Best Green Spaces in London

The British capital is one of the greenest cities in Europe, and you are never far from a park.

While it’s easy to joke about the British weather, it doesn’t have to be blazing sunshine to enjoy one of the hundreds of green spaces in London. In fact, some of the parks are arguably at their best during the winter months, when the trees shed their leaves and are left with an almost ghostly beauty.

Autumn in Green Park © Dimitar Gadzhurov | Dreamstime

The biggest and most central parks are Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, which are beloved by Londoners and visitors alike as they offer the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t forget about Green Park and St. James’ Park, both of which are centrally located.

In the north of the city, you will find Hampstead Heath, home to a number of swimming ponds. If the weather is bright, seize the opportunity to take a dip, or otherwise join one of the swimming societies that practice their front crawl whatever the weather.

Hampstead Heath © Lowlihjeng | Dreamstime

Further west is Richmond Park, which is a mecca for cyclists who do laps of the well laid-out bike paths. Keep your eyes out for some of the many deer that call the park home. Nearby is Wimbledon Common, which stretches from picturesque Wimbledon Village. If you are keen on golf, you can get a round in on the Wimbledon Common Golf Course.

If you find yourself in East London, make a visit to Victoria Park. This vast space is a favorite with the trendy Shoreditch crowd, and summer days are rife with barbecues tended by moustache-sporting creative types.