Green Spaces to Explore Around London

There are many green spaces in London where urban dwellers can relax to enjoy the sunshine, go for a brisk walk, entertain the kids, admire beautiful gardens or simply get closer to nature. London is blessed with a host of very well-known parks but there are many smaller parks which are hidden gems. Here are some of our favourite small parks by area:-

Central London

Red Cross Garden was founded by Octavia Hill in 1887, to give the children of Southwark, living in tenements, a place to play. It became derelict in the 1950’s but has now been restored to its original design using lottery funding. There is a pond, a cottage, a bandstand and beautiful flowering plant borders.

North London

Camley Street Natural Park is a little oasis of natural beauty. It is a 2 acre garden on the banks of the Regent’s Canal. The pond, meadow and woodland are maintained by volunteers and regular pond-dipping and nature-watching sessions are held for children.

South London

Isabella Plantation is a real gem. Established during the 1950s, the ornamental woodland garden consists of clearings, ponds and streams and is planted with ferns, exotic trees and shrubs. It’s particularly striking during April and May when the azaleas and rhododendrons flowers are in full bloom.

East London

Bow Creek Ecology Park

This park used to be an ironworks, a shipyard and a coal wharf, and is found within the shadows of Canary Wharf’s towers. Thousands of commuters travel through this tranquil meadow land every day on the train, but the real beauty is sitting amongst the wildflowers on a summer’s day watching the dragonflies.

West London

The Kyoto Japanese Garden  

The Kyoto Japanese Garden in Holland Park was created in 1991 as a “strolling garden“.  It is a beautiful tranquil place, perfect for relaxing with a book. The garden features plants which reflect the oriental style and peacocks wander freely.  There is also a picturesque waterfall which flows into a peaceful rock pool containing koi carp.