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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 05 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Sarah Barrell

Few capital cities can match London for the number of elegant parks that stretch out alongside the busy streets, great swathes of tree-lined green, spanning over 5,000 acres. There are eight Royal Parks to explore,  originally created as hunting and pleasure grounds for the royal family, each one a different experience.

The oldest park, St James, dates back to 1532, when Henry VIII purchased the land for a deer park. Surrounded by palaces on three sides – Westminster, St James’ and Buckingham – this is the heart of royal London, and where Elizabeth I held all manner of pageants and fetes during her reign.

The other main parks in central London are Hyde, Regents, St James and Green Park, while Richmond and Greenwich sit to the west and east respectively. All of the parks are dotted with cafes, and can be a wonderful place to sit with a picnic and watch Londoners slowing the pace for an hour or two.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Finding your way to London’s central parks couldn’t be easier – all of them have their own stop on the underground, and excellent bus links. It is possible to visit several in one afternoon’s walk – St James’, Green Park and Hyde Park are all within easy reach of each other.

The parks change in atmosphere according to the time of the day; in the morning the paths are thick with runners (and horse-riders in Hyde Park), while the afternoons tend to be students, couples and families. Weekends are busy all day.

Many people enjoying the sun at the park
Experience

Greenwich Park

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Right on the Thames where the Cutty Sark museum ship is moored, you’ll find this grand royal park, home to 17th-century landscaping, the Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum and one of London’s oldest deer enclosures.

Best for ages: Any | Free

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Aerial view of the spacious park surrounded by the London metropolitan area during dusk
Experience

Hyde Park

London, United Kingdom (UK)

The largest of the four royal parks forming a leafy chain from Kensington Palace to Green Park and Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park is central London’s green lung. Join swimmers in the Serpentine, art lovers in the adjacent gallery or pause at Speaker’s Corner on a Sunday morning to hear all manner of opinions.

Best for ages: Any | Free

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Birds eye view of a park bordering a city in the daytime
Experience

Regent’s Park

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Founded in the name of Britain’s 18th-century ‘Playboy’ Prince Regent, this is London’s most elegantly manicured park, where public lawns and seasonally planted flower beds encircle ‘secret’ rose-scented gardens, an outdoor theatre, a boating lake, and London Zoo.

Best for ages: Any | Free

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Richmond Park

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Charles I’s deer-roamed royal park that remains little changed since the Middle Ages. Woodland, grassland, and cycleways make for a rural treat of a city retreat.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

London Royal Parks Bike Tour including Hyde Park

London Royal Parks Bike Tour including Hyde Park

London

Take the London Royal Parks Bike Tour and visit London's royal palaces, beautiful park's and the city's most spectacular landmarks by bicycl...

£28 | Rating 4.77 / 5 [400 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Bingham Riverhouse

London, United Kingdom (UK)

A lovely, tranquil retreat for those who want to dip in and out of central London. Richmond Park, Hampton Court and The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are on your doorstep.

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CitizenM Tower of London

London, United Kingdom (UK)

An affordable design hotel overlooking the Tower of London, with pod-style rooms and a hip bar and restaurant.

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Claridge’s

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Undeniably the most glamorous and timeless of all London’s five-stars. This glorious Art Deco landmark and Mayfair institution is beloved by royalty, rock stars and fashionistas.

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Durrants Hotel

London, United Kingdom (UK)

This grand, family-run hotel has the warmth, intimacy and polished service of a gentlemen’s club in uber-trendy and sophisticated Marylebone.

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

London

Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)

World-class culture, fashion, music, food and history – and a mind-boggling array of bucket list experiences – packed into one extraordinary, incomparable destination. 

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