London is constantly being referred to as urban – a sprawling metropolis buzzing with noise and people. But did you know an estimated 47% of the capital is physically green, with 8.3 million trees and over 3,000 parks? Its grassy credentials are so strong that there’s even a growing movement to make Greater London a National Park City – a new take on a National Park.
If you’re searching property to rent in Central London, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll have a local park on your doorstep. Whether you need a playground to entertain the kids, somewhere to fly a kite or even open-air ponds in which to swim, there’s a Central London park to suit every home mover. Here’s Residential Land’s top 10 parks in the capital:
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Regent’s Park – Or to give it its full title, The Regent’s Park, was designed by John Nash and opened to the public in 1835. It covers 395 acres and includes Queen Mary’s Gardens, London Zoo, The Hub (home to the largest outdoor sports facility in London), a boating lake and an Open Air Theatre.
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Hyde Park – If you’re looking for entertainment, look no further than Hyde Park. The 350 acres play host to the British Summertime programme of concerts, open air cinemas and circus schools. Punctuating the magnificent grounds are a number of landmarks, including the Serpentine Lake, Speakers’ Corner and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. There’s also open water swimming, boating, cycling, tennis and horse riding.
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Primrose Hill – This open space is separated from Regent’s Park by Prince Albert Road. At the top of the hill is one of six protected viewpoints in London. The summit is almost 63 metres above sea level and the trees are kept low so as not to obscure the stunning views.
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Hampstead Heath – With an element of the wild about it, Hampstead Heath’s 320 acres of open space and parkland really put visitors back in touch with nature. There is a zoo, an athletics track, an education centre, extensive children’s facilities, three swimming ponds and a lido ready to enjoy.
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The Green Park – Spanning just over 40 acres of mature trees and grassland, Green park sits next to Buckingham Palace between Piccadilly and Constitution Hill. The space grants a welcome break from the city buzz. Time your visit well and see a Royal Gun Salute or Changing the Guard.
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St James’s Park – St James’s Park is the oldest of the eight Royal parks in London. Surprisingly, the park includes The Mall and Horse Guards Parade, and is the setting for spectacular pageants including the annual Trooping the Colour. Hire a deckchair or roll out a picnic blanket down by the lake.
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Holland Park – The largest park in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea at more than 55 acres doesn’t disappoint. It’s crammed full of children’s play facilities, a cafe, large areas of woodland, the Japanese inspired Kyoto Garden, and sports facilities for tennis, football, golf, cricket and netball.
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Grosvenor Square Gardens – Originally designed for the exclusive use of local residents, who accessed the gardens using special keys, Grosvenor Square Gardens are now open to the public. It’s the perfect spot for contemplation, with the September 11 Memorial Garden, a statue commemorating President Roosevelt and The Eagle Squadrons Memorial.
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Victoria Tower Gardens – One of London’s lesser known parks is the ideal place to take children. The gardens were officially opened in 1914 and can be found in the heart of Westminster, bordered by the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, Millbank and Lambeth Bridge. Head for the Horseferry playground before stopping to admire the ornate Buxton Memorial.
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Kensington Palace Gardens – Explore the 265 acres that are home to Kensington Palace, the Italian Gardens, the Albert Memorial, the Peter Pan Statue and the Serpentine Galleries. Visiting with the family? Make a beeline for the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground.
If you’re a tenant looking for a Central London property to rent, contact the city’s biggest private landlord today. Residential Land can show you a selection of homes within walking distance of the parks above and many other parcels of green space in the capital.
Photo Credit: John Simm
