Battersea
Park
A little off the main tourist trail, but this pleasant park has
a number of attractions. Features include a delightful English country
garden, tennis courts, running track, a deer enclosure, a boating
lake, and even a small zoo. It is also the venue for an annual fun
fair. Perhaps the park’s most impressive feature is the Peace
Pagoda that was built in 1985 by Buddhist monks. The monks have
a very small base inside the park. It is so small that it is easily
mistaken for a shed but it means that they are able to hold ceremonies
at the Pagoda every day. Running along next to the pagoda is the
Peace mile, a favourite with joggers. Also within the park is The
Pump House, dating from 1861. It is now a small art gallery and
shop. Close to the park in Battersea Wharf, just off Queenstown
Road, is the ‘alternative Tower of London’, the world’s
tallest bungee jump tower. The jump, from a 300ft tower is over
the river Thames, but if you don’t fancy jumping you can ride
on the platform for some great views. It is recommended that you
book your jump in advance. To book, or for more information, telephone
+44 (0)20 7720 9496.
Nearest Tube: Battersea Park
Bushy Park
and Longford River
Bushy Park covers some 445 hectares (1,100 acres) of historic deer
park. It was originally enclosed from ploughed farmland into three
separate parks by Cardinal Wolsey and Henry VIII between 1500 and
1537. Its many streams and ponds are fed by the Longford River.
The Park is famous for its tree-lined vistas such as the mile long
Chestnut Avenue leading to the Diana Fountain. The landscape echoes
Richmond Park and also contains a series of beautiful woodland gardens.
The Longford River is an artificial waterway, thirteen miles in
length, the river runs from its source at Longford Point on the
River Colne, beyond Heathrow Airport, to discharge into the River
Thames at Hampton. Originally created by Charles I in 1639 to bring
fresh water to Bushy Park and Hampton Court, nine miles of the total
length runs outside the Park's boundaries with its grass banks,
shrubs and trees forming a "linear nature reserve" through the heart
of suburbia. The total area outside the park is 24 ha (60 acres).
Camley Street Natural Park
Situated
at 12 Camley Street, London, this park is one of 50 or so nature
reserves managed by the London Wildlife Trust. London is a surprisingly
green city with an abundance of wildlife and woodland grassland
marsh and ponds scattered throughout. At this park community events
and environmental activities are held on a regular basis and there
is also a fully-subscribed educational programme throughout term
time.
Nearest Tube: Kings Cross Station
Green Park
Laid out in 1668, Green Park is not a particularly landscaped park,
but it makes a pleasant contrast to the bustle of Piccadilly.In
it’s past it was less serene, being the site for many a duel.
The Tuburn river used to cross the park but has now been re-routed
underground, although it is said that you can still hear the water
gurgling past, in places.With its fifty-three acres, mainly laid
out in grass with avenues of trees, today Green Park is used as
a shortcut by foot from Piccadilly to Buckingham Palace.
Nearest Tube: Green Park
Greenwich
Park
This 185 acre Park was created in 1433, the first Royal Park to
be enclosed. There have been deer in the Park since the 15th century
and these are now enclosed in the area known as the Wilderness.
There is a fine view towards the National Maritime Museum and across
the Thames to Docklands and the City of London. The Royal Observatory
is in the centre of the Park, which, in addition to the deer enclosure,
contains formal gardens, open areas, many historic avenues of trees
and a popular boating lake and children's playground. There are
also sporting facilities and a popular cafeteria.
Hampstead
Heath
Hampstead Heath is a great place for a stroll in the sun, a
picnic or even to sail a model boat. Covering 800acres the heath
now also includes a number of formerly separate properties including
Kenwood House on the north edge and The Hill, a formal garden to
the east.On a clear day Parliament Hill at the south of the heath
offers excellent views across London. Parliament Hill is also very
popular with kite flyers. For even more activity the heath has a
mixed bathing pond near Parliament Hill. The mixed bathing pond
is only open during the summer, not surprisingly as it’s outdoor
and unheated! However, for the really hardy there is a ladies only
bathing bond near Kenwood Houses’ grounds and a men only pond
between the two. Amazingly these are open all year round!
A fun fair is held on the heath three times a year over the Easter,
spring and late summer Bank holidays. Hampstead Heath British Rail
Station is the nearest for the fair. If you tire of the Heath it’s
just a short walk south to Hampstead High Street, which has an interesting,
though expensive, selection of fashionable shops and restaurants.
Alternatively, take a walk from Parliament Hill past the ponds and
out along the heathside streets, filled with upmarket properties.
You will soon find yourself in Highgate.
Nearest Tube: Hampstead Heath BR/Golders Green/Kentish
Town/Archway
Holland
Park
This pleasant park gets its name from Sir Henry, Earl of Holland,
whose wife inherited the grounds and mansion in the early 17th century.
The property remained in the Holland family until 1889. Holland
House was badly damaged during World War II. One wing was saved
and is used as a youth hostel. A remaining section of the front
terrace is now used as a unique backdrop for the park’s summertime
open-air theatre productions and classical concerts. The park contains
a number of gardens, including a rose garden and a Japanese garden.
There are also tree-lined walks, where squirrels abound. The park
has a café and also a restaurant, which is housed in the
former Garden Ballroom, built in the mid 1800’s. Art exhibitions
are held in the old Orangery. The main entrance is next to the Commonwealth
Experience.
