Best parks in London

Take a leisurely stroll, zip around on a bicycle, row a boat or swim in the Serpentine at Hyde Park. Whichever way you choose to explore this huge and centrally located park, there's plenty to see and do, with more than 4,000 trees, a lake, a meadow, rose gardens and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.

Stop and smell the roses in the beautiful gardens at Regent’s Park. Spanning 166 hectares (410 acres), it was designed in 1811 by renowned architect John Nash. Alongside stunning formal gardens, this London park has a boating lake, playgrounds and the largest outdoor sports area in London, plus the Open Air Theatre.

Admire hundreds of free roaming deer, ancient trees and rare wildflower species at this beautiful Royal Park. Covering 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres), the views from the top of the hill in Richmond Park are stunning and are protected by law. Hidden within the park grounds, seek out the Isabella Plantation to capture the Instagram-ready evergreen Japanese azaleas.

Channel your inner royal as you ramble through St James's Park. Surrounded by three royal palaces, including Buckingham Palace, it also boasts Horse Guards Parade and the tree-lined Mall. Visit the lake at 2.30pm to see the famous pelicans being fed, before stopping off for a hot drink at the stylish Inn The Park cafe.

Head to Victoria Park, or "Vicky Park" if you ask a local, to explore the canals, ponds and pavilion in the capital's first public park. Bordering Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, you'll find plenty of places for sport and events during the summer months. 

Stop off in London's oldest Royal Park, Greenwich Park, for breathtaking views over the river Thames and the City of London. The former hunting park is still home to a small herd of deer, as well as the Prime Meridian Line, Royal Observatory and several cafes.

Escape the hustle and bustle of central London a mere four miles away in Hampstead Heath. Climb to the top of Parliament Hill for magnificent views or embrace #WisteriaHysteria in the romantic flower and vine-covered walkways of the abandoned Pergola and Hill Gardens. 

Take a stroll through this beautiful Royal Park in central London, 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.

Jog around one of London's largest flat open spaces, Clapham Common or simply relax in the sun by one of the three ponds. Check out the skate park, cosy pubs, tennis courts, grass pitches and bandstand that keep south Londoners occupied. 

Cycle along the paths or take a stroll at Lee Valley Regional Park. Stretching 42km (26 miles) along the river Lee, past Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and up to Ware in Hertfordshire, there is plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife, relax or play. If you're not sure where to start, try one of the regular guided tours.

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 water gardens and the 17th-century Diana Fountain in these historic grounds.

Channel your inner T-Rex in the dinosaur park, get lost in one of the UK's largest mazes, or simply explore the many ponds, playgrounds and green spaces Crystal Palace Park has to offer its visitors.

Pick a warm day to sail around the lake or take the kids to the waterpark for a splash of fun. Danson Park is a great family destination, with a peaceful rock garden and a wildlife-rich nature reserve, plus Grade I-listed Danson House.