Best parks in London

Escaping the hectic streets of London is a necessity for many of us, whether its getting lost in a book, going for a walk, or enjoying a picnic with friends there are several activities on offer in London’s many parks. Here’s our guide to the best London parks and all you need to know when you get there.  

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is 350 acres of beauty located in the heart of the city, complete with beautiful man-made serpentine. It is one of the most famous parks in London, and has several cool activities to do throughout the year, from Winter Wonderland in the winter months to several music festivals in the summer.

Attractions:  The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and Speakers Corner (traditionally used for public speeches, debates and declarations).

Sports: Rowing, pedal boating and swimming in the Serpentine Lake. Enjoy a bit of tennis or football on their courts, as well as horse riding and lawn bowling. The park also has designated cycle lanes, a bowling green and a nine-hole putting course.

Café: Serpentine Bar and Kitchen overlooking the Serpentine Lake serves a variety of hot meals, salads sandwiches. They have a fantastic selection of cakes, treats and beverages served from the bar. It is a great place for cider and a catch up with friends!

#FLOFavourite:  The Serpentine Gallery is located at the end of the park, home to wonderfully curated contemporary art exhibitions.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve and the largest of London’s eight Royal Parks. It is often best known for its deer herd and stags that freely roam the parks 2,500 acres. For striking views of the city, make your way to King Henry's Mound.

Attractions: Isabella Plantation Woodland Gardens, Pembroke Lodge and King Henry’s Mound.

Sports: Bike hire facilities and designated cycle paths, rugby, fishing, a golf course and horse riding.

Café: The Roehampton Café serves a range of hot food deli items, coffee and tea. It is perfect for al fresco dining in the summertime.

#FLOFavourite: We LOVE to deer watch.    

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath feels like a slice of the countryside in the city, with over 790 acres of green open space the park is home to a number priority species, a lido, pergola and plenty of recreational activities you can get involved with. With several great pubs in the area, Hampstead Heath is the perfect location for a pub lunch and stroll.

Attractions: Kenwood House, Parliament Hill for views of the city, and the Pergola and Hill Garden

Sports:  Four swimming facilities, designated cycling routes, eight-lane athletics tracks at Parliament Hill, cricket pitches (Hampstead Heath Extension and Parliament Hill), tennis courts, croquet and bowls.

Café: The Brew House has a selection of magnificent cakes, which you can enjoy with a latte and the daily newspaper. The brewhouse has an outdoor terrace area where you can enjoy a traditional English tea or choose from their selections of soups and salads.

#FLOFavourite: Parliament Hill at the top of the Heath is the perfect place for a picnic overlooking the city!

St James Park

St James Park is undeniably one of the most beautiful parks in central London. Surrounded by Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Whitehall, the park is home to beautifully tended gardens and several free roaming Pelicans. Gifted to King Charles II from the Russian Ambassador. If you are lucky enough to work within walking distance of the park it is a great lunchtime spot.

Attractions: Trooping the Colours, The Buckingham Place flowerbed, Queen Victoria Memorial, The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, The Duke of York Statue and beautiful Pelicans. There is also a Diana Memorial Walk plaque, located in the park.

Sports: St James Park isn’t quite as big as some of the other park in London and doesn’t have much space for sporting facilities, however, there is plenty of space for a good jog.

Café: St James Café is located in a wooden pavilion, which serves up British food and offers views of the lakes scenic surroundings from its contemporary roof terrace. It’s an ideal spot for a catch up with friends.

#FLOFavourite: Standing on the Blue Bridge offers some of the most beautiful views in London. With Buckingham Palace in the west and Big Ben, the Horse Guard Parade, and the London Eye in the east.

Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is the oldest of the Royal Parks and boasts incredible views of the London Skyline.  Overlooking the River Thames, the park consists of 183 acres and is home to one of the oldest deer parks, and the Royal Museums (Old Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House).

Attractions: The Royal Museums, The National Maritime Museum, the Royal Naval College, The Old Royal Observatory and the Meridian Line. Flower and herb gardens, the queen’s orchard and a short walk from the park you will find Greenwich market. Greenwich Park is home to the Luna open-air cinema in the summer.

Sports: Tennis courts, cricket lawns and a designated cycling route.

Café: The Museum Café at the National Museum serves freshly made British food daily. It has an outdoor terrace that overlooks the park.

#FLOFavourite: The jaw-dropping views from the park's summit, which is one of 13 protected views in London. A bit of a steep walk up to the top of the Park but it’s worth it!

Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill

Regent’s Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of 395 acres. The park has great sporting facilities and is actually home to London’s largest outdoor sports area. The Parks most attractive offerings are the views of London from the summit of Primrose Hill. The summit at almost 64 m above sea level is one of six protected viewpoints in London.

Attractions: An open air theatre, four gardens (Queen Mary’s, The Avenue, Wildlife, St Johns Lodge, seven memorials and statues.

Sports: A hub facilities with sports pitches (running tracks, rugby, softball, football, cricket and lacrosse) and exercise classes. The park also has tennis courts, netball courts and four children’s playgrounds. During the summertime you can hire pedalo's and rowing boats from the Regent’s Park Boathouse.

Café: The Hub Café offers 360-degree panoramic views of Regent’s Park and a selection of teas, coffees and great cakes. They also offer some light snacks, sandwiches and salads.  

#FLOFavourite: Take a moment to appreciate the 12,000 roses located in Queen Mary’s Garden.