As the weather gets warmer, London’s major parks will become crowded with people looking to soak up the sun. While these royal parks are beloved, finding a spot to relax in places like Hyde Park can be challenging. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the city’s best lesser-known local parks that offer great amenities and a strong sense of community. These parks may be smaller, but they have a lot to offer, including outdoor sports facilities and peaceful picnic areas. Remember that these parks may be more popular with the locals, so be respectful of their space. If you’re looking for more outdoor spaces to explore in London, check out this video of the best parks and gardens in the city.
Clissold Park, N16 | North London
Clissold Park is a public park in London located in the London borough of Hackney, in the neighborhood of Stoke Newington. The park covers an area of about 55 acres and was opened to the public in 1889. It features a variety of amenities, including a children’s playground, a paddling pool, sports facilities, and a cafe.
The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including a large pond that is home to ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. There are also several historic features within the park, including a small zoo, a Victorian aviary, and the Clissold House, which was built in the 18th century and now serves as a community center. Clissold Park is a popular destination for local residents and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Opens 7.30am. Closes Dusk. Barbecues allowed? No.
Springfield Park, E5 | North London
Springfield Park is a public park in London located in the London borough of Hackney, in the neighborhood of Clapton. The park covers an area of about 85 acres and was opened to the public in 1891. It features a variety of amenities, including a children’s playground, a paddling pool, sports facilities, and a cafe.
The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including a large pond that is home to ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. The park also has several historic features, including a listed boathouse and a grade II-listed clock tower. Springfield Park is a popular destination for local residents and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It is also home to the Springfield Park Community Orchard, which was established in 2010 and features a variety of fruit trees.
Opens 24 hours. Barbecues allowed? No.
Burgess Park, SE5 | South London
Burgess Park is a public park in London located in the London borough of Southwark. The park covers an area of about 180 acres and was opened to the public in the 1970s. It was created by combining several smaller parks and open spaces, including parts of the former Camberwell and Peckham Cemeteries. Burgess Park features a variety of amenities, including sports facilities, a children’s playground, and a skatepark.
The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including a lake and a wetland area home to various bird species. The park also has several historic features, including the Camberwell Old Cemetery Chapel and the Camberwell New Cemetery Lodge. Burgess Park is a popular destination for local residents and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Opens 24 hours. Barbecues allowed? Yes, but only in designated areas which can’t be reserved.
Crystal Palace Park, SE20 | South London
Crystal Palace Park is a public park in London located in the London borough of Bromley. The park covers an area of about 200 acres and was opened to the public in 1854. It was the site of the Crystal Palace, a large glass and iron exhibition hall that was moved to the park from the Great Exhibition of 1851 and was a popular tourist attraction until it was destroyed by fire in 1936.
The park features a variety of amenities, including sports facilities, a children’s playground, and a maze. It is also home to several historical and cultural attractions, including a dinosaur park with over 50 life-sized replicas of prehistoric creatures, a lake, and a concert bowl. Crystal Palace Park is a popular destination for local residents and visitors, and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Opens 7.30am on weekdays, 9.00am on weekends. Closes 4.30pm-9.30pm, depending on time of year. Barbecues allowed? No.
Victoria Park, E9 | East London
Victoria Park is a public park located in the London borough of Tower Hamlets. The park covers an area of about 86 acres and was opened to the public in 1845. It was one of the first public parks in London and was designed by James Pennethorne as a place for the local community to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Victoria Park features a variety of amenities, including sports facilities, a children’s playground, and a boating lake. It is also home to several historical and cultural attractions, including the People’s Palace and Museum, which tells the local area’s history, and the Sunday UpMarket, a popular weekly food and craft market. Victoria Park is a popular destination for local residents and visitors, and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Opens 7am. Closes Dusk. Barbecues allowed? No.
London Fields, E8 | East London
London Fields is a public park located in the London borough of Hackney. The park covers an area of about 50 acres and was opened to the public in the late 19th century. It features a variety of amenities, including sports facilities, a children’s playground, and a paddling pool. The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including a large pond that is home to ducks, geese, and other waterfowl.
