Top Rated Parks to Visit in South Kensington

"Stop 1: Begin Day 2 Of Your London Itinerary At Hyde Park Head to the largest park in the UK first thing in the morning on the second day of your London itinerary. Hyde Park has such an array of sites and beauty that all who visit London must experience during their 4 day London itinerary. First, stop in at the Lido Café for a fresh pastry and barista-crafted latte."

"Hyde Park lies between Mayfair, Knightsbridge, and Kensington and is contiguous with Kensington Park and Gardens, but is considered a separate park. Park Lane runs along its eastern side and Marble Arch is at its northeast corner. Hyde Park is home to Speaker’s Corner and The Serpentine."

"Once a royal hunting ground, Hyde Park is popular for its vast open space and numerous attractions and one of our favourite London sights to Instagram. Best shot: Hyde Park is so vast that it’s best to pick a focal point such as the Victoria and Albert Memorial, or the Italian Gardens."

"Richmond Park can be found in the attractive South-West London town of Richmond. This is the largest of the Royal Parks in London encompassing various landscapes including woodlands, grasslands, ponds and even hills. The park also has an area of 700-year-old Oak trees and Isabella Plantation which is an organically designed woodland garden."

"Richmond Park is the biggest park in London, at a whopping 2,500 acres. As the largest royal park, you can expect hundreds of deer enjoying the open space as well as a range of other wildlife including bats, birds and wildflowers. There are also stunning views which stretch so far you can see St Paul’s Cathedral."

"If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and have some downtime, head to Richmond Park with your picnic blanket and make yourselves at home for the day. Walking through this park, you’ll feel as though you’ve escaped to the country."

"For any list of the best parks in London, it’d be a crime to ignore Hampstead Heath. Closest to the Hampstead Heath overground, or the Hampstead station if you’re going via tube, here you can enjoy your sandwiches on top of Parliament Hill while taking in stunning views of London. It’s even got its very own swimming ponds should the weather be particularly nice."

"So everyone knows about Hampstead Heath but it’s still the place to go for a picnic. Not only is it massive, so plenty of room for everyone, but you get mega views from the top of Parliament Hill, you’ve got the ponds and a lido for when you wanna take a dip and it’s a lovely walk up to Kenwood House."

"Huge and sprawling with incredible views, woodlands and open air swimming ponds!. The perfect park for a winter wander, a place to watch the fireworks in London or picnic in the sun and a swim for the brave."

"I may be biased because I live very near here but I believe beautiful Kew is the best area to stay in London and Kew Gardens is one of the best attractions here. Kew Gardens are 121 hectares of beautiful gardens and botanical glasshouses located between Richmond and Kew (in southwest London). The gardens are on a mission not only to be beautiful (which they are) but to contribute to research and nurturing of the plant kingdom."

"Ok, it’s not technically a park, but it most definitely is one of London’s foremost green spaces. Speaking of technicalities, its proper title is actually Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, but when did anyone last call it that?. However you refer to it, Kew is a glorious day out, and with 300 acres and 50,000 plants, you could go every week of the year and discover something new every time."

"Enjoy the huge outdoor space – 330 acres (134 hectares) – at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. See the peaceful Japanese garden, the amazing trees of the arboretum and explore the stunning glass conservatories. Pack a picnic (or pick up food from one of the restaurants) for the perfect relaxing day out in London."

"Smaller than the other green open spaces in the heart of London, St. James’s Park is surrounded by other important tourist spots:. Originally purchased by Henry III, the park was completely transformed by James I, who wanted it full of exotic animals and birds. Since then, the aspect of St. James’s Park suffered further modifications, but it continues to be a significant part of London’s identity."

"This is a well-known park in Westminster, central London and it’s a great pit stop for a picnic lunch if you’re tired after a morning of sightseeing around the area. A sunny day here is a day well spent and the playground is sure to please children from toddlers to under-eights thanks to its sand, swings and climbing areas."

"If visiting Buckingham palace or taking a jaunt through central London, St James's Park is the perfect rest stop. Stunning lakes which home many a duck and beautiful gardens, what more could you want?"

"Between Waterloo and Hungerford bridges you can retreat to the landscaped Victoria Embankment Gardens, where you will find an unmatched tranquillity in this tourist area. In the summer recline on deckchairs and take in a bandstand performance."

"Situated in North London, Highgate Wood is one of the four ancient woods of the London Borough of Haringey (together with Queen’s Wood, Coldfall Wood and Bluebell Wood). Containing an impressive variety of trees and shrub species, the Highgate Wood is the home for many foxes, grey squirrels, as well as multiple species of birds, bats, butterflies and spiders. Besides the fact that it was included among the eight Green Heritage Sites in London, Highgate Wood also attracts visitors with its recreational facilities like children playgrounds, cafés, walking trails and sporting fields."

"This farm is little further out of London, but a whole day of adventure and fun can be enjoyed here, thanks to a huge array of facilities, besides the friendly animals. There’s indoor soft play at the Bundle Barn, an alpine toboggan run, Dino Dig and Splash play area and an adventure playground. Unlike most of the other city farms in London listed, there is a small entry price for this one (£10) but this includes entry to all indoor and outdoor play areas, activities, animals, bird shows and a tractor ride to the dairy farm."

"A post shared by Georgiebd (@georgie.bd) on May 26, 2018 at 10:23am PDT. 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."

"Stoke Newington’s neighbourhood gelateria is a quiet hit, going about local business through lockdowns and beyond. If anything based on ricotta is on, order it, while the extra dark chocolate sorbet is reminiscent of Florence gelateria Neri’s version (that is to say, it’s outstanding) and the parlour’s speciality, “biscokrok,” is an Italianate riff on cookies and cream that will convert anyone hardened by a bad experience with Ben and Jerry."

"Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Stoke Newington, where we lay our scene, from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil ice cream makes civil hands unclean. Or – y’know – something like that. Romeo & Giulietta is a sweet neighbourhood ice cream parlour that you’re destined to fall in love with as soon as you walk through the door."

"The ice cream here is some of the best in London but it’s kind of an unknown spot unless you live in the area (which luckily we do!). When the weather’s nice there’s a usually a queue down the street for this authentic Italian gelato, with flavours including ricotta and fig; salted caramel; supreme pistachio; and extra dark chocolate sorbet."

"Enjoy our al fresco dining surrounded by vines with views of the Pagoda and Temperate House. Enjoy our plant-based or beef patty burger, seasonal salads, warm filled baguettes and cake from the kitchen."

"Replacing the old Pavilion Restaurant, this new bar and grill at Kew Gardens offers fast casual dining all year round. Found near Temperate House and the Gr ..."

"When it comes to authentic Italian gelato, Prime Gelato is the real deal. Smooth, flavourful and with just the right amount of sweetness, this is gourmet gelato at its best. Exceptional quality and velvety textures come together to produce real gelato that keeps Italians and Londoners alike coming back."

"Pastry Girls London is one of the leading cake suppliers in London that offers highly creative, ingenious design and rich and flavourful cakes to all their customers. Perfect for any celebrations and purposes, they can deliver the finest and best-tasting cakes that you can enjoy for your ultimate celebration. They can work on bespoke cakes for corporate events and private parties like birthdays, weddings, engagement and many others."

"Visited the side today around 8pm. Had to wait at the doors for a good 5 minutes without anyone c..."by Angelika on 08/07/2021"