20 Biggest and Most Famous Parks in London 

Updated On: April 20, 2024 by   Omnia Essawy

The parks are a great way to experience London and its raw beauty. There are many different parks in London, each with its own unique features and exceptional vibes. For example, Hyde Park is one of the most famous parks in London and is home to a variety of different attractions, including the famous Serpentine Lake. Richmond Park is one of the largest parks in London, perfect for a picnic or a walk through its sprawling grounds. If you’re looking for something a little more lively, then head to Covent Garden, where you can enjoy street performers and buskers. No matter what your interests are, there’s sure to be a park in London that’s perfect for you.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at 20 of the most popular London parks. Whether you’re a local or just visiting for a few days, be sure to check out some of these amazing green spaces!

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of the most famous parks in London. Located in the heart of the city, Hyde Park covers an area of 350 acres. The park is home to a variety of trees, plants, and flowers, with numerous sparkly ponds and streams. 

Visitors to Hyde Park can enjoy various activities, including a peaceful walk, cycling, and horse riding. The park also has several historical landmarks, the most important of which are the statue of Achilles and the Temple of Diana.

2. Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in London. Covering almost 500 acres, the park is home to a wide variety of attractions, including an open-air theatre, a boating lake, and a world-famous zoo. 

This vast green space is also a popular spot for picnics and sports, and in the summer months, the grounds are covered in colourful flowers to feast your eyes upon. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an action-packed day out, Regent’s Park is the perfect place to explore.

3. St James’s Park

St James’s Park is one of the eight royal parks in London. The park is centrally located, situated between Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. It covers an area of 23 hectares (57 acres) and is the oldest royal park in London, originally created in 1532 by Henry VIII. 

The park comprises a lake, gardens, and woodland. The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and pelicans. A colony of penguins can also be found living on an island in the centre of the lake, making St James’s a true nature lover’s heaven. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and feature a wide range of flowers and plant species. St James’s Park is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike, providing a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.

4. Richmond Park 

Richmond Park is one of the largest parks in London, and it’s a great place to visit if you’re longing for some peace and quiet. The park covers an area of 2,360 acres (9.56 square kilometres), and it’s home to deer, wildfowl, and various other wildlife. There are also plenty of places to relax, including plenty of grassy areas and some stunningly beautiful gardens. 

If you’re feeling active, there are also several walking and cycling routes to explore. There are several museums and historic buildings to visit to learn about the park’s history. It’s pretty common for English parks to have such a condensed history, so if you’re both a history and nature buff, it’s like hitting two birds with one stone! Whether you’re looking for a quiet stroll or an adventurous hike, Richmond Park has something for everyone.

5. Kensington Gardens

Located in Kensington, just west of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens were once part of Hyde Park but were separated in 1728. Today, the gardens are home to multiple monuments, including the Albert Memorial and the Round Pond. 

The Kensington gardens are also a popular spot for picnics and relaxation. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London, Kensington Gardens is a great escape haven.

6. Crystal Palace Park

The parks in London are plenty, and each one has something special and unique to offer, depending on what you’re looking for. One popular park is Crystal Palace Park, located in the London Borough of Bromley. If you’re into nature, this is the place for you as it boasts 86 acres of parkland and woodland, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a picnic with friends.

The greenery isn’t the only thing this park has to offer; it is also home to the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs, which are life-size models of prehistoric creatures that are sure to amaze young and old visitors alike. So, if you’re ever in London, check out Crystal Palace Park for a different kind of green experience!

7. Greenwich Park

Parks in London are plentiful and varied, offering something for everyone. One of the most popular parks in London is Greenwich Park, located in the borough of Greenwich. The park offers stunning views of the River Thames and the City of London skyline.

Greenwich Park is also home to several historic buildings, including the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory. This magnificent park is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll or picnic on a sunny day.

8. Bushy Park

Bushy Park is one of the largest parks in London, at almost 1,000 acres. It’s located in the southwest of the city and is bordered by Teddington, Hampton Hill, Hampton Wick, and Fulwell. The park is home to a number of landmarks, including Hampton Court Palace, the National Physical Laboratory, and The Royal Observatory. But it’s not all about history; Bushy Park is also a great place for a spot of exercise or simply to relax and enjoy the views.

Bushy Park also has a wide range of facilities, including a playground, tennis courts, a café, and even an archery range. So whether you’re looking to explore your entrepreneurial side or just take a stroll in peaceful surroundings, Bushy Park is definitely worth a visit.

9. Holland Park 

Holland Park is one of the many gorgeous parks in London, England. The park covers an area of 54 hectares and is situated in the Kensington district of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. 

Holland Park has a wide variety of facilities, including a playground, a tennis court, and a café. The park also contains an orangery, a bird sanctuary, and a section of woodland. 

In addition, Holland Park is home to London’s Japanese Garden, which was opened to the public in 2002. The garden contains a number of Japanese features, such as a stone lantern and a bridge over a pond. Visitors to Holland Park can also enjoy views of Kensington Palace and Hyde Park.

