Never waste a sunny afternoon again, with our top five London parks for Spring

Spring is fast approaching and it’s with this that we finally have an excuse to peel ourselves away from our desks and revel in the great outdoors. There’s nothing better than lunching al fresco on a beautiful day in London (good weather can sometimes be something of a rarity but it doesn’t hurt to be optimistic.) So here are Seen In The City’s picks of 5 great parks for you to enjoy this year!

1. Hampstead Heath

For anyone who lives in the North of London this park is a dream. One of the biggest and most beautiful parks in London. Surrounded by cute cafes and eye watering real estate, inside you not only have Kenwood House at the top of the heath, you also have the Hampstead Heath’s swimming ponds which are great way to freshen up on a hot day. They are ridiculously popular just don’t forget your swimming cap, you are swimming in a pond after all and not the Mediterranean ocean. This place is popular all year round and a trip to Hampstead is always a day well spent. Closest stations being either Hampstead Heath Overground which will drop you directly at the bottom of the park or Hampstead on the Northern Line, which is about a 10/15 minute walk through Hampstead High Street. This is a people watchers dream so don’t be afraid to walk a little and really soak in the atmosphere of this area. (Also if you have time you have to check out the Pergola Gardens when you’re in the area! They are stunning!)

2. Richmond Park

One of the biggest parks in London (well just outside if you want to be technical) Richmond Park should be on your springtime to-do list. Don’t be afraid to travel slightly outside of London because it’s well worth the trip. Richmond as a town already has an abundance of charm but the park truly is why people flock here in the summer. Richmond Park is a completely unspoiled one so don’t be alarmed to see a lot of deer and other animals roaming around there. Buy food, take a picnic blanket and just revel in being in a truly tranquil place, free from hoards of tourists and excessive noise. Richmond takes a little longer to travel to than the other parks in this list so it’s worth spending the day there. You have two options getting there, take the district line right to the end of the line and hop off at Richmond or take an overground train from Waterloo (it’s a lot faster) there are plenty of trains that stop at Richmond it won’t necessarily be the last stop so just double check before you travel.

3. Greenwich Park

A favourite with everyone who loves gorgeous views of the city, Greenwich park is a must see for those who haven’t already been. A firm favourite with everyone Londoner because it’s outside of the city but not so much that you have to spend a long time traveling to get there. Surrounding Greenwich University and the Royal Naval College, this place is packed in the summer time, however it’s big so it doesn’t feel as if you’re too packed in. Expect to see plenty of tourists all year round climbing the hill for ‘that view’ of London. Greenwich as a town itself is also charming and full of cute restaurants and markets all year round, you’re right next to the Thames and the architecture is so ornate you’ll understand why this place is constantly being used for people shooting on location. Greenwich Park couldn’t be easier to get to, you can take the DLR directly to Cutty Sark walk for 5 minutes and you’ll be at the bottom entrance of Greenwich park. If you want to use the entrance at the top of Greenwich park then you’ll need to take the bus from Blackheath which is not served by a tube station, overground only- for that reason taking the DLR is a mush simpler option. And if all else fails you can simply take the boat using a tap of your oyster card, it stops right next to the university.

4. Primrose Hill

It would be impossible to do a review of London park’s without including Primrose Hill. Again boasting an incredible view of the city it’s a sure fire favourite with every Londoner. The much needed green lungs to this busy city. Walk up to the top and marvel at the views. Sit back and enjoy the art of doing nothing. This place, again gets busy because it’s in the heart of the city but don’t let that put you off. A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without visiting Primrose Hill, come rain or shine. To get to Primrose Hill you just need to head to Regent’s Park tube station (Bakerloo line) and walk or get off at Great Portland Street, which is on the Hammersmith and City line and again simply walk. It’s huge but everywhere is well sign posted so you won’t get lost.

5. Holland Park

For all of you in the West you have the stunning Holland Park. Stretches of green, the odd roaming peacock and their beautiful Japanese garden hidden away in the middle. This place is incredibly popular so I would recommend visiting the Japanese Garden earlier in the morning because by noon it’s filled with people brandishing selfie sticks as far as the eye can see. (Which is understandable it is beautiful but it doesn’t exactly help you if you want to take some good shots for your Instagram) Holland Park is situated in the borough of Kensington so not only will you able to enjoy glorious views of the park but the houses will also give you some major real estate envy. A truly beautiful place that can be accessed from two different entrances. The first of which you can access by walking for about five minutes from High Street Kensington (district and circle line) and the second by walking for about 10-15 minutes from Notting Hill Gate Station which is on the Central line and again district and circle line. If you want to enjoy a leisurely Sunday afternoon, without doubt Holland Park is a great place to do it.

London is full of green lungs so why not go out and enjoy them with every moment of good weather we get!