While London might be an urban jungle, it’s also packed with vibrant green spaces that make exploring a real treat.
In springtime, these spaces come alive with bright colours and picturesque flower displays – all the reasons to love this time of year. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a picnic or you fancy a relaxing afternoon stroll, London’s Royal Parks offer the ideal spot.
Some of the best Royal Parks in London to visit in spring include:
Read on as we take you through each of these parks in a little more detail.
London’s Royal Parks consist of eight parks located across the capital city. They are managed by The Royal Parks charity and owned by the Crown. These parks were historically used for recreation purposes by members of the Royal Family. Today, they are open for the general public to enjoy.
Every year, The Royal Parks charity plants one million daffodils across the parks, marking the first signs of spring.
After a dreary winter, springtime is finally here in full force. For a spectacular experience this spring, head to Regent’s Park in northwest London. Here, you can witness lovely clusters of cherry blossom springing from the cherry trees, and spot ducklings and cygnets gliding along the canal. You might even be lucky enough to see some of the park’s resident springtime birds, such as the Heron and the Green Woodpecker.
Walk over to the Avenue Gardens in the southeast corner of the park and be greeted with an array of delights. From the Victorian-style tulip flowerbeds to the daffodils in the lawns, the Avenue Gardens are a must-visit spot. They’re the perfect place to while away a few hours in the springtime sunshine.
During spring and summer, Kensington Gardens transforms into a kaleidoscopic swirl of colours. This glorious park covers an area of 265 acres and lies almost entirely within the borough of Westminster.
Kensington Gardens is an excellent place to escape the bustle and noise of the city this season. Stroll around the paths and witness the variety of flowers here, from pansies to orange tulips. Marvel at the cherry blossoms near the Albert Memorial and head to the Italian Gardens to see the springtime flowers in all their glory. Remember to bring along your camera – you’ll definitely want to take a photo or two!
Hyde Park is one of the most popular parks across the capital and one of the best green spaces to visit in spring. It’s the perfect place for a family afternoon this season, with plenty of large open spaces for little ones to run around in.
There are many activities to enjoy here in spring, including boat-rowing and wildlife events to help younger children learn more about the importance of nature. The park is also home to the idyllic Princess Diana Memorial Fountain – a great place for a picnic in the sun.
There’s no better place to experience the wonders of springtime than Richmond Park. Covering an area of 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is the largest of London’s Royal Parks.
Here, you can visit the Isabella Plantation, a fabulous 40-acre woodland garden dotted with colourful azaleas and bluebells. You can also stop to admire the Pembroke Lodge Gardens, which surround a Georgian mansion. These gardens feature an abundance of tulips and daffodils. Most flowers appear between late April and early May.
Richmond Park is also home to various wildlife, including herds of red and fallow deer that have roamed freely around the space since 1637.
The oldest of the Royal Parks and located only a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park boasts the very best of London’s greenery. Here, roses, daisies and bluebells take centre stage during springtime, showcasing vibrant splashes of colour throughout the park. St James’s Park also receives the majority of daffodils planted by The Royal Parks charity – these start blooming in early March.
The park is also home to 15 species of birds, including a colony of pelicans, as well as owls, swans, geese, and many other wonderful creatures.
Located between Hyde Park, St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace, Green Park is a lovely place to enjoy a walk this springtime. Covering an area of just over 40 acres, it’s full of lush grassland and hundreds of mature trees.
As its name suggests, Green Park boasts a charming green space where you can relax and watch the world go by. Like other Royal Parks across London, Green Park transforms into a yellow haven of daffodils during springtime – a truly mesmerising sight. This park is a brilliant option if you’re looking for somewhere peaceful to unwind.
Planning a trip to London this springtime? Our Leonardo London Royal Hotels offer the perfect home away from home. With outstanding rooms, excellent restaurants and high-quality health and leisure facilities, there’s no better place to put your feet up than in one of our London hotels. Best of all, our hotels are located close to the city’s parks, so you’ll never be far away from some of London’s most beautiful natural spots.
Our Tower Bridge Hotel, London City Hotel and St Paul’s Hotel all boast facilities to make your stay in the capital city as relaxing as possible.
