Parks & Gardens

London has more green space than almost any other major city in the world. The Royal Parks alone cover thousands of acres across the capital, and most are completely free to visit — perfect for a break between sightseeing or a morning run.

The largest and most central of the Royal Parks is Hyde Park, with Speakers' Corner, the Serpentine lake, and the Diana Memorial Fountain. It connects seamlessly to Kensington Gardens, making for a long and pleasant walk through the heart of the city. St James's Park offers the most picturesque views in London — the bridge over the lake frames Buckingham Palace on one side and the towers of Whitehall on the other.

North of the centre, Regent's Park is home to London Zoo, the Open Air Theatre, and some of the city's finest rose gardens. Primrose Hill, just to the north, is a short but steep climb rewarded with one of the best panoramic views of the London skyline — especially at sunset.

Further out, Greenwich Park combines history and scenery with views across the Thames to Canary Wharf and the City. Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the world's largest collection of living plants, stunning Victorian glasshouses, and a treetop walkway. For a different perspective entirely, Sky Garden is a free-to-visit landscaped garden on the 35th floor of the Walkie Talkie building, with panoramic views across the city.