The Famous Parks of London

 

Hyde Park, London

London is known for its large, relaxing parks, and these must be a part of your itinerary! Each one of these parks is unique in its own way and should be experienced one at a time. Here is a list of London’s most eminent parks, which you should visit at least once.

You can also read: Find Your Zen at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

Hyde Park

Making it to the first position in this list is London’s historic Hyde Park. The Park covers 142 hectares of land and has over 4,000 varieties of admirable flora. It has a lake with paddle boats and even some horses to ride on. Located in the heart of London, this park cannot be missed. The park is also a favorite spot for picnics as it has vast lush green lands and blooming flora that refreshes the mind, body, and spirit. In-fact Londoners often visit Hyde Park and stay in budget hotels in Kensington for affordable long stays in London. Hyde Park is full of adventure and a nice outing spot for your all-day.

Entry fee: Free

Hampstead Heath

Located only four miles away from Trafalgar Square, Hampstead Heath is a beautiful countryside park of 800 acres. Since it is easy to reach and not far from commercial areas; you will spot many employees relaxing after a tiring day at work. This Park has meadows, ponds, woodland, and trees that are thousands of years old – nature in pure sense.

Entry fee: Free

Alexandra Park and Palace 

This 80-hectare, Green heritage winning green landscape in London is every child’s delight. Not only is the Alexandra Park and Palace a great relaxing place but it also has a ton of entertainment options for children. From a children’s café, to a skate park and a play area for toddlers, the park comes to live during spring and summer holidays. You can also play elite sports such as golf while enjoying the panoramic views of London’s clear skyline.

Entry fee: Free

St. James Park

Being one of the royal parks, the St. James Park in London is a famous tourist attraction and holds multiple royal events that are a treat to watch. Throughout the year, royal celebrations and events like Trooping the Color, Changing the Guard, and Beating the Retreat take place attracting many locals and tourists. The park also holds great significance due the monuments, memorials and statues installed in it such as the Queen Victoria Memorial, King George VI Memorial, Captain Cook Statue, The Tiffany Fountain and many more. The park is also rich in flora and has beautiful flower beds laid out in semi-circle design as a  memorial to Queen Victoria.

Entry fee: Free

Regents Park

Covering over 166 hectares (410 acres) the Regents Park is a rose heaven! This Park holds more than 30,000 roses of 500 varieties. This is also a popular spot for people practicing sports as the sports facilities cover 100 acres of this park. Regents Park is very close to Park City Grand Plaza Kensington via London tube to relish the recreation time in London.

Entry fee: Free

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is one of London’s largest parks with 1000 hectares and is the humble abode of nearly 650 freely roaming deer. Designated as National Nature Reserve (NNR), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) the park has large fresh water reserves where you can spot migratory birds during specific months in the year.

Entry fee: Free

 

 

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Find Your Zen at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

 

Kyoto Garden London

Japanese gardens are known to be a thing of beauty. The lush and charming greenery in these gardens can transcend us on a visual as well as a psychological journey.

Nature has been a source of tranquility and serenity for years and years. Nothing beats the feelings we get from outdoors, especially in a garden. The intricate aesthetics that a garden designer puts together to create a natural landscape of contemplation is pure art. But, if you live in a hustling and bustling city like London, where can you find such a place?

The answer to that is the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. This beautiful Japanese Park is a must-go if you are on the look for some quiet me-time. The park's design evokes a sense of wonder and calmness, which is difficult for us to capture in our daily lives. Kyoto Garden is famous amongst the Londoners as a picnic spot where they enjoy their precious time and often book a stay in one of the budget hotels in Kensington High Street for easy access to Kyoto Garden.

You can also read: Top London Picnic Areas with a Mouthwatering View in Sunshine

Thinking of visiting Kyoto Park? Here are a few things that you must know before going.

The Story Behind Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

Let’s begin with the history of this place. Kyoto Garden is situated in Holland Park, formerly known as Cope Castle – a space where diplomats and their families would live in. The castle was destroyed in 1940, and the lands were bought twelve years after by London Country Council. It now serves as a huge park, including many other gardens, eateries, sports, and entertainment facilities.

Kyoto Garden was formed in 1991 as a symbol of remembrance and celebration of the friendship between Great Britain and Japan.

What Will I See at the Kyoto Garden?

