Underrated parks and gardens to explore in London

Posted 5 days ago

A glimpse of nature amidst the busy city life

Sometimes, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of London. At times like these, the best way to refresh your soul and clear your head is to take a leisurely stroll in one of the many beautiful parks that London has to offer. Here are some of my personal favourites: 

Kyoto Garden, Holland Park

With a fusion of Japanese features and beautiful foliage, parks in London don't get more aesthetic and tranquil than this. This small garden is located inside Holland Park itself. The beautiful waterfall inside the garden and the koi fish in the pond make you feel as if you have been transported to a garden in Japan itself. 

A look inside Kyoto Garden

Richmond Park

Deers! Yes, you read that right. In Richmond Park, you can get close to the local wildlife, including adorable deer as it is a national nature reserve. Furthermore, Richmond Hill offers the best views at sunset and is a bit further away from Central London, offering a short and sweet getaway. 

Chiswick House and Gardens

18th-century British Architecture meets nature. If you fancy a walk in a park with a somewhat historic feel, this garden is perfect for you. In summer, the vibrant flowers and the cheerful wildlife make for the most picturesque scenery. Grab a coffee to sip on as you meander and explore the unique architecture and statues located throughout the green space. 

Victoria Park

Fountains, Foliage, and Fun, all in one place. Although this park is beautiful all year round, I would highly recommend visiting in the warmer months when you can even rent a boat, making for the perfect summer activity. If you get a little hungry along your walk through the huge park, don't worry, as every Sunday, Victoria Park Market opens and offers a variety of fresh produce as well as snacks. 

St. James' Park 

Last but not least: St James' Park is a mere 20 minutes walk away from the LSE Campus. So, if you are stressed from school work or if you have a large gap between classes/lectures, why not check out this park?

It is one of the Royal Parks and if you are lucky, you may even be able to see flamingos, pelicans, and swans. If you keep walking along the park, you can also visit Buckingham Palace. 

Best times to visit

Although parks are great to visit any time of the year, I would suggest that autumn and spring are the best seasons if you want to enjoy both pleasant weather and picturesque scenery. 

Written by Diti

Resident in Westminster Bridge