Green London: Wandering Around London's Parks and Gardens

Free peaceful oasis within the city's hustle and bustle

London's green lungs let Londoners and foreigners breath peaceful air and forget about the city's hustle and bustle.

Between a "shopping expedition" in Oxford Street and a couple of hours at the British Museum, believe us, you will need to retreat in one of London's many parks and public gardens. Whether it is for a stroll, just to sit on a bench, for "people watching" or just to feel like a local among joggers and people walking their dog, mark these parks on your map for relaxing moments:

St James's Park
It is one of the Royal parks and it even has a lake. It is surrounded by some popular London sights: 10 Downing Street, the Horse Guards and the Household Cavalry Museum (stop by to see the Royal Horse Guards). The "Trooping the Colour" and "Mounting the Queen's Guard", two military horse parades which celebrate the Queen's birthday, are held in St James's Park.

How to get there by underground: Circle and Distric Line; St James's Park station.

Hyde Park
Go past the Grand Entrance and get ready to expect the unexpectable: public speakers that freely express their opinion at the famous Speaker's Corner, near Marble Arch, swimmers that on Christmas day take part into the Peter Pan Cup, a swimming competition held in the cold Serpentine Lake... Don't forget there's also a fountain in memory of Lady Diana.

How to get there by underground: Piccadilly Line, Hyde Park Corner station if you are in the south side; Central Line, Marble Arch station, Lancaster Gate and Queensway if you are in the north side.

Regent's Park
It marks the border between the Westminster Borough and Camden Borough. It is the most suitable among London's parks if you are there with children, as it hosts the London Zoo, the richest water bird reserve of England and the Boating Lake for boat rides. Another interesting spot at Regent's Park is Queen Mary's Garden, especially for those who like roses.

How to get there by underground: Bakerloo Line, Regent's Park station; Circle, Jubilee, Hammersmith & City Line, Baker Street station.

Kensington Gardens
The early stories about Peter Pan were set in Kensington Gardens themselves, you'll even find his statue there. Kensington Gardens are perfect for contemporary arts lovers who can visit the Serpentine Galleries and for families travelling with children as there's a great playground in memory of Princess Diana with a pirate ship, Native American tents and other carousels that recall Peter Pan's adventures. The Albert Memorial and the Italian Gardens are other must-sees, some scenes from Bridget Jones's film were filmed in the latter.

How to get there by underground: Central Line, Lancaster Gate or QueensGate stations; Circle and District Line, High Street Kensington station.

Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is in the south-east of London; reach the Royal Observatory: you will not only find the Prime Meridiane (GMT) there but you will also enjoy beautiful views over the City and the River Thames.

How to get there by underground: Jubilee Line, North Greenwich station. Then bus to Greenwich Park Gate.

Victoria Park
Nick-named Vicky Park, Victoria Park is so huge it has 19 access gates. It is a historical park which was founded 170 years ago in Tower Hamlets Borough.

How to get there by underground: Central Line, District Line, Hammersmith and City Line, Mile End station.

Battersea Park
From a location for duels it has turned into a city park: it now boasts of Asian temples, lakes, canals, fountains and waterfalls. Look for the Rustic Bridge for a romantic photo shooting.

How to get there: by train, Queenstown Road station.

Richmond Park
It is the biggest of the 8 Royal parks. It is a natural reserve housing 630 deers which are set free. Pay also a visit to Isabella Plantation and Pembroke Lodge.
How to get there by underground: District Line, Richmond station.

Bushy Park
Walk around the chestnut trees in the autumn and enjoy Diana Fountain and the Upper Lodge Water Gardens, with Baroque pools, fountains and canals in the summer.

How to get there: by train from Waterloo, Teddington/Hampton Wick/Hampton Court stations.