There are also several historic features within the park, including the listed London Fields Lido, a public swimming pool, and the William Morris Gallery, which is dedicated to the work of the artist and designer William Morris. London Fields is a popular destination for local residents and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It is also home to the London Fields Brewery, a popular microbrewery and taproom.
Open 24 hours. Barbecues allowed? No.
Lloyd Park, E17 | East London
Lloyd Park is a public park located in the London borough of Waltham Forest. The park covers an area of about 50 acres and was opened to the public in the early 20th century. It features a variety of amenities, including sports facilities, a children’s playground, and a paddling pool. The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including a lake and a wetland area home to various bird species.
There are also several historic features within the park, including the William Morris Gallery, which is dedicated to the work of the artist and designer William Morris, and the Lloyd Park Lido, a public swimming pool. Lloyd Park is a popular destination for local residents and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It is also home to the Walthamstow Garden Party, a popular annual music and arts festival.
Opens 7.30am Monday-Saturday, 9am Sunday. Closes Depends on the time of year. Barbecues allowed? No.
Mile End Park, E3 | East London
Mile End Park is a public park located in the London borough of Tower Hamlets. The park covers an area of about 95 acres and was opened to the public in the early 20th century. It features a variety of amenities, including sports facilities, a children’s playground, and a paddling pool. The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including a lake and a wetland area home to various bird species.
There are also several historic features within the park, including the listed Temple Mills, a former watermill that is now used as a community center, and the Mile End Art Pavilion, a contemporary art gallery. Mile End Park is a popular destination for local residents and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It is also home to the Mile End Park Leisure Centre, which offers a range of fitness and recreational activities.
Opens 24 hours. Barbecues allowed? No.
Holland Park, W8 | West London
Holland Park is a public park located in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The park covers an area of about 54 acres and was opened to the public in the late 19th century. It features a variety of amenities, including sports facilities, a children’s playground, and a formal Japanese garden. The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including a lake and a wetland area home to various bird species.
There are also several historic features within the park, including the Kyoto Garden, which was gifted to the people of London by the city of Kyoto, and the Orangery, a former royal greenhouse that is now used as a venue for events and exhibitions. Holland Park is a popular destination for local residents and visitors, and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Opens 7.30am. Closes 30 minutes before dusk. Barbecues allowed? No.
Ravenscourt Park, W6 | West London
Ravenscourt Park is a public park located in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The park covers an area of about 20 acres and was opened to the public in the late 19th century. It features a variety of amenities, including sports facilities, a children’s playground, and a paddling pool. The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including a lake and a wetland area home to various bird species.
There are also several historic features within the park, including the listed Ravenscourt House, a Victorian mansion that is now used as a community center, and the St Peter’s Church, a grade II-listed building that dates back to the early 19th century. Ravenscourt Park is a popular destination for local residents and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Opens 9am. Closes 6.30pm. Barbecues allowed? No.
Acton Green Common, W4 | West London
Acton Green Common is a public park located in the London borough of Ealing. The park covers an area of about 8 acres and was opened to the public in the late 19th century. It features a variety of amenities, including a children’s playground and a paddling pool. The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including a lake and a wetland area home to various bird species.
There are also several historic features within the park, including the listed Acton Green Pumping Station, a Victorian waterworks that is now used as a community center. Acton Green Common is a popular destination for local residents and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It is also home to the Acton Green Festival, a popular annual event that celebrates the local community.
Open 24 hours. Barbecues allowed? No.
Conclusion and More Info
Which is the Most Beautiful Park in London?
It’s tough, but St James’s Park is the most beautiful park in London thanks to its gorgeous location in front of Buckingham palace.
How Many Parks are in London?
Too many to count. However, there are eight Royal Parks in London – five of which are in Central London.
Which is the Biggest Park in London?
The biggest park in London is Richmond Park, followed by nearby Bushy Park, Regent’s Park, and Hyde Park.
Can we do a picnic in London parks?
Yes, and if you’re bringing a picnic, we recommend a plastic-bottomed picnic mat. We all know what London’s weather is like, and you can’t guarantee that the ground will be dry, even if the sun’s out. No one wants a soggy bottom.
