The capital of Great Britain is not only one of the largest megacities in the world, but can rightfully be considered the greenest city on the planet. In a matter of minutes, in any, even the busiest corner of London, you can find a square or park with shady alleys and convenient places for recreation, hiking and cycling. Many of them have a long history, and have long become a favorite vacation spot for Londoners and visitors. We leave for the capital of Britain, where we will visit the most beautiful parks in London according to TheBiggest.ru.
The most picturesque parks in London:
1
Hyde Park
The Royal Parks of London are magnificent and magnificent, but without a doubt the most famous of them is Hyde Park. The oldest park dates back to the time of the Norman conquests, and belonged to Westminster Abbey.
On the west side are the famous Kensington Gardens, where political rallies, public festivals, national holidays and festivals are usually held.
A beautiful park in central London has long been a favorite vacation spot for Londoners and many tourists.
2
St james park
Created by Elizabeth I, the park today is surrounded by the majestic Buckingham, Becminster and St. James's palaces, and it itself is not inferior in beauty and magnificence to its eminent neighbors.
In the XVII century, during the reconstruction of the park, the architect John Nesh brought romantic notes to it. The territory is unique, because a minute from the noisy squares and streets of London, 15 species of birds live on the lake. Including graceful pelicans, who are solemnly fed at the same time, exactly at 14.30.
The landscapes of the park have repeatedly become the scenery of films, and on its territory there are many places for recreation and play areas.
3
Royal Botanical Gardens Kew
Before these territories became a park zone in 1670, the pharmacies of Lord General Keipel were located here. Now Kew Gardens is a large complex of magnificent botanical gardens and beautiful greenhouses.
The historical landscape of the XVII-XX centuries has been preserved here, as well as a huge collection of plants. About 30 thousand plants grow in gardens and under the arches of greenhouses, and 7 million copies are collected in herbariums.
The gardens are used not only as a resting place, but also for scientific research, and the territory itself is protected by UNESCO.
4
Green Park
Another of the royal parks is comfortably located between the famous Piccadilly Street and Mall Street. It dates back to the time of King Henry VIII, and has long been used by the London aristocracy for duels.
One of the few parks where there are no reservoirs, but even without them there is a charming atmosphere in it. In the evenings and at lunchtime, Londoners love to relax under the shade of centuries-old trees, and for outdoor activities there are jogging paths and bicycle paths.
The only monument to Green Park is a monument erected in honor of Queen Victoria, in the so-called Queen's Garden.
5
Olympic park
Built in anticipation of the London Olympics, the Elizabeth Olympic Park today has become one of the most visited places in the British capital.
In 2012, after the end of the Olympic Games, part of the buildings was converted, avenues for walks were made, a magnificent pool was opened and the stadium was reconstructed. On the territory is the largest sculpture ArcelorMittal Orbit, whose height is 115 m, which also serves as an observation deck.
The park is famous for its children's play areas with a variety of attractions, and is great for relaxing with the whole family.
6
Holland park
This masterpiece of landscape art is located in central London, not far from the metro station of the same name. These lands belonged to Baron Holland, and Napoleon visited here at one time.
Tourists and locals agree that Holland Park is one of the most beautiful and amazing places in London. At any time of the year, the park will captivate with a variety of colors. In spring, azaleas bloom here, and in summer a riot of colors from blooming roses and irises. Autumn is especially colorful in the Japanese Garden.
Architectural monuments, including part of the castle of King Jacob, have been preserved on the territory, and theatergoers can enjoy performances at the Summer Theater.
7
Greenwich park
Former royal hunting grounds designed by architect Andre Lenotre in the 17th century became one of the largest park areas in southeastern London.
You can get into the park through a beautiful gate, and on the territory itself there are architectural monuments - the Greenwich Hospital, the Royal House and the Maritime Museum. The ruins of a Roman settlement have been preserved, and in the twentieth century a reserve was created where deer are found.
But Greenwich Park is famous for the fact that the zero meridian passes through it, dividing the planet into the Eastern and Western hemispheres, and in 1676 the famous Royal Observatory began work.
8
Richmond park
In the south-west of London, there is a park founded in the XVII century by Charles I, and served as a deer reserve for many years. In the twentieth century, acquired the status of a park, and is a natural conservation zone of international importance.
Visitors to the park are provided with many services. You can not only contemplate the beauty of nature from the observation deck, but also ride a bike, fish in the pond, and order a horse ride.
Spread over an area of 955 hectares, Richmond Park is the largest of all 8 royal parks in London, and its picturesque landscapes have always been the inspiration of artists and filmmakers.
9
Hampton Court
The palace and park ensemble on the left bank of the Thames is one of the most beautiful parks in the world, pleasing to the eye and provoking only positive emotions.
The park is spread around a magnificent palace, built in the middle of the 16th century by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. The royal people loved to relax here, and Henry II chose this complex as the place of his residence.
On the territory of the park you can stroll along the shady alleys, admire the old buildings or wander around the hedge labyrinth, built by personal order of King William III.
10
Hampstead Hit
Literally, the name of this place translates as "Hampstead Heath." And it is located on a hill near Trafalgar Square and is visible from any corner of London. By the way, TheBiggest.ru once wrote about the largest city squares, we advise you to study!
A forest is adjacent to the park, and Londoners have mastered these green areas for recreation and various sports. Parliament Hill on its territory is the highest point in London, and it is forbidden by law to carry out construction that would block the view of the city from this hill.
In deciduous forests, you can meet deer, foxes, hedgehogs, and for entertainment there is a swimming pool, swimming ponds, and many playgrounds.
Summarize
It is difficult to choose the most beautiful in all the variety of London parks, because they are all attractive in their own way and have their own zest. One thing is for sure, the parks, along with other historical sites and architectural monuments in London, have become the pride of the British capital.
Article author: Valery Skiba