The sun is shining, the flowers are in bloom and spring is officially here! There is almost no better time of year to schedule your trip to London. Whether you’re here on business, for a city break or longer stay, you’ll find an abundance of spots to enjoy a breath of fresh air. London may surprise you if you’re a first time visitor as it’s actually an exceptionally green city, with royal parks, lush waterside walks and plenty of green urban spaces to get back to nature. Read on our a few of our favourite spots – and don’t forget to bookmark them for your next trip!
Hyde Park and the Princess Diana Memorial Gardens
Hyde Park is within walking distance of the Park Grand Kensington so it’s always a popular port of call for our guests. The beautifully maintained gardens, children’s play area with A pirate ship and swirling stream sculpture make it a wonderful destination for all the family.
Because it’s so easy to reach from your Park Grand Kensington accommodation, you may find yourself visiting more than once. If so, don’t forget to head towards Serpentine Lake on one of your strolls through the park to see the outdoor sculptures (they make a great photo backdrop). Make a bee-line too for Speaker’s Corner on a Sunday morning for an experience that’s quintessentially London.
Holland Park
Also within walking distance of the Park Grand Kensington is Holland Park with its calming, zen-like Kyoto Gardens and Koi Carp, which live in the centre of the park. Gifted to London by Kyoto back in 1992, Kyoto Gardens were landscaped by a famous Japanese architect and give off a sense of having left the continent for Asia. It’s a tranquil, soothing space and something totally unique. Perfect if you want to sit and meditate or just enjoy a peaceful stroll.
The Union Canal
Head out of your Park Grand Kensington accommodation in the direction of Paddington Station and you can be strolling along Union Canal in next to no time at all. This tree-lined waterway seems like it could be miles away from the hustle and bustle of buzzing London but really, it’s just a short Tube ride away from the hotel. This is the perfect spot to stretch your legs with a walk but it’s also a nice choice if you want a more serene backdrop to your morning tea or coffee.
Kensington Palace gardens
A historic royal palace, Kensington Palace’s wonderful gardens offer a lush green oasis in the heart of the city. Within easy reach of the Park Grand Kensington, you don’t need a ticket to explore this space or to follow in royal footsteps as you wander between the flower beds and ornamental gardens. In spring you can expect to see a riot of tulips and wallflowers dotting the gardens but whatever time of year you’re in town, this is a serene, soothing space to reset.