10. London Fields

One of the most popular parks in London is London Fields. Located in the Hackney district of East London, London Fields is a large public park featuring a playground, basketball court, greenhouse, and numerous picnic areas. The park also has a children’s farm, petting zoo, and aviary. Visitors can spend a leisurely afternoon strolling through the gardens or enjoying the park’s many activities.

London Fields is also home to one of the largest markets in London. Every Sunday, the market attracts vendors from all over the city selling everything from fresh produce to handmade jewellery. The market is a favourite among locals and tourists alike and is just one of the many reasons why London Fields has a well-deserved spot being one of the most popular parks in London.

11. Battersea Park 

Battersea Park is a 200-acre green space in southwest London. The park is situated on the south bank of the River Thames, opposite Chelsea and Fulham. It is one of the largest parks in London and is popular with both locals and visitors alike. The park contains a wide variety of features, including a stunning lake, a river path, a children’s play area, a dog-walking area, and numerous sports facilities. There are also several restaurants and cafes dotted around the park to enjoy a bite or a drink.

Battersea Park is well-connected to the rest of London, with several tube and train stations located nearby. If you’re looking for a great spot to relax or exercise in London, Battersea Park is definitely a worthy candidate.

12. Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is one of the largest and most popular parks in London. The Heath covers nearly 800 acres of land and includes a wide variety of landscapes, including woods, ponds, and grassy hills. Visitors to Hampstead Heath can enjoy walking, running, or picnicking in the beautiful surroundings.

The Heath is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including Kenwood House and Parliament Hill. In addition, Hampstead Heath is a popular spot for birdwatching, as it is home to more than 200 bird species. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or a place to explore, Hampstead Heath is definitely worth a visit.

13. Alexandra Park And Palace

Parks in London are plenty, and Alexandra Palace is one of the most picturesque. Situated north of central London, this large park is a fantastic spot for a day out with family or friends. The palace itself is worth exploring, and you can even take a boat out on the lake.

If you’re feeling energetic, there are plenty of walking and cycling trails to follow. When you need to recharge your batteries, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from. The palace and its park should be on top of your list.

14. Pitshanger Park

Pitshanger Park is a local park in the London Borough of Ealing. The park is located in the Pitshanger ward of Ealing and is 8.6 hectares in size. The park is adjacent to Pitshanger Manor House and Pitshanger Lane Primary School. It is also close to the A40 road. 

The park has a playground, a football pitch, a basketball court, a tennis court, and a café. It also has a number of ponds and a nature reserve. Whenever you are looking for a place in London to unwind or spend an afternoon practising your favourite sport, Pitshanger Park is an ideal candidate. 

15. Brockwell Park

Brockwell Park is a South London park between Brixton, Herne Hill, and Tulse Hill. The park is also home to Brockwell Lido, an outdoor heated swimming pool. The largest grassy area in the park is Brockwell Meadow, where visitors can sunbathe, play games, or read a book. The park also has a playground, a splash pad, and a paddling pool for children. In addition, there are tennis courts, a basketball court, and a bowling green.

For those who want to explore the natural world, there is a nature trail with ponds and wildflower meadows. Brockwell Park is also home to a variety of events throughout the year, including an annual fireworks display and a buzzing summer music festival.

16. Dulwich Park

Dulwich Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in London. Covering approximately 30 hectares, the park features wide open spaces, a lake, trees, and gardens. There is also a playground, a café, and a number of sports facilities.

The park is situated in the south London borough of Southwark and is adjacent to Dulwich College. It was originally part of the college’s estate but was opened to the public in 1890. Today, Dulwich Park is a much-loved green space that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

17. Primrose Hill

Situated just north of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill offers stunning views of the London skyline. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction. The hill itself is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor games, and there are also plenty of benches if you just want to sit back and enjoy the view.

18. Victoria Park

The parks in London are plenty, and Victoria Park is one of the most famous. This royal park is named after Queen Victoria and is located in the east end of London. The park has numerous benches, which are perfect for a picnic on a hot day or simply relaxing and taking in the scenery.

The park also contains a lake, which is home to many ducks and geese. If you’re feeling active, there are tennis courts and a spacious playground for children. Victoria Park is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet in nature.

19. Covent Garden

Located in the heart of the city, Covent Garden is a vibrant and bustling space that is always busy with both locals and tourists. The main attraction of the park is the market, which sells everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. However, there is also a beautiful flower garden, a stunning fountain, and plenty of open space to enjoy the sun.

Whether you’re looking for a place to shop or simply want to enjoy a quiet afternoon in the city, Covent Garden is the perfect place to go.

20. Clapham Common

Clapham Common is one of London’s most popular parks, and it’s easy to see why. The park is huge, with plenty of space to wander around and explore. There’s also a wide range of facilities, including a playground, a pond, and a café. And best of all, the park is just a short stroll from Clapham Junction station, making it the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to escape the busyness of central London.

As you can see, there are many large and famous parks scattered throughout London. These parks offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy while they are in the city. Although it may be too hard to squeeze all twenty of them in one vacation, make sure to experience as much of them as you possibly can.

To enjoy a complete experience of the captivating English capital, London, be sure to check out our ultimate London travel guide!