Great Parks to Visit in London

People always say that London is expensive! However there are plenty of things you can do for free. Now it is coming up to summer in England, the best thing you can do for free in London is to head out to one of the many many parks the city has to offer. I love visiting green spaces especially after a long walk round sightseeing in London. My four favourite parks are:

Although these parks are free there are still other things you need to consider whilst visiting London, including how you will get to the parks – I recommend buying an oyster card if you are planning on being in here for more than a day, they are a lot cheaper than buying single tickets. Also you will need to think about the best accommodation options, such as Accor, which is a great option when looking for a hotel in London as it allows you to relax after the long walks around the parks.

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead heath is sometimes known as the lung of north London. It has something for everyone including swimming ponds. These are the only lifeguarded swimming ponds left in Britain, very fun to have a dip in on a hot summer’s day.

It is great for picnics and in the summer there are plenty of people all doing the same thing. At the bottom end (near Gospel Oak station) there is a lido – outdoor swimming pool, for anyone who isn’t as keen to jump into open water! It also has a zoo at the far end in the extension. The whole place  is good for walks at any time!

To get there:

Tube to Kentish town – Walk up Highgate

Overland – Gospel Oak walk up past the lido

Hampstead Heath CCHerryLawford

Hyde park

Hyde park is one of the most famous green spaces in London, with a great children’s playground and plenty of things for adults to do as well. It’s near Kensington palace so you might even be able to spot William and Kate with their new baby!

If you want a paddle you can have a walk in the Princess Diana fountain. There’s also a lovely gated garden where you can see lots of flowers and lots and lots of squirrels who will be very happy to pose for a picture!

One of the best things to do is to cycle or ride (they have a horse track) around the whole of the park – that way you can spot lots of famous landmarks and get fit at the same time!

To get there:

Tube to Hydepark corner

Flickr Credit: Michiel Jelijs 

St James’ Park

This is a beautiful park and is pretty big. It is right next to Buckingham Palace so a good place to go after you have seen the changing of the guard. Right in the middle of the park is a bridge which is a great spot to take a picture looking over central London. It is perfect for children and they can also watch the pelicans being fed around 2.30pm every day.

Great tip – There are free deck chairs in St James’ Park from April – September

To get there

Tube to Trafalgar square

Flickr Credit: _gee_

Regents park

The last park I recommend is Regents park, here sits primrose hill which I think has the best and clearest view over central London. I would say that this is a good place to take a picnic or a book and spend a couple of hours. You could combine this with a visit to London zoo, which has some very nice enclosures and pretty much any animal you can think of apart from Pandas.

It is very close to Camden, you could walk along the canal and go and have some street food in Camden Market

To get there

Tube to Regents park

Flickr Credit: [Duncan] 

Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the weather stays nice so you can enjoy all of the outside space that London has to offer! Do you have a favourite park?