If you think of London and then you think of parks you’d be forgiven for having your mind head straight in the direction of Hyde, but there are myriad other spots to take a book or a frisbee and enjoy the outdoors without having to travel far.
Here’s a list of some of London’s biggest and best parks for weekend city-adventuring!
1. Crystal Palace Park
A Victorian-era park located in South-East London, Cyrstal Palace is as famous for its sporting history as it is for its dinosaur sculptures. Set on a giant 20 acres, this spot includes, among other attractions, a skatepark, maze, urban farm and sports centre as well as ample open space! Take a train to Crystal Palace or Penge West Stations and enjoy!
2. Bushy Park
One of London’s 8 Royal Parks (and the 2nd largest behind Richmond), Bushy Park covers over 1000 acres of land and is the old hunting ground of Henry VIII. Red and Fallow deer still call Bushy Park home, though these days are far less timid creatures! There are plenty of organised activities here including bowling, rugby grounds and tennis courts, as well as a water fountain, woodland garden and playground.
3. Clapham Common
With ponds, playgrounds, basketball courts, cricket nets and more, Clapham Common is an incredible urban resource in the area of Lambeth, London. In amongst all the activity, there’s still plenty of space for just having a bit of R&R too, so if you’re not feeling a game of touch rugby, then simply take a book, find a shady tree, and zone out for a bit!
4. Battersea Park
This 200-acre park is another from the Victorian-era and Battersea boasts a bandstand, lake and park zoo among its features! Take the train to Battersea Park Station and make a day of it. There’s always loads of activities going on in and around the park including fun-runs, organised workout sessions and screenings!
5. Holland Park
Much smaller by comparison but still with a comfortable 54 acres of land, Holland Park sits quietly just west of Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. Hop off at the Holland Park station stop and check out what’s happening in this urban gem - there’s a cafe onsite plus a bandstand for performances.
6. Brockwell Park
With its stunning flower beds, clock tower and BMX track, Brockwell Park is a wonderful mashup of activities and personalities! Head along towards Herne Hill station stop to soak in some old English history mixed with contemporary activity at this Green Flag park in Lambeth, London!
7. St. James Park
Pelicans have lived in this park since the 1600s and if that’s not reason enough to go then I don’t know what is! St. James Park is another of the Royal Parks and is best accessed via public transport as there’s no car park. Take any number of tube lines and spend a few hours wandering within history!
