Greater London has no less than 3,000 public open spaces spread across 32 boroughs and the City of London. At the height of the pandemic, London’s parks served a hugely important function for residents. These were places where people could be active outdoors, places where some semblance of normalcy could be established. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait for the next pandemic to enjoy these parks.
Most visitors are familiar with London’s most famous parks, including Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park and Regent’s Park. These parks are four of London’s eight royal parks, meaning they were originally used by the royal family for recreational purposes.
But beyond these central London parks are a host of lovely, leafy places to enjoy all year round. Swim and relax in the shade in summer; follow the change of seasons in autumn and spring; stay active during the dark winter season.
Here are four lesser-known parks in London that most visitors are unlikely to stumble across.
Related: 20 Free Museums in London
Peckham Rye Park and Common
Nearest station: Peckham Rye (Overground and Thameslink)
Bus lines: 12, 63, 343, 363
Peckham Rye Park is located in the south of Peckham, a lively and rapidly gentrifying area, at the far south of the River Thames. There is a tranquil community garden, an arboretum, several gardens (a formal English garden, a Japanese garden and a natural garden) and a fun and cheerful cafe called The Round.
Peckham Rye is lovely all year round, but like all of London’s parks, it really comes alive during the summer months.
As an added bonus, it’s a short walk from Peckham High Street and the very pleasant East Dulwich, both of which have plenty of great places to eat. (Lunch tip: head to Persepolis, a good-value vegetarian supermarket and cafe at 28-30 Peckham High Street.)
Beckenham Place Park
Nearest station: Beckenham Hill (Thameslink)
Bus access: 54, 136
This huge park in south London, expanded in 2019 by annexing a golf course, has a BMX track, a swimming lake and numerous trails through the woods. The park’s social hub is a 1760s mansion atop a gentle green slope, which houses a café and hosts frequent events.
It takes a while to reach Beckenham Place Park from central London; Unless you want to spend a day at the park, combine a visit here with other south London attractions, like the Horniman Museum and Gardens or the Crystal Palace, with its triangle of interesting shops and cafes.
Vibrant flowering at Golders Hill Park. Photo: Laura Nolte
Golders Hill Park
Nearest metro stations: Hampstead and Golders Green (Northern Line Edgware branch)
Bus access: 210, 268
Adjacent to the famous Hampstead Heath, Golders Hill Park is an extremely attractive London park. It has a playground, free zoo, tennis courts, a pretty Georgian pergola with stunning views over the park, a botanical garden and a bird pond, among other features . Trails crisscross the park; the trails through the wooded areas are particularly rewarding.
Lincoln’s Inn Fields
Nearest metro station: Holborn (Central and Piccadilly)
Bus access: 1, 8, 13, 55, 59, 113, 168, 188, 243, 521
The only truly central London park (to be exact, it’s a public square, not a park) on this list, Lincoln’s Inn Fields is adjacent to Lincoln’s Inn, one of the four Inns of Court in London. (The Inns of Court are professional legal associations; every barrister – or barrister – in England and Wales belongs to one of these four associations.) The park includes a large grassy area perfect for picnics. summer. There are also tennis and netball courts as well as a café.
On the north side of the square is the Sir John Soane Museum, a charming and often overlooked house museum showcasing restored interiors and paintings from Soane’s extensive collection.
What hidden gems have you discovered in London? Share your favorite London parks and other attractions in the comments below!
