The parks and gardens in London are nearly legendary, and for very good reason. Londoners just seem to love gardens, and seem to also understand the necessity of green spaces amidst the urban chaos of the city.
There are many gardens and parks in London, and they aren't just for show; many residents and visitors put these grassy areas to good use every day.
Many park areas were once the grounds of stately homes or royal palaces. Syon Park is still the residence of the Duke of Northumberland and his family, but visitors are welcome to tour the gardens and explore the magnificent glass conservatory.
Hampton Court Park is another such parkland; along with Richmond Park and Greenwich Park these are lovely and well-preserved open spaces available to all. These protected areas are home to many varieties of wildlife, and even some fallow deer who roam the grounds freely.
Smaller parks like Weavers Fields in Bethnal Green offer a much needed breath of green air in an area with one of London's highest population density.
Primrose Hill Park is another such urban oasis, but this one is set in the trendy and smart Primrose Hill district, home to London's rich and famous.
Children will simply adore Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest, a manor home turned magical playground with more fairytale areas than a child could imagine.
If you like your gardens a bit more wild, Hampstead Heath is a good place to venture. Its tall grasses, heaths, and ancient woodland will fool you into thinking you have left London altogether.
Oxleas Woods (pictured) is another ancient forest where you can roam wild.
Nunhead Cemetery is not perhaps what you would think of as a traditional kind of park, but it offers a peaceful and green place to walk. Lovely wide paths afford the visitor an opportunity to enjoy nature amidst the crumbling monuments.
Parks and gardens in London are truly wonderful places to while away a beautiful day.
Greenwich Park is a great place for bird-watching; you might see as many as 70 different species of bird at the park in any given year.
Groombridge Place Gardens is a magical destination, full of interactive landscapes designed to thrill and delight people of all ages.
Hampstead Heath is home to a large population of Pipistrelle and Daubenton's bats that can often be seen near the ponds.
Hampton Court Park was where King William fell from his horse in 1702; he later died from his injuries at Kensington Palace.
Nunhead Cemetery was opened in 1840 to help alleviate the overcrowding that was taking place in existing London cemeteries.
Guided tours of Oxleas Woods are conducted weekly by the park ranger service and are a great way to learn more about the parks and gardens in London.
Primrose Hill Park is set in an area quite popular with celebrities, so be on the lookout for a brush with fame.
Richmond Park is almost three times the size of Central Park in New York City, and is the smallest National Park in Britain.
Syon Park is home to more than 200 varieties of trees and was originally laid out by famed gardener Capability Brown in the 1700s.
Weavers Fields is a park located in an area that was once the home of the booming London silk weaving trade.
Photo courtesy: Elsie esq.
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