London has some amazingly beautiful green spaces that can be found all around the city. On any given nice day, you will find the student studying under the shade of a tree, a group of friends meeting and playing games, and the family picnicking throughout London’s parks. Here we will go over the top three central London parks. It just so happens that each of the 3 parks we chose are all located in the Westminster neighborhood of Central London and are all a part of the Royal Gardens.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the most famous parks in London and has a long history that dates back to the 1500s. In 1536, Henry VIII established this area as a park; however, it did not open for the public for another hundred years.
Today, Londoners and those visiting can enjoy the park in so many ways. Those wanting to share their views can head to the park on a Sunday, where people from all over the world can share their opinions at Speaker’s Corner. Many enjoy grabbing a bite at Serpentine Bar and Kitchen or The Lido Bar and Café. For those just wanting to enjoy nature, they can check out The Rose Garden or the beautiful Diana Memorial Fountain. There is even a nice playground for the little ones. Hyde Park quite literally has something for everyone.
Hyde Park also hosts an array of events. Music lovers can enjoy world famous musicians, like the Rolling Stones, during live concerts, or they may like British Summer Time, a 10-day festival. Athletes can run in the Royal Parks Half Marathon, a multi-award winning event. Historians can take a step back in time while watching the Royal Gun Salute, which marks special royal occasions.
Once a year during the Winter months, Hyde Park turns into a magical Winter Wonderland with London’s largest outdoor ice rink, circus attractions, a magical ice kingdom, carnival rides, and so much more.
To get to Hyde Park, visitors can take the tube to Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, or Knightsbridge. The park is also close to Lancaster Gate if you wanted to visit both Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park in one trip.
St. James Park & Green Park
St. James Park and Green Park are two separate parks, but they are right next to one another. While walking down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace, St. James Park can be found on the left and Green Park on the right.
St. James Park is one of the most picturesque parks in London that is surrounded by some of London’s most visited sights. This 90-acre park is situated in the middle of the magnificent Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abby, and The Mall, London’s famous tree lined road leading up to Buckingham Palace. It is a great park to stroll through while walking from the changing of the guards to the House of Parliament. This park is the oldest of all the Royal parks.
Visitors love strolling, relaxing, and birdwatching in St. James Park. One of the most notable spots in St. James Park is the lake that has two islands within it. Here visitors can spot some of London’s wildlife. One of the best views in the park can be found on the lake’s bridge. From here, you can see a great view of Buckingham Palace that is framed by trees and fountains. Visitors can easily spend an hour to two hours exploring the grounds.
Green Park is across The Mall. This park does not have lakes, but it is 40 acres of lush green space. It is a simple park, but great for exploring and meeting up with friends for a nice afternoon picnic. During some royal occasions, Greek Park will have a Royal Gun Salute, much like the one at Hyde Park.
To get to Green Park, the closest tube station is Green Park, which is right across the street from the park. To get to St. James, visitors can take the tube to St. James Park station, which is a block away, or they can get off at Charing Cross and make their way down the beautiful tree-lined Mall.
Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens was once the hunting grounds of Hyde Park. It was separated from Hyde Park in 1728 and now has an identity of its own on the other side of West Carriage Drive. Kensington Park is rich with history and culture.
Visitors can admire the art and architecture at the Serpentine Galleries, which has housed exhibitions of over 1,600 artists. After, they can stroll by The Albert Memorial or visit Kensington Palace, the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The young and old alike will enjoy the wooden pirate ship and play sculptures inspired by Peter Pan and that are at the Diana Memorial Playground. If visitors are hoping to get more outdoor time, they can walk through the Italian Gardens or learn tips for growing fruits and vegetables at the Allotment Garden.
To get to Kensington Gardens, visitors can take the tube to Lancaster Gate or Queensway, which both are just across the street from the park. If they don’t mind a stroll, Knotting Hill Gate is a few blocks away as well.
Conclusion
There are over ten public parks in Central London with many of them a part of the Royal Gardens. However, there are a few other parks in Central London that are just as nice. Those visiting Rembrandt Gardens can admire the beautiful tulips that scatter the park, while those exploring Padding Street Garden can view the memorials, tombs, and gravestones. Leicester Square Gardens is in the middle of West End and Grosvenor Square Gardens is the home of the US Embassy. No matter where you are in Central London, you are only a short walk to one of the many beautiful green spaces.
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