlands. The ancient trees, plants, butterflies and animals offer a complete air of tranquil respite to visitors. Should you have little ones in tow, there are playgrounds and horse-riding tracks, plus a cycling path and a fishing spot at Pen Ponds, should you be interested.
Hampstead Hill Gardens and Pergola
The Pergola offers stunning views over the Heath and Hampstead Hill Gardens and happens to the perfect location for a gentle stroll. The place resembles a facetious attempt of a construction of someone with a little too much money, thanks to Lord Leverhulme. The remarkable philanthropist wanted to build a terrace to host garden parties and memorable summer nights, and so the Hampstead Pergola was born.
The Pergola is beautiful all year round and is sure to connect you to nature whatever the weather. It’s a beautiful scene, whether under a blanket of snow, amass with spring’s wisteria curls around the trellises, carpeted with autumn leaves, or soaking up the summer sun.
Victoria Park
Located in the capital’s Tower Hamlets, Victoria Park sprawls over 200-acres and is complete with canals, ponds, tennis courts, a sports ground and a pavilion. It’s one of the most important historic parks in London and is the oldest public park. The residents of London have visited the park for nearly 170-years as it continues to serves as a place of play, relaxation, sports and healthy recreation.
Many historic artefacts can be found within the park, as well as decorative gardens. For those looking to feel more at one with nature, there are many open grasslands and wider natural areas.
Kensington Gardens
This 275-acre park is adorned with formal promenades of wonderful trees and decorative flowerbeds. Home to the stunning Kensington Palace, Peter Pan statue, Serpentine Gallery, Albert Memorial and peaceful Italian Gardens, the architecture compliments the gardens’ natural beauty perfectly. The natural beauty of the garden includes a whole manner of wildlife, grasslands and mature trees. For a place to stay, the Dorsett Hotel, Shepherd’s Bush is close by.
Regent’s Park
Designed by famous architect John Nash, this 410-acre park features some beautiful rose gardens. The largest outdoor sports area in London, the park caters for rugby, cricket, football and even softball. An Open Air Theatre and the London Zoo offer some pretty awesome entertainment.
The waterfowl and wild bird species have been observed in Regent’s Park since the middle of the 19th century. The species you are likely to find here include grey wagtails, tufted duck, pochard, red crested pochard, whooper, mute swan, ruddy duck, Canada goose and greylag goose.