London parks perfect for reconnecting with nature

Here is how to make the most of London’s parks: the best walks, the most beautiful views, and how to feel you’re part of the countryside even in the heart of the capital.

Best for… escaping the city easily

Hyde Park

London’s most famous park is nothing short of extraordinary – fully 350 acres of protected green space, with more than 4,000 trees, a lake, a meadow, a huge children’s playground and ornamental flower gardens right in the heart of the capital.

Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to enjoy your lunch break, or fancy something more organised (there are facilities for swimming, boating, cycling, skating, horse riding, tennis and football) there is plenty here to keep you entertained all day.

Throw in a couple of restaurants, spectacular open-air concerts throughout the summer and the always entertaining Speakers’ Corner every Sunday, and Hyde Park is unmatched in the world.

Best for… wildlife lovers

Richmond Park

The largest royal park in London is nothing short of enormous – more than 2,500 acres of hills, woodlands and meadows, containing ancient trees, an abundance of wildlife and about 650 wild deer. Fishing is available at Pen Ponds, and there are excellent bird-watching opportunities, horse-riding tracks, a cycle path and, in the Isabella Plantation, an organic woodland garden.

You could wander here for days soaking up the flora and fauna and never once feeling you are part of the metropolis.

Best for… spectacular views

Hampstead Heath

Only four miles north of Trafalgar Square, Hampstead Heath offers perhaps the best views of London from some of the highest points in the capital… and all free. That you are taking in the urban scenery surrounded by grassland and woods only adds to the pleasure.

When not gazing at the metropolis below, the heath is also a wonderful place for dog-walking, athletics, strolling through the butterfly house and enjoying the open-air lido – open every day of the year.

Best for… historical splendour

Greenwich Park

London’s oldest enclosed royal park is part of Greenwich World Heritage site, and tradition and history seep through every blade of grass. Passing through the park is the 0° longitude Prime Meridian Line, the point from which all the world’s clocks are set.

From the old Royal Observatory it is a few minutes’ walk to the National Maritime Museum. The beautiful gardens at the Tea Pavilion offer a similarly civilised way to take some refreshment… or else lay a picnic rug out on the hill and enjoy a panoramic view of the River Thames that takes in London old and new.

Best for… families

Battersea Park

Just a couple of miles south of Marble Arch, bordering the Thames and in the shadow of the power station, Battersea Park has benefited from massive investment and is now a fantastic day out for children of all ages.

The traditional children’s playground is joined by a large and extensive adventure playground, Go Ape treetop adventures, boating on the lake, a land train and bicycle hire for the whole family. Throw in fishing, all-weather sports pitches, tennis and a children’s zoo that is home to monkeys, lemurs, meerkats, otters and farmyard animals, and the park should satisfy even the most demanding youngsters.

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