![[LondonTown.com Header Image (Thames Scene)]](/LTtemplates/template_images/londontown.upper.logoheader.thamesscene.jpg) |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 
|
|
Leisure
 
Download Article (PDF)
London's Parks
 London's parks are among the best outdoor spaces of any city in the world. Escape the seething chaos of central London and enjoy a winters walk, spring time picnic or while away an afternoon luxuriating in the summer sunshine. Each park has its own identity and role in the local community from the manicured landscapes of Hyde Park, to the rolling deer parks of Richmond Park and botanical delights of Kew Gardens, there is something to thrill, surprise and soothe all visitors.  Richmond Park
This is the closest to nature you can come in the capital. Wild deer roaming free, horses trotting by, mighty oaks a thousand years old, dense forests, rolling hills, deer and rabbits roaming free. It may sound like a fairy story but it is actually only a twenty minute tube journey from the heart of London. Some of the most beautiful countryside in the world and not to be missed, at any time of year. Address: Richmond Park, Richmond, TW10 Telephone: 020 8948 3209 Price: Free Opening Hours: 9am-sunset Nearest Station: Richmond Tube/Rail The Royal Parks
The royal parks dominate the centre of London, providing an unbroken line of greenery that stretches over three miles. Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park and St. James's offer a manicured oasis in the heart of the city. These parks are more than mere ornaments, they are a vital part of the rich cultural and historical tapestry of London town. Gaze through the impressive gates of Buckingham Palace, immerse yourself in the pomp and ceremony of Royal processions, mess about in boats on the Serpentine, take in a show at the Serpentine Gallery and wander happily through mile after mile of rolling grass. Address: City of Westminster Telephone: 020 7298 2000 Price: Free Opening Hours: 5am until midnight Nearest Station: Hyde Park, Green Park Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
Commonly known as Kew Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew contains one in eight of the world's plant species. They are also a stunning formal park, with six huge Victorian greenhouses that feel like gateways to the tropics and the world famous pagodas that tower over the suburban landscape. Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Telephone: 020 8332 5197 Price: £6.50-8 Opening Hours: 9.30-16.15 Winter, 9.30-19.30 Summer Nearest Station: Kew Gardens Tube / Rail Hampstead Heath
The pride and joy of North London, the eight hundred acres of the heath take in formal gardens, wild swamps, open fields and dense woodland, deep lakes and steep hills. The open-air bathing ponds are a joy in summer (although not for the shy. Most bathers go nude, and some of the ponds are for mixed genders), and the views across London from the park's highest points are spectacular. Address: Hampstead Heath, N6 Telephone: 020 7482 7073 Price: Free Opening Hours: 24 hour opening Nearest Station: Hampstead Tube Chiswick House & Grounds
One of the triumphs of the golden age of landscape gardening, Lord Burlington's summer palace is set in acres of immaculate park land, full of temples, lakes, statues, and greenhouses. Immortalised by poet Alexander Pope as embodying the greatness of England, this park is also close to one of the most attractive parts of the Thames, and makes an excellent stop off on a scenic walk. Address: Chiswick House & Grounds, Burlington Lane, W4 Telephone: 020 8894 2677 Price: Free Opening Hours: 5am to sunset Nearest Station: Gunnersbury Tube / Rail Regent's Park
London Zoo is one of the many highlights of this picturesque park. There are also excellent sports facilities, a large boating lake, an open-air theatre and almost 500 acres of wide open spaces perfect for relaxing on a Summer's day. Address: Regent's Park, NW1 Telephone: 020 7298 2000 Price: Free Opening Hours: 5am until sundown Nearest Station: Regent's Park
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|