< Introducing London

Outdoor London

Family Guide
Enjoying a pedalo session in the glorious surroundings of Regent’s Park boating lake
Celebrated for its many beautiful parks, London even manages to cram green spaces into its bustling centre. Most of these larger expanses – and some of the small ones – date from the Middle Ages: some were always common land, others were preserved for the exclusive use of royalty as hunting grounds, and only later opened to the public. As a result, wherever you are in London, you are only minutes away from historic open spaces.

Battersea park

With a boating lake, a small zoo and an adventure playground, this is an all-action destination (see Battersea Park and Around).

Blackheath

Once covered by thick gorse, which made it popular with highwaymen, Blackheath has long been a rallying point, from Wat Tyler’s rebellious peasants in 1381 to suffragette marches in the early 20th century. It also has a sporting heritage: James I introduced the Scottish game of golf to England here, and it is the start of the London Marathon. The most popular pastime here is kite-flying.

Coram’s fields

This space has enough to keep kids happy: a paddling pool, a farmyard, a playground, sports pitches and play sessions (see London at Play and Practical Information).

Green park

With mature trees and grassy lawns, Green Park (see Letting Off Steam) is perfect for walks and picnics. In spring, carpets of daffodils turn the grass yellow. A royal hunting ground until Charles II enclosed it in 1668, it was turned into a pleasure garden in the early 18th century, with temples and pools (now long gone). Later, it became a favourite spot for duels.

Greenwich park

You can see most of London on a clear day from this park. On its eastern side, excavations have unearthed evidence of a Roman temple. On one of the hills that crown it, stands the Royal Observatory, where east meets west at the Meridian Line (see Greenwich).

Hampstead heath

“The Heath”, as locals call it, is a stunning area of hills, ponds, woods and glades. There is plenty for families, from outdoor swimming, model boating or the adventure playground. Nearby, Golders Hill Park has a children’s zoo and putting green, and there’s a great view from Parliament Hill (see Kenwood House and Around).

Holland park

Although bombs destroyed most of the Jacobean Holland House in 1941, its glorious park survived, with paths that wind through woods, and a wildlife enclosure that is home to peacocks and other exotic birds. A peaceful Japanese and formal flower garden, an adventure playground and play area, and space to kick a football make it a park for all ages.

Hyde park and Kensington gardens

One of the finest royal parks in London, this is also close to many must-see sights (see Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park).

Primrose hill

A good place to come when it snows, this 78-m (256-ft) hill (see Letting Off Steam), just north of Regent’s Park, is perfect for tobogganing. In the 16th century, Henry Vlll appropriated it for hunting, and it was not until 1841 that the public were allowed in. It can be very windy at the top, which makes it popular with kite-flyers. From here, the view includes the O2 Arena and the Post Office Tower.
Family Guide
Panoramic view over London from Primrose Hill

Regent’s park

Run around in open spaces to the sound of lions from nearby London Zoo, walk along the canal or enjoy the boating lake (see Regent’s Park).

Richmond park

Charles I’s personal hunting ground, Richmond is the largest and most wild of the royal parks. Its heath and woods are home to a large variety of native plants, birds and animals, including herds of red and fallow deer that roam freely.
Family Guide
A fine 12-pointer red deer stag and small female in Richmond Park

Royal botanic gardens, Kew

No longer a stuffy Victorian botany collection, there are lots of exciting things for kids at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

St James’s park

The oldest of the royal parks, this is close to Buckingham Palace and boasts lovely flower beds.

Wimbledon and Putney commons

Once popular for duels, these commons form London’s largest expanse of heath and woodland. They are used for activities ranging from golf and horse riding to model boating and blackberry picking. Don’t miss the 1817 windmill, now the Windmill Museum (open Apr–Oct: 2–5pm Sat, 11am–5pm Sun & public hols), with displays of models, machinery and tools, and a nearby Nature Trail.
Wimbledon and Putney Commons www.wpcc.org.uk

WWT London wetland centre

More than 180 species of birds and animals shelter in this lovely nature reserve (see WWT London Wetland Centre).