10 Parks in London with Interesting Histories

Hyde Park in London — Tour the Royal Parks of London with Context Experts

London is a city that is steeped in history, and this is also true of its many parks and open spaces. From ancient hunting grounds to royal pleasure gardens, these green oases offer a chance to step back in time and discover the stories behind some of London's most beloved parks. In this blog post, we'll take a look at 10 parks in London with interesting histories that are worth visiting.

What are the 10 Best Parks in London?

We’ve organized a list of the most popular parks and gardens to visit during your next trip to London. We’ve provided links to view even more information about the history, location, hours of operation, facilities, and events of the parks; many of them also have photographs, visitor guides, maps, and other useful information to help you plan your visit. From here, you’ll also be able to access up-to-date information about parking, accessibility, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports facilities, and events taking place in the parks.

Hyde Park

One of the oldest parks in London, Hyde Park has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, when it was a hunting ground exclusively for the Royal Family and courtiers.

Today, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, known for its beautiful gardens, lakes, and sculptures. In particular, we enjoy visiting its Speakers' Corner and Serpentine lake.

Did you know that the historic Speakers' Corner was a traditional site for public speeches and debates dating back to the 1850s? It is said that Karl Marx and George Orwell have spoken there.

We suggest also ensuring you have time to visit the Hyde Park memorials, some of the most notable are:

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain: A memorial to Princess Diana, which opened in 2004 and was designed to reflect her life and spirit. The fountain is made of 545 pieces of Cornish granite and is located near Serpentine Lake.
The Holocaust Memorial Garden: A Memorial garden for the victims of the Holocaust, it was opened in 1983 and features a bronze sculpture of a family and a mosaic pavement with the Star of David.
The Memorial to the Women of World War II: A memorial statue dedicated to the women of World War II, it was unveiled in 2005 and features a statue of a woman with a stroller and a young girl.
The Australian War Memorial: A memorial to the Australian soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II, it was unveiled in 2003 and features a bronze statue of an Australian soldier and a stone plinth.
The New Zealand War Memorial: A memorial to the New Zealand soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II, it was unveiled in 2006 and features a bronze statue of a New Zealand soldier and a stone plinth.
The Animals in War Memorial: A Memorial dedicated to the animals that served in wars, it was unveiled in 2004 and features a bronze statue of a horse and dog, along with a stone plinth with inscriptions.

There are also many other memorials, sculptures, and statues in Hyde Park, these are some of the most notable and well-known ones.

Regent's Park

Originally designed by John Nash as a royal palace and pleasure garden for the Prince Regent (later King George IV), Regent's Park is home to dozens of beautiful gardens, two lakes, and many open spaces, as well as the London Zoo and the Open Air Theatre.

Did you know that the London Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world? It was established in 1828 as a scientific space and did not open to the public until 1847. Additionally, the London Zoo had been the home of many historical firsts in animal care, such as

the world's first public aquarium (1853)
public reptile house (1849)
the first insect house (1881)
the first animal hospital (1899)

For centuries, the London Zoo has proudly been a leader in the field of animal conservation and breeding, with many rare and endangered species having been bred and reared successfully there.

St. James's Park

One of the oldest royal parks in London, St. James's Park is famous for its beautiful gardens, lakes, and views of Buckingham Palace. Dating back to 1532, it was originally a swampy area used for duck hunting.

The park is still home to a wide variety of wildfowl, including pelicans which have been resident since the 17th century. The pelicans were a gift to King Charles II by the Russian Ambassador.

Greenwich Park

The oldest royal park in London, Greenwich Park has a long and rich history, including serving as a hunting ground for the royal family and being the location of the first Royal Observatory.

It is home to the Prime Meridian Line, which is the reference line from which all other time zones in the world are based. Visitors can stand with one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and one foot in the Western Hemisphere.

Hampstead Heath

With over 800 acres of ancient woodland, hills, and open spaces, Hampstead Heath has a rich history dating back to the 11th century and is a wonderful spot for walking, picnicking, and enjoying beautiful views of London.