Nearest Tube: Holland Park/High Street Kensington
Hyde Park
At 390 acres, this is the largest park in central London. It used
to belong to the church but has been a royal park since Henry VIII
seized it in the 1530’s. The Serpentine, a large lake in the
middle for boating and bathing, was created in the 18th century,
by damming the Westbourne River. Speakers’ Corner at the Marble
Arch corner of the park is an area set aside for anyone who wishes
to speak or preach about anything. Always highly entertaining, speakers
vary from the serious to the completely wacky. Sunday is the busiest
and best day to visit Speakers’ Corner. Throughout the year
Royal Gun Salutes are performed in the park to mark special occasions,
such as the Queen’s birthday and state visits. A charge is
made for deckchairs, boat hire, and entrance to the bathing lido.
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge/Hyde Park Corne /Marble Arch/Lancaster
Gate
Kensington
Gardens
The
area covering both Kensington Gardens and the adjoining Hyde Park
were once Henry VIII’s hunting ground. Later in the 17th century,
Kensington Gardens was designed as a garden for William III’s
new home, Kensington Palace. It is now a public park, except for
a small area around the palace. The round pond is popular with model
boat enthusiasts and its wide walkways make it a popular spot for
roller-bladers. So watch out grandma! Kensington Palace, at the
west side of the park, was originally built for William III (King
of Great Britain and Ireland 1688-1702) and perhaps better known
as William of Orange. The palace was designed by Sir Christopher
Wren. Queen Victoria was born in Kensington Palace and lived there
until she became Queen and moved to Buckingham Palace in 1837. More
recently the palace was the home of Diana, Princess of Wales, until
her tragic death in August 1997. HM The Queen’s sister, Princess
Margaret, also has an apartment inside the palace. The State Rooms
are open to the public during the summer months. Also within the
park are The Albert Memorial and the Serpentine Gallery. Guided
tours only, these leave every fifteen minutes, and last for one
hour.
Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington/Queensway/Lancaster Gate
Regent's Park
The
area covering Regent’s Park was formerly a church property
called Manor of Tyburn. Henry VIII took it over on the dissolution
of the Monasteries. This park was created in 1812 for the Prince
Regent, and the original plan was to create a private development
with exclusive houses, but the full scheme was never completed.
Instead we have been left a beautifully landscaped park designed
by John Nash, with features including a boating lake, rock gardens,
sunken gardens and rose gardens. There is a bandstand, where bands
play throughout the summer months. Also, during the summer the open-air
theatre produces a variety of plays. Situated in the middle of the
park, the open-air theatre’s unique atmosphere makes it a marvellous
place to see a play. It specialises in Shakespeare’s works,
although other plays and musicals are also performed during the
summer.
Nearest Tube: Baker Street
Richmond
Park
Richmond Park extending over some 955 hectares (2,360 acres), is
a heritage landscape of national importance. The Park was enclosed
as a hunting park by Charles I in 1637 and still retains many ingredients
of a medieval deer park. Essential to its character is the rich
landscape of semi-natural acidic grassland, areas of bog and bracken,
wetland, woodland and ancient parkland trees, and the herds of fallow
and red deer that still roam the park. In 1992 the park was notified
as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by English Nature and in
2000 was designated as a National Nature Reserve.
St James's Park
Situated
in front of Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park could be called
the Queen’s front garden. It was once part of Henry VIII’s
hunting grounds. Today, though one of the smaller royal parks, it
is also one of the most attractive. Its main feature, the lake contains
a variety of waterfowl, and the park is pleasantly laid out with
trees and flowers.
Nearest Tube: St James's Park/Westminster
Victoria Tower Gardens
The
small park, next to the Victoria Tower end of The Houses of Parliament,
offers a peaceful change from the bustling crowds outside Parliament,
and even noisier rabble within. The park contains a bronze sculpture
made by Rodin in 1895 of The Burghers of Calais (the residents of
Calais in France who surrendered to Edward III in 1347, during the
Hundred Year’s War between Britain and France). There is also
a statue of Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928), the British suffragette,
whose efforts finally won women the right to vote. Looking across
the river from here you can see Lambeth Palace and The Museum of
Garden History.
Nearest Tube: Westminster
Other
Parks
Alexandra
Park
Alexandra Palace Way, N22
Nearest Tube: Wood Green, then bus W3
Battersea
Park
Albert Bridge Road, SW11 NR
Nearest Tube: Battersea Park
Brockwell
Park
Dulwich Road, SE22 NR
Nearest Tube: Herne Hill
Clapham Common
Clapham Common, SW4 NR
Nearest Tube: Clapham Common
Corams Fields
Guilford Street, WC1
Nearest Tube: Russell Square
Crystal Palace
Park
Anerley Hill, SE19 NR
Nearest Tube: Crystal Palace
Epping Forest
Epping, Essex, CM9
Nearest Tube: Loughton, then bus 301
Fulham Palace
Gardens
Bishops Avenue, SW6
Nearest Tube: Putney Bridge
Greenwich
Park
Maze Hill, SE10 NR
Nearest Tube: Maze Hill
Gunnersbury
Park
Gunnersbury Lane, W3
Nearest Tube: Acton Town
Hainault
Forest
Hainault, Essex, IG7
Nearest Tube: Hainault, then bus 150 or 247
Lincoln's
Inn Fields
Holborn, WC1
Nearest Tube: Holborn
London Butterfly
House
Brentford, TW8 NR
Nearest Tube: Syon Lane
Postman's
Park
King Edward Street, EC1
St. Paul's
Ranelagh
Gardens
Royal Hospital, Chelsea, SW3
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square
Syon Park
Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 NR
Nearest Tube: Syon Lane
Victoria
Park
Victoria Park Road, E9
Nearest Tube: Mile End, then bus 277
Wimbledon
Common
Wimbledon, SW19
Nearest Tube: Wimbledon / Putney Bridge