Well, let’s put it like that; Kyoto Garden is your quick getaway to Japan. This place is a treat for West Londoners looking for a break from chaotic city life to breathe in some fresh air. Here you can find;

• Beautiful Asian koi carp in waters that flows all around the garden
•  Freely roaming peacocks that might put on a show for you and display their gorgeous feathers
• Adorable squirrels carelessly running around, enjoying their natural habitat
•  An Ecology Center, where you can learn about the flora that you see in the garden
• Huge, impressive maple trees that give you an impression of the real Japan

Londoners frequently book a stay at Park City Grand Plaza Kensington to enjoy their staycation time in London.

Where Is It and How Do I Get There?

Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden is at Ilchester PI, London W8 6LU, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. As there is limited or no parking, you might want to hop on a Tube to Holland Park, Kensington High Street, or Notting Hill Gate.

Plus, point if you're a cycler! Because there's a London Cycle Hire docking station right at the corner of the park's entrance.

Things to Remember When Visiting Kyoto Garden

·         Leave your furry friend at home because this is not a pet-friendly garden

·         There is no entry fee. However, the entry fee of Opera Holland Park ranges from £17 to £70 (adults)

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your picnic essentials and find your zen at the beautiful Kyoto Garden.

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Top London Picnic Areas with a Mouthwatering View in Sunshine

 

Nothing beats getting outside and appreciating any of London's lovely parks or landscapes whenever the weather is clear.

The fact that London has so many green places is wonderful. The city provides plenty of locations to park for a picnic, from large parks to small areas, beautiful gardens to broad commons.

Having a picnic is also a terrific way to experience the outdoors, and when the weather warms up in the spring, there will be more options for picnics. Regardless of where you are in the city, you won't have to drive far to enjoy your meal while admiring the scenery. You'll be building moments with friends and relatives while having fantastic appetizing food and beverage drinks and breathtaking views of London picnic sites, whether you're spending time on sunny hillsides or shaded riverbanks.

You can also read: SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT BRENT CROSS

 

Here are top London picnic areas that you will surely enjoy:

1.     Hyde Park

Witness pedalos and birds fly past the beautiful river in Hyde Park, or find a hidden spot in the charming rose garden. If you don't want to carry your baskets, there are lots of shops serving snacks and desserts.

Hyde Park is perfect for picnics and is easily accessible from Hyde Park Corner Tube Station. It is also within a short walk of the posh boutiques of Knightsbridge. Because of its vastness, it is usually simpler to locate a calmer spot. This is the perfect time to plan your picnic in London and what’s best when your accommodation Park City Grand Plaza Kensington London is near your favourite picnic spots. In fact, in some parts of Hyde Park, you might easily imagine yourself in the countryside rather than in the heart of London. It makes the Hyde Park perfect spot for your picnic holiday.

2.     Greenwich Park

Climb the slope in Greenwich Park to reach the Royal Observation deck, which offers magnificent scenery of the Thames and central London. The following tube stations are the closest to Greenwich Park: Greenwich (follow signs to the Park), Maze Hill (for the play area), and Blackheath (for Deer Park, Flower Garden & Rose Garden).

3.     St. James Park

The 90-acre park, London's oldest Royal Park, includes a big lake that serves as a wildlife reserve for swans, birds, ducks, and even gulls.It is easily accessible from St James's Park Tube Station and is within a short walk of Buckingham Palace to the west and the Houses of Parliament to the southeast.

4.     Richmond Park

Richmond Parks, a UK Conservation Area and the biggest Royal Park in London, is a local favorite with plenty of green spaces great for a picnic. Enjoy your meal beneath the shadow of old trees, surrounded by the natural scenery of hills and forests.

To get to Richmond Park, take the Richmond rail from Waterloo and get out at Kingston's Norbiton station. Directly out of the station, one street left, or follow the road and ask people. Save on accommodation by booking your stay in one of the budget hotels in Kensington. The preferred location for the Londoners comes to stay in London during this time in summer holidays.

If you take the tube station to Richmond, you should take a bus or cab to the Richmond entrance on Richmond Hill.

5.     Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill, situated on the northern edge of Regent's Park, offers spectacular panoramic views as you eat snacks. Enjoy the summertime, and take in the natural scenery.

Take the Chalk Farm Station to get there. Turn right at the crossing, walk down the street to the right, and then turn left at the Bridge Approach. Cross the bridge and keep heading up the hill.

Conclusion

Despite its reputation as a large metropolis, London offers several green spots where you can relax and enjoy a picnic. Whether it's a garden or a park, you may choose a peaceful area, pack a picnic lunch with delicious picnic meals, bring your loved ones, and enjoy the great weather outdoors.

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