London Calling

With the sun finally creeping out from behind the clouds this week, and with London being one of the greenest cities in the world we thought we should showcase the green spaces we like the best. From small gardens filled with beautiful flowers where you can sit and have your lunch, to historic glasshouses, Royal Parks and even DINOSAURS. London is a hub of green spaces just waiting to be explored. 

Parks near to the University of London

Senate House sits in Bloomsbury in the London Borough of Camden and is surrounded by a variety of small open spaces that are perfect for picnics and sitting in the sunshine. Occasionally, you might even find small pop-up events happening throughout the Summer months. Nearby you will find: Russell Square, Bloomsbury Square, Gordon Square and Tavistock Square. 

There are several alternative small garden spaces in Bloomsbury that can also be explored.

London’s Royal Parks 

There are 8 Royal Parks that can be found spread across the heart of London, these include parks such as Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill, Richmond Park, St. James’ Park. The Royal Parks charity also take care of Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. In total there is over 5,000 acres of historic park land. Some of these you may or may not have heard of but in our opinion all are worth exploring.

Crystal Palace Park

Most famously known for its dinosaurs! Yes, we said dinosaurs! This park is in South London in the London Borough of Bromley. It is an iconic Victorian Park, original created to house the ‘Crystal Palace’ it’s relocation from Hyde Park in 1851. Now more about the dinosaurs…they were unveiled in 1854 and there are 30 statues located on the islands within the lakes of the park. Best of all they are FREE to visit. The Park has a fascinating history. 

Holland Park (Kyoto Garden)

In West London, inside Holland Park you will find the tranquil Kyoto Garden. The Japanese garden was originally built in 1991 and expanded in 2012, with the addition of The Fukushima Garden. The park is known for it’s instagrammable waterfall along with the koi carp, Japanese Stone Lanterns and cobbled pathways and in our opinion is a must see if you are nearby. 

Beckenham Place Park 

Beckenham Place Park sits on the edge of Lewisham and Bromley Boroughs. It is a delightful park open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. It features a purpose-built swimming lake that was recently restored that you can both swim and paddle-board in. 

Kew Gardens 

This garden you do have to pay to get into but if you’ve got a full day it is definitely worth it. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses of 50,000 living plants. You will also find the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse and art installations around the grounds. 

Wherever or whenever you visit London the parks would be something to stop by and have a look around. They are each beautiful in their own way, all year-round.