Category Archives: London Parks

London Parks

Walthamstow Wetlands

Walthamstow Wetlands is London’s newest and largest park.
It is the largest urban wetlands in the world. Covering  211 hectares (twice the size of Hyde Park) it has 10 lakes and features over 13 miles of paths along which you can explore British nature. Walthamstow Wetlands has a diverse range of wildlife and is an important London home for birds ranging  from waders to herons and kingfishers.

Walthamstow Wetlands has recently undergone a £10 million make over and now has a visits centre and cafe. It is a great place to get back to nature when the buzz of the city is getting too much.  And whats more its totally free to visit.

london wildlife

Location: 2 Forest Rd, London N17 9NH

Nearest Underground Station:
Tottenham Hale is a seven-minute walk away, Blackhorse Road around about ten minutes walk.

Admission:  Free

Walthamstow Wetlands Opening Times 
Winter   9.30am – 4pm
Summer  9.30am – 5pm

Walthamstow Wetlands Official Website
https://www.walthamstowwetlands.com

 

 

Free Things to Do in London, London Parks, Things to Do With Kids in London

Regents Park

Regents Park is one of London’s most beautiful open spaces. Situated in the north-western part of central London, the 166 hectare (410 acre) park is one of the Royal Parks of London and is  a mixture of open parkland, beautifully designed gardens, a lake, a boating area, sports pitches, and children’s playgrounds.

The south, east and most of the west side of the park are lined with elegant white stucco terraces of houses designed by John Nash. Running through the northern end of the park is the Regent’s Canal.  And at the north end of the park is London Zoo.

Regents Park is fun place to go boating.

 

 

Free Things to Do in London, London Parks

Hyde Park

Hyde Park aerial

Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London. It covers an area of 350 acres (4000 hectares) and is popular with Londoners and visitors, especially on a sunny day.  With a lake, 4000 trees, a meadow, horse rides and more, its easy to forget you are in the centre of London.

Opening Times of Hyde Park:
The park is open from 5am to midnight every day of the year

Nearest Underground Tube Stations:
Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Queensway

Attractions within Hyde Park

The Serpentine. A river and lake where you can go boating and even swimming.

london sightseeing park

Speakers Corner. Located in the North East  corner of Hyde Park this is an area famous for public speakers. Visit on a Sunday morning and you can be sure to see and hear all kinds of speakers.

london hyde park

Diana Fountain. A water memorial to Princess Diana.

hyde park london

Kensington Gardens. This is technically a separate park but it is located right next to Hyde Park.

 

 

Free Things to Do in London, London Parks

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is a large, ancient park in North London covering 320 hectares (790 acres) and just 6 miles from Trafalgar Square. Hampstead Heath is the wildest of London’s parks and a fantastic place to escape the city and return to nature. During the summer it is a fantastic place to sunbathe, picnic and cool off in the refreshing freshwater swimming pools. While in winter it’s a great place for a bracing walk and to while away an afternoon feeding the ducks and exploring the lush woodland, meadows and bogs, much of which is designated as areas of scientific interest by English Nature.

Londoner’s Local Info: The Western side of the Heath is a popular gay cruising area. George Michelin in particular has been a vocal admirer of its nocturnal charms.

Hampstead Heath Highlights

Parliament Hill
This is one of the highest points in London and its summit provides a fantastic view of the city. St Pauls, the Canary Wharf tower and the London Eye can all be viewed from here. It’s a popular spot for kite flyers and lovers.

london park

Swimming
Hampstead Heath has 3 three open-air public swimming ponds (Men only, Ladies only and Mixed).
Running along the Eastern Perimeter these freshwater ponds are a fantastic place to cool off on a hot sunny day. Or can give you a racing swim in winter.
Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds Opening Times:
The swimming ponds are open every day of the year from 7am.

london swimming

Kenwood House
In the North East corner of the park is Kenwood House one of London’s most beautiful period houses. It has a lovely café where you can have cream teas. It also hosts a superb collection of paintings, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner and Gainsborough, as well as the Suffolk collection of rare Elizabethan portraits.

kenwood hampstead london