Discover incredible London wildlife, beautifully designed gardens and plenty of space for summer picnics and refreshing winter walks in London's best parks.
For more outdoors inspiration, check out this extensive list of green spaces in London, the best London picnic areas and 101 things to do outdoors across the capital.
1. Hyde Park
2. Regent's Park

Stop and smell the roses in the beautiful gardens at Regent’s Park. Renowned architect John Nash designed the park in the 1810s, and it spans 160 hectares (395 acres). Alongside stunning formal gardens, this London park has a boating lake, playgrounds and the largest outdoor sports area in central London. The Open Air Theatre stages performances of plays, comedies and musicals.
3. Richmond Park
Admire hundreds of free-roaming deer, ancient trees and rare wildflower species at beautiful Richmond Park. Covering 1,010 hectares (2,500 acres), this Royal Park boasts stunning views from the top of the hill that are protected by law. Seek out the Isabella Plantation, hidden within the park grounds, to capture the Instagram-ready evergreen Japanese azaleas.
4. St James's Park
Channel your inner royal as you ramble through St James's Park. Surrounded by three royal palaces, including Buckingham Palace, it's also next to Horse Guards Parade and the tree-lined Mall. Visit the lake at 2.30pm to see the famous pelicans being fed fresh fish before stopping off for a hot drink at St James’s Cafe.
5. Victoria Park
Head to Victoria Park, or "Vicky Park" if you ask a local, to explore the canals, ponds and a pavilion in the capital's first public park. The large open green spaces play host to big music festivals in the summer, as well as plenty of places for sport, picnics and relaxing.
6. Greenwich Park

7. Hampstead Heath
8. Kensington Gardens

Take a stroll through the gorgeous Kensington Gardens, a Royal Park that's home to Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial, the Peter Pan Statue, beautiful flowers, green grass for picnics and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground.
9. Clapham Common
10. Lee Valley Regional Park
Cycle along the paths or take a stroll in Lee Valley Regional Park. Stretching 42km (26 miles) along the river Lee, past Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and up to Ware in Hertfordshire, this huge park has plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife, relax or play.
11. Battersea Park
12. Bushy Park
Stroll down Chestnut Avenue to Hampton Court Palace or see trees full of mistletoe in Bushy Park, the second largest of London's Royal Parks. You can also find the Baroque-style Upper Lodge Water Gardens and the 17th-century Diana Fountain in these historic grounds.
13. Crystal Palace Park

14. Danson Park
Sail around the lake or take the kids to the waterpark for a splash of fun at Danson Park. This green space is a great family destination, with a peaceful rock garden and and the Grade I-listed Danson House.
For more outdoor adventures around the capital, check out the top things to do in London. The city has activities to enjoy, including sporting events, outdoor theatre and entertainment, and outdoor cinemas.
If you're exploring the capital with children, discover the 101 best things to with kids in London.