One of the best things about London is the numerous parks and green spaces available to soak up some vitamin-D and take a well-deserved break from studying. Now that spring has arrived, there is no better time to explore some of the best parks in London. Check out the green spaces on campus too while you’re at it!
TOP PARKS IN LONDON
1. Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
Nearest tube stations (Hyde Park): Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch
Nearest tube stations (Kensington Gardens): Queensway, Notting Hill Gate
Hyde Park is an iconic place for a picnic, and you can even rent a paddle boat once you’re done picnicking! There are extensive walking paths that take you along the water and past the Prince Albert Memorial and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. What’s even better is that Hyde Park leads right into Kensington Gardens, which are the beautifully kept grounds outside of Kensington Palace.
2. Regent Park
Nearest tube stations: Baker Street, Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is a great park for a walk or a day full of fun activities. It is home to the Queen Mary’s Garden, the London Zoo and Primrose Hill where you can get a great view of the London skyline. The park is also a popular spot for wildlife. It has a large wetland area and is home to around 100 species of wild birds.
3. St. James Park & Green Park
Nearest tube stations (St. James Park): St. James, Westminster
Nearest tube stations (Green Park): Green Park, Hyde Park Corner
Both right near Buckingham Palace, these parks are a must visit. St. James’ is well known for its many bird species and we recommend you cross the Blue Bridge - it boasts a great view of the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. Next door, Green Park is where you can watch the changing of the guards. It’s also another great spot for picnicking!
4. Richmond Park
Nearest tube station: Richmond
Richmond Park is absolutely worth the slightly long tube ride outside of central London. It is a great escape when you’re feeling overwhelmed or want to breathe in some fresh air. The largest of the Royal Parks, it is a top site for ancient trees and is home to many rare species. Perhaps the best part is the herds of deer that can be seen throughout the park.
5. Battersea Park
Nearest tube stations: Battersea Power Station, Sloane Square
Perhaps less well-known before, this area is getting more attention thanks to the newly opened Battersea Power Station. Next time you’re at the Power Station for dinner or shopping, head to the park for a stroll along the Thames, visit the London Peace Pagoda and enjoy the many cute dogs being walked.
6. Greenwich Park
Nearest tube stations: New Cross, North Greenwich
Greenwich Park really has it all. Visit the Greenwich Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, and the Queen’s House. You can also check out the nearby Greenwich Market or pack a picnic to enjoy. Last but not least, you should check out the meridian line, which marks Longitude Zero (0° 0′ 0″).
FYI: you can go through the small gate next to the Observatory if you just want to see the meridian line and don’t want to pay the Observatory entry fee.
7. Hampstead Heath
Nearest tube station: Hampstead, Golders Green
*You can also take the overground to Hampstead Heath
Another option slightly outside central London, Hampstead Heath is worth the journey. Visit Kenwood House, Inverforth House and the Hidden Hill Garden and Pergola while you’re there. You can also climb up Parliament Hill for a great panoramic view of the city.
Fun fact: This is the park that inspired C.S. Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia
8. Holland Park
Nearest tube station: Holland Park
This is a great park to pop into if you are in the Kensington area – it has a café, the Belvedere restaurant, the open-air Holland Park Theatre, and even a youth hostel! You can also Make sure to visit the Kyoto Garden – a small, secluded area with beautiful Japanese-style landscaping, including a small waterfall and pond, making it the perfect spot to get away from the noise of the city.
GREEN SPACES NEAR LSE
1. Lincoln’s Inn Field
Looking for a quick break while on campus? Head to Lincoln’s Inn Field across from the New Academic Building and enjoy a walk around or find a sunny spot on one of the many park benches. In the park you can also find Field’s Kitchen and Bar for a coffee or a bite to eat.
2. Lincoln’s Inn Private Gardens
This secluded garden is open to the public Monday to Friday from 12 noon to 2.30pm. The main entrance to the garden can be found at the south east corner of Lincoln's Inn Fields.
3. Bloomsbury Square Gardens
This beautiful and historic square is just a ten-minute walk from campus, and rightly popular with students from surrounding universities. If you have a bit more time, make sure to visit the nearby British Museum, the Foundling Museum, or the iconic London Review Bookshop.
4. LSE Roof Terraces
Although technically not a green space, LSE’s many roof top terraces are a great spot to study, hangout, and enjoy the view on good weather days. There are roof terraces on the Centre Building, Saw Swee Hock Student Centre, and the New Academic Building. Terraces can also be found on the 4th and 6th floor of the Old Building, as well as on the 1st and 8th floor of the Marshall Building. You’ll find seating at all of these terraces, so you can sit back and enjoy the sunshine.
Blog written by Hannah Thomsen and Gerda Kovacs.
Hannah and Gerda work as Advice Assistants at the LSESU Advice Service.
THE LSESU ADVICE TEAM
The LSESU Advice Team is based on the 3rd floor of the Saw Swee Hock Building and we provide free, independent and confidential advice to all LSE students on academic and housing matters. We also administer the Hardship Fund, the Childcare Fund and the Graduation Gown Support Fund (GGSF).
Our service is currently operating using a hybrid working pattern. We are still open and can be accessed by emailing su.advice@lse.ac.uk. You can also book a telephone or Zoom appointment with an adviser through Student Hub.