April 6, 2026
Did you know that London can be classified as a forest? Yes, that’s right – a forest. Don’t worry neither did I, but according to the United Nations a forest is anywhere that’s at least 20 percent trees and London comes in at a remarkable 21 percent!
With the capital’s soaring skyline, it’s not a thought which would naturally cross your mind. There are a whopping 8.4 million trees adorning the streets of London. From street trees, ancient woodlands, private gardens, and railway embankments to London’s iconic squares, they all help to make up London’s urban forest.
The green spaces are spread throughout the city and in this current climate of social distancing and self-isolation, outdoor spaces are like a sanctuary for us all nowadays. A place we can exercise, escape the confines of our homes and recalibrate.
Read More: Nature Reserves You Must Visit in London
Here is a list of some incredibly beautiful places, parks and gardens to catch some fresh air and enjoy time with family and friends (social distance permitting) in London.
Parks In Central LONDON
Hyde Park
Once Henry VII’s favourite hunting ground, Hyde Park today is one of the most famous parks in the world. The London Royal Park is also home to some amazing attractions and historical sights, such as the Serpentine Lido and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.
Within the 350 acres, you can swim, enjoy boating, cycle, horse ride, and or even play a round of tennis.
Did you Know:
Hyde Park has a secret Victorian pet cemetery that dates back to the 1880s and contains the remains of around 1,000 animals. many in graves marked by tiny headstones. Situated on the northern edge of Hyde Park near Victoria Gate, it’s rarely open to the public, which is probably why it’s such a secret.
Where is Hyde park?
Mayfair/Westminster, W2 2UH
Kensington Gardens
Home to Kensington Palace, the Gardens take up a corner of Hyde Park. Wander the 142 quiet hectares of sculpted gardens, ornamental flower beds, and a lake.
You’ll also find the ornate Albert Memorial, the Peter Pan Statue, and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground a favourite for families.
Did you Know:
Kensington Gardens has its very own allotment, which also houses chickens. Run by volunteers, its open daily to the public and you can wander in, relax and pick up tips for growing your own fruit and vegetables.
where is Kensington Gardens?
Kensington, W2 2UH
Holland Park
The impressive 22 hectares of Holland Park used to be the personal garden of a Jacobean mansion originally known as Cope Castle. It’s now called Holland House, named after its second owner, the Earl of Holland. His wife was also the first person in England to grow dahlias and they still grow in the park today.
Wander the grounds and enjoy the Japanese Kyoto Garden with its koi carp and mini waterfalls. It truly feels like you’ve stepped out of London.
Did you know:
You can find London’s tamest peacocks in Holland Park. The beautiful birds have been roaming around the west London park for many years and can sometimes be discovered a mile away from the park in gardens and on roads.
Where To Find Holland Park?
Ilchester Place, Kensington, W8 6LU
Parks In North London
Hampstead Heath
Four miles out of Central London there are 320 hectares of untamed heath to explore with amazing views over London.
There’s plenty to do with the array of pitches for every sport from cricket to croquet. Head to the boating ponds, run around the athletics track, or spot some wildlife in the wooded areas of the park like muntjac deer. The three different swimming ponds for men, women and mixed are very popular and open all year round.
Did you know:
The northwest park is home to a small hidden zoo in Golders Hill Park which is part of the Heath, and the best bit it’s free! There’s an unusual mix of animals from laughing kookaburras, ring-tailed lemurs, a butterfly house and wallabies. If you fall in love with one, they run an adoption scheme too.
Where Is Hampstead Heath?
Gordon House Road, NW5 1QR
Highgate Wood
The ancient woodland in North London was originally part of the Ancient Forest of Middlesex, which covered much of London, Hertfordshire and Essex. The woods now cover 28 hectares and has a great playground, complete with sandpits, climbing equipment, and a very popular zip wire. A great shaded play area in the summer for children.
Did you know:
The wood’s warden also offers night walks to look out for owls, bats and other nighttime creatures.
Where to Find HighGate Wood?