It’s also home to several natural swimming ponds, which are fed by natural springs and are popular spots for swimmers, especially during the summer months. Many novels, such as 101 Dalmations by Dodie Smith, reference the park and its ponds.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is one of London's oldest public parks, dating back to 1845. It is known for its beautiful floral displays and its boating lake. During World War II, the park was used as a makeshift airfield and an anti-aircraft battery was placed on its grounds.

Battersea Park

Battersea Park is home to the London Peace Pagoda, one of only five in the Western Hemisphere, which Buddhist monks built in 1985. Additionally, in the park, there is also an old Pump house which was built in 1820 and now serves as a youth hostel and a Peace Pagoda.

8. Burgess Park

Burgess Park, located in south London, was originally a graveyard dating back to the 18th century. The remains of over 25,000 people were exhumed and re-interred in a mass grave in the 1930s, making it one of the city's most historically significant parks.

9. Holland Park

Holland Park is home to the Kyoto Garden, a traditional Japanese garden that was a gift from the city of Kyoto to London in 1991 to celebrate the friendship between the two cities. It also boasts of Holland House, a 17th-century mansion with beautiful gardens and a playground, which is now a cultural center. The house and its gardens have been used as a filming location for movies and TV shows, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

And for families in the Kensington and Chelsea areas, the park has an extensive playground, the Adventure Playground. It is designed for children of all ages, and it is open daily, it has many ramps, tunnels, and climbing frames to explore.

10. Ravenscourt Park

Ravenscourt Park is a small but charming park located in the Hammersmith and Fulham areas of west London. The park was once the location of the Ravenscourt House, a large mansion that was the home of several notable figures throughout history, including the Duke of Northumberland and the Earl of Durham, it was later demolished in the 1920s.

It is particularly notable for its beautiful Italianate garden, which is modeled after the gardens of Florence, Italy, and it also has a playground (one of London’s largest), a café, sports facilities, and event spaces. Ravenscourt is also home to several resident peacocks, which are a popular attraction for visitors and can often be seen wandering around the gardens.

Which is the most beautiful park in London?

Which is the most beautiful park in London? This is a subjective question and it depends on personal preferences. Some people might prefer the grandeur of Hyde Park, the historic beauty of St James’s Park, or the romantic atmosphere of Regent's Park. Each park has its unique charm, making it hard to pick just one as the most beautiful.

What is London's most famous park?

London's most famous park is probably Hyde Park. It's the largest Royal Park, covering an area of 350 acres, and offers a variety of activities such as swimming, boating, and horse riding. It's also home to famous monuments such as the Diana Memorial Fountain, the Italian Gardens, and the Serpentine Gallery.

What are the three most famous parks in London?

The three most famous parks in London are Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and St James’s Park. They all offer different experiences, each known for its specific features and attractions. Hyde Park is the largest park and is known for its wide open spaces, Regent's Park is famous for its gardens, boating lake, and London Zoo, while St James's Park is known for its picturesque lake, pelicans, and Buckingham Palace

Are there any beautiful parks in London?

London is known for its beautiful parks, and there are many to choose from. From the grandeur of Hyde Park to the romantic atmosphere of Regent's Park, you'll find plenty of beautiful parks to enjoy in the city. Other notable parks include Richmond Park, which is the largest Royal Park in London, and Greenwich Park, which offers beautiful views over the city and is home to the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian.

Key Takeaways

London is a city full of beautiful and diverse gardens, each one offering something unique and special. Whether you are looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, a place to enjoy nature, or a place to explore history and culture, there is something for everyone.

The gardens we've mentioned in this post are just a small selection of the many amazing gardens that London has to offer, and we hope this article has given you a taste of what's out there.

If you’re interested in being a part of our upcoming small group and private tours in London, you can learn more about our offerings here.

We recommend visiting at least one of these gardens during your next trip to London, and see for yourself why they are considered some of the best gardens in the city. Each garden is well-maintained and has a lot of history and character to discover, so take your time and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. With so many great gardens to choose from, we're sure you'll find one that you'll love.