Best parks in London

Discover the best of London's many parks and green spaces with our guide to all the major parks in London.

By James Stokes | Updated Jul 22 2024

From expansive royal parks to hidden urban oases, the diversity of green spaces in London is astonishing. Explore the finest parks with our comprehensive guide, covering all major parks across London's vibrant boroughs.

For a more laid-back experience, check out our guides to the best picnic spots and parks where barbecues are allowed. Discover the perfect green space for your next outing in London.

A serene park scene with a calm lake surrounded by lush green trees under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A large Ferris wheel and historic buildings are visible in the background, reflecting in the water. — HomeViews.com

Perhaps the most royal of London’s royal parks, St James’s Park is literally the king’s front garden. Situated in central London between Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall and Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park provides a serene retreat amidst the bustling cityscape. This historic park, dating back to the 16th century, covers 57 acres of lush greenery, vibrant flower beds and a picturesque lake home to a variety of waterfowl, including its iconic pelicans.

Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along tree-lined pathways, take in stunning views of Buckingham Palace from the Blue Bridge, or relax on the expansive lawns. The park's beautifully landscaped gardens and tranquil environment offer a perfect escape for both Londoners and tourists alike, making it a quintessential stop on any visit to the city. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply seeking a peaceful spot to unwind, St James’s Park delivers an unforgettable experience.

A scenic view of a formal garden with multiple fountains, a manicured lawn, and a historic stone building featuring ornate architecture. Trees and cloudy skies are visible in the background, and a person in casual attire is walking by the fountains.

Fun fact: This iconic 350-acre park was once Henry VIII's hunting ground! Established in 1536, Hyde Park opened to the public in 1637 and quickly became the stage for May Day parades and aristocratic duels. From royal hunts to rock concerts and revolutionary speeches, Hyde Park has always been London's most iconic green oasis.

A large, ornate stone fountain with multiple tiers is seen in the middle of a lush park on a sunny day. Water cascades from the top tier into a circular basin surrounded by well-maintained greenery, trees, and flower beds with vibrant red blooms.

Ah, Regent's Park—where London's charm blooms across 410 lush acres of sheer splendour. This Royal Park, nestled snugly between Westminster and Camden, is a veritable Eden of history, horticulture, and highbrow hijinks.

Back in the 1500s, Henry VIII nabbed the land during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, likely envisioning a serene hunting ground. Fast forward to the 1810s and the Prince Regent, with an eye for grandiosity, enlisted John Nash to transform it into a playground for the elite, and the parks grandeur persists to this day…

A woman stands on a grassy hill in a park, wearing a green jacket and blue jeans. Behind her is a calm lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees. People are walking along the paths, enjoying the scenic view under a clear sky.

Hampstead Heath is a tranquil retreat just half an hour from central London. It covers over 790 acres and offers a mix of woodlands, meadows, open spaces and several ponds. There are three ponds available for open eater swimming - one solely for men, one solely for women, and one mixed. Wildlife enthusiasts will spot plenty of diverse species such as woodpeckers, kingfishers, and owls, while culture vultures can explore Kenwood House.

A traditional Asian-style pavilion with a multi-tiered roof is situated among lush greenery by the edge of a calm lake. Tall trees surround the structure, and the sky above is partly cloudy with blue patches. The pavilion is reflected in the water.

Victoria Park, fondly known as the People's Park, has been a green oasis in Tower Hamlets since 1845. Originally designed for the East End's working class, it has transformed over the years into a hotspot for community activities, live music, and sports. The West Park features a picturesque boating lake, home to ducks, geese, and swans, as well as the recently renovated Chinese Pagoda, accessible by the intricately designed Pennethorne Bridge.

Nearby, the Pavilion Cafe offers delightful treats, from Sri Lankan breakfasts to saffron buns – a bit pricey but worth every penny.

A scenic view of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, featuring the ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture, the London Stadium, a tree-lined river with a blue pedestrian bridge, and vibrant greenery and flowers in the foreground. Bright, sunny day with blue skies.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was created for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and is a lasting legacy for East London. Spanning over 560 acres of formerly-industrial land, the now green and vibrant space also features several world-class sporting venues and facilities, as well as the famous AcelorMittal Orbit sculpture.

Battersea Park is a 200-acre public park that runs along the south bank of the River Thames in the London Borough of Wandsworth, a huge green oasis that offers a diverse range of attractions and activities. Opened in 1858, this Victorian park boasts beautiful gardens, wide-open spaces, and scenic riverside views. From calm walkers to pumped-up joggers and adventurous climbers, there really is something for everyone in Battersea Park.

Two large dinosaur sculptures stand among lush greenery by a pond. One dinosaur, posed on all fours, rests on a slope while the other stands more upright, looking over the scene. Bright yellow flowers bloom along the pond's edge, adding color to the landscape.

Crystal Palace Park is a sprawling Grade II* listed oasis in south-east London. Originally created as a pleasure ground surrounding the iconic Crystal Palace—relocated here from Hyde Park after the 1851 Great Exhibition—this park has a history as captivating as its panoramic views. Nestled atop Sydenham Ridge, it offers sweeping vistas of London to the north and the North Downs to the south, ensuring that visitors are as uplifted by the scenery as they are by its rich heritage.

A large herd of deer is resting and grazing on a lush green field with trees in the background. Some deer are lying down while others are standing or walking around. The scene is calm and serene, with a vast number of deer scattered across the landscape.

Richmond Park is the largest of London's Royal Parks, a sprawling 2,500-acre expanse originally used as a hunting gound by King Henry VIII. Amazingly, some ancient trees from his time still stand, bearing silent witness to centuries of history. The park’s star residents are undoubtedly its 650 free-roaming deer, who make a majestic sight against the backdrop of rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and expansive grasslands.

A serene park scene with a paved pathway winding through lush green trees and grassy areas. People are scattered along the path, sitting and strolling. The sky is partly cloudy, casting a mix of sun and shade across the landscape.

An oasis of calm and tranquility in North London that can also get rowdy for international music events like the annual Wireless Festival

An idyllic public park in London's 'Millionaire's Row', where you can reasonably expect to spot celebrities and even peacocks among the serene formal gardens

A sprwling 125-acre park famed for the Brockwell Lido, which dates back to the 1930s

Best parks in London

St James’s Park

Hyde Park

Regent’s Park

Hampstead Heath

Victoria Park

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Battersea Park

Crystal Palace Park

Richmond Park

Finsbury Park

Holland Park

Brockwell Park