Muswell Hill Rd, N6 5UG
East london Parks
Victoria Park
Commonly known to locals as Vicky Park, Victoria Park was the first public park to be built in London and enjoyed by the working-class families of the East End when it opened in 1845.
Bordering Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, there is plenty to enjoy from boating ponds, cricket grounds and a Chinese pagoda. Wildlife includes a deer enclosure, moorhens and Canada geese. Feeling peckish after a stroll? Head to the Pavilion Café which serves tasty, locally sourced food from breakfast to teatime.
Did you know:
There is a social enterprise garden centre called Growing Concerns, where you can sign up for gardening classes and learn how to plant and raise a vegetable patch.
Where Is Victoria Park?
Grove Rd, E3 5TB
Epping Forest
Epping Forest has over 20 miles of surfaced trails for walking, cycling and horse riding and around 2,400 hectares of forest to explore on foot. The only remaining part of the royal forest of Waltham, it runs down the northeastern edge of Greater London and the southwestern part of Essex.
London’s largest open green space is the perfect place to unwind and escape the stress of the city. The vast site contains ancient woodland, grassland, lakes and lots of wildlife.
Did you know:
There is still a hunting lodge that stands at the edge of Epping Forest built by Henry VIII in 1543. Now a Grade II* listed building, it was renovated by Elizabeth I and named Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge. Incredible to see the intact timber-framed building still standing, surrounded by its medieval royal hunting forest.
Where To Find Epping FOrest?
Epping Forest Visitor Centre, Nursery Rd, Waltham Abbey, Loughton IG10 4AF
South London Parks
Brockwell Park
Brockwell Park is just south of Brixton in Herne Hill and Tulse Hill. The 50.8 hectare park attracts four million annual visitors.
Many flock for the spectacular city views, being one of the highest points in London and it’s also well known for its many species of birds, bats and beautiful swans.
Did you know:
Brockwell Park has been home to a Grade II listed art deco Lido since the 1930s.
Find it:
Brockwell Park Gardens, SE24 9BJ
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is part of the Greenwich Maritime World Heritage Site and houses The National Maritime Museum and Old Royal Naval College. It’s also the oldest enclosed Royal Park in London and there is something for everyone in its 74 hectares of grassland.
Check out the fantastic views from the top of the hill across to Canary Wharf, stand on the Greenwich Meridian line and visit the flower, herb, and orchard gardens.
Did you know:
Greenwich Park is home to a rather decrepit piece of Royal history – Queen Elizabeth’s Oak. It’s been in the park since the twelfth century and the tree now lies horizontally covered in moss, bugs, and fungus. According to legend, Henry VIII once danced around it with Anne Boleyn, and Elizabeth I often had picnics on it.
Find it:
Greenwich, SE10 8QY
West LondoN PARKS
Bushy Park
Linked to Hampton Court Palace by the Longford River, Bushy Park is away from the centre of London. The Royal Park is known for its waterways, gardens, grassland and roaming herds of red and fallow deer.
The huge open space extends across the borough of Richmond-upon-Thames and is named after the hawthorn bushes that grow within its boundaries. Birds are also a great attraction and you can spot woodpeckers, kingfishers, kestrels and more.
Did you know:
There is a mile-long Chestnut Avenue designed by Sir Christopher Wren which makes for a lovely stroll. Locals gather annually on Chestnut Sunday in May for a festival to celebrate the flourishing the trees.
Where To Find Bushy park:
Hampton Court Rd, Hampton TW12 2EJ
Richmond park
The largest of the London Royal Parks covers 1000 hectares and is home to hundreds of deer, roaming free since 1529. Hire a bike for off-road cycling along the Tamsin Trail and you can even enjoy a spot of fishing.
Views from the highest point of Richmond Park are protected by law. Visitors can see an unobstructed panorama 12 miles to the east of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Did you know:
You can find a pink park amongst the grasslands and ancient trees. Isabella Plantation is a 40-acre woodland garden bursting with bright blooms of Japanese azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias in the spring and summer.
Find it:
Richmond, TW10 5HS
Do you have a favourite open space or park in London?
Let me know in the comments box below.
PIN AND SAVE FOR LATER
