Spending time in nature is crucial for mental health and wellbeing, especially when living in an urban environment. London is blessed with some of the world’s most incredible public green spaces, with loads of enclaves of green throughout the city. For anyone looking to escape the concrete jungle for an hour or two, whether for exercise, or simply to relax in a more scenic environment, London has a great deal to offer by way of nature and greenery.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are the centrepiece of the London parks estate. Here you’ll find the glorious Serpentine lake, and the Diana Fountain and Albert Memorial, commemorating these influential figures in British public life. There’s also Speaker’s Corner, where you’re sure to find challenging and often colourful views in full display, in the great tradition of British free speech and discourse. The park, and the glorious Kensington Gardens are a hub for wellbeing bang in the centre of London, host to many activities and events each week.
Taking a stroll through Hyde Park on a warm summer’s day, you’ll find many people relaxing with a book or a picnic. Others will be browsing the web on tablets or mobile, some even relaxing to a game of Solitaire. If you’re partial to a flutter, you might even use the time to get some free spins which let you keep what you win, making a day unwinding in the park even more enjoyable.
Battersea Park is another must-see slice of English paradise, located within the borough of Wandsworth on the banks of the River Thames. Home to a traditional English garden, a subtropical garden and a winter garden, there’s plenty for horticulture enthusiasts to enjoy in a waltz through Battersea Park. There’s also a boating lake for a relaxing couple of hours on the water, plus the London Peace Pagoda, complete with dedications to the phases of the Buddha’s life – perfect for those in search of serenity in the midst of the bustling city.
Kew Gardens has a reputation as an important place for botany, conservation and education. Aside from the glorious views and tranquil surroundings, it’s the perfect place to see naturalism in action, home to some colourful and blooming plant life all year round. The gardens are also home to a number of special features and buildings in their own right, including the Palm House, Waterlily House, Temperate House and the Treetop Walkway – perfect for taking your mind off busy day-to-day life in London. You’ll find Kew Gardens set within 500 acres of woodland in Richmond, brushing against the curve of the Thames. It’s also directly accessible by tube via the Kew Gardens underground station, perfect for a day trip out of the centre.
Another of London’s Royal Parks, Regent’s Park is found on the border between Westminster and Camden, amongst the most central of London’s green spaces. Here you’ll find Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, home to all manner of plants and wildlife. Regent’s Park regularly plays host to artistic events and exhibitions, and there’s generally a lot going on here aside from the magnificent greenery for those that enjoy spending their outdoors time in and around the natural world. London Zoo is located on the periphery of the park for the ultimate day out around the natural world, while you’ll also find the likes of Shakespeare’s Tree and Primrose Hill within and around the surrounding parkland.
Crystal Palace Park is home to the magnificent Crystal Palace, the famous glass and iron structure, around which the park was built. Designed to be a space where Londoners could come and relax from the stresses of everyday city life, the park remains as one of the most popular green spaces in London’s south east. Within the park itself you’ll find a museum, a lake, the Italian Terraces, dinosaur sculptures, a hedge maze and the National Sports Centre, all worthy of a look around as you wander away the hours.
Home to the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum and the Wilderness Deer Park, Greenwich Park is another of London’s park estates that competes for the title of best in the city. Located in Greenwich, it’s the parkland of choice for runners and outdoor enthusiasts in the area, as well as being home to the Secret Garden Wildlife Centre, a popular day out for families in the surrounding areas. The orchard and rose garden present the ideal opportunity for lazy days, a feast for all the senses as you escape from the busy city streets to a greener retreat.
And who could forget Hampstead Heath, a large natural landscape home to natural bathing ponds and ample walking trails. A large expanse of natural land in Hampstead, it’s a park that holds its own amongst residents and visitors alike – a welcome retreat from the city set amidst trees, rolling grass and hillocks.
When it comes to parks for a day’s walk, or simply some time to unwind, London truly is spoiled for choice. No matter where you are within the city, there are plenty of options that will help you break out of the roads, buildings and bustle to reconnect with nature and the world around you. For better wellbeing, and an almost instant boost to your mental health, these parks are there to be enjoyed any time of day, every day of the year. And with so much on offer, it comes highly recommended that you check them out – one of the many perks of making London your home city.
