Royal Parks in London

Bushy Park

A large area of rural parkland, Bushy Park is home to many free-roaming deer. The famous mile-long Chestnut Avenue, conceived by Sir Christopher Wren, was the formal approach to Hampton Court Palace and is flanked on both sides by horse chestnuts and lime trees. The park also features an artificial river and a large selection of sporting facilities. Various children's activities take place in Bushy Park.

Download a map of Bushy Park [PDF 1.4MB]

The Green Park

Lying between Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly, The Green Park is a great place to sit and soak up the sun. This former duelling ground covers 47 acres and is a peaceful refuge with its mature trees and grassland. It's a great place for sunbathing and picnics in the summer months. So pack a hamper, kick off your shoes and relax!

Download a map of The Green Park [PDF 1.6MB]

Greenwich Park

A World Heritage Site and the oldest of the Royal Parks, Greenwich Park contains several historic buildings and also has a fantastic view from the top of the hill. Admire the dramatic architecture of the Royal Observatory, Old Royal Naval College, National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House, or come along for year-round fresh air or summer fun like football and frisbee skimming. The park has a busy events calendar with jazz, opera, theatre and children's activities.

Download a map of Greenwich Park [PDF 1.4MB]

Hyde Park

It's easy to forget you're in the middle of London in Hyde Park. It's home to the Serpentine (a popular boating lake) and Rotten Row, a renowned riding track and the first artificially lit road in England. And with the Serpentine Gallery, the Diana Memorial Fountain and open-air events each summer, there's always lots to see and do. If you're out and about on a Sunday, head to Speaker's Corner to hear London's most vocal orators share their opinions with the world.

Download a map of Hyde Park [PDF 689KB]

Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens join Hyde Park at the end of the Serpentine. Park highlights include the Italian Fountain Gardens and the imposing Albert Memorial. The park is also home to Kensington Palace with its peaceful Italian Gardens, the famous Peter Pan statue and the seven-mile Diana Memorial Walk. Children will love the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground, particularly the huge wooden pirate ship.

Download a map of Kensington Gardens [PDF 860KB]

The Regent's Park

In 1811, the Prince Regent commissioned famous architect John Nash to construct this park in a grand style. Today, The Regent's Park includes an Open Air Theatre, a stunning rose garden, a boating lake (complete with islands), children's playgrounds and a selection of cafés and restaurants, not forgetting the extensive London Zoo! There's enough going on in this spectacular park to keep you occupied from dawn till dusk.

Download a map of The Regent's Park [PDF 696KB]

Richmond Park

This vast park covers more than 2,000 acres of diverse landscape with many walking trails through woods, parkland and riverside paths. The former hunting park of King Charles I, Richmond Park still features roaming deer and other wildlife. The views from the top of the hill are so stunning they are protected by an act of Parliament. You can really get away from it all here, whether on foot, bike or horseback. There are also two public golf courses in the park.

Download a map of Richmond Park [PDF 1.6MB]

St James's Park

Bordering the Mall, St James's Park has a truly regal air. From the bridge over the large lake you are treated to two of London's best views. You face Buckingham Palace in one direction and Whitehall in the other. The park is a great picnic spot on a royal itinerary and it's lovely to hire a deckchair in summer and listen to the music in the bandstand.

Download a map of St James's Park [PDF 1.4MB]

Brompton Cemetery

In addition to the eight parks, there is London's one and only Crown Cemetery. Regarded as one of the finest Victorian cemeteries in the country, Brompton Cemetery has a formal layout with a central avenue leading to a chapel based on St Peter's Basilica in Rome. The grounds hold over 35,000 monuments to people from all walks of life, with many of historical importance.

Visit the official Royal Parks website for more information.