London is one of the busiest, teeming cities in the world, constantly buzzing with energy from every corner around the clock. But hidden amongst all the concrete and glass, you’ll also find some incredible pockets of nature, that provide a much-needed refuge for peace and calm.
If you’re staying at the Park Grand Kensington Hotel, you’ll never be too far away from a beautiful spot of natural tranquillity, right in the heart of London. Read on to discover the best places in the city where you can enjoy a little nature break, without having to venture too far.
Kensington Gardens
If you’re staying in one of the 4 star hotels in Kensington London, you’re fortunate enough to just be a short walk away from one of the loveliest natural spaces in London, the beautiful Kensington Gardens. Overlooked by the beautiful Kensington Palace, the Gardens are the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing stroll at any time of the year, with plenty of ornamental gardens and walkways to explore.
Close by in the neighbouring Hyde Park, you’ll also find the charming Serpentine – a man-made lake spanning 40 acres, with a sinuous, curving shape. It’s perfect for a calming walk where you can watch the diverse range of birds that have made it their home.
Green Park
London’s many Royal Parks are always an ideal destination to head to when you need a break from the city’s busier pace. And sandwiched in between Hyde Park and St James’s Park, you’ll find the serene pocket of quiet that is Green Park. Close by to Buckingham Palace, it’s the perfect place to visit when you need to take a breather from the busy tourist crowds.
Though it is on the smaller side, spanning just 40 acres, Green Park is filled with towering trees and flowers, with the occasional fountain or statue dotted throughout. Throughout the year, the quiet space of the park attracts a variety of different birds, and keen spotters will be able to see blackbirds, starlings, redwing and more.
You’re still close enough to all the buzz of the city, so after a soothing walk amongst the greenery, ease yourself back into city life with a peaceful and delicious Indian afternoon tea.
Richmond Park
If you’re a keen animal lover, you don’t need to venture far to enjoy a close encounter with some of the many majestic species that inhabit London. Richmond Park was once a deer hunting park for London’s elite inhabitants, but today it enjoys a far more pleasant legacy as a National Nature Reserve, and you’ll be able to see some of the hundreds of Red and Fallow deer that wonder wild across the grassland. It’s an incredible sight to see – but remember that they are truly wild, so keep your distance.
Alongside the deer, you’ll also find all kinds of other wildlife in Richmond Park, including over 144 species of birds, bats, butterflies and other creatures. You don’t need to be an eagle-eyed naturalist to enjoy the park – it’s a beautiful place to walk and wander through at any time of the year.
Regent’s Canal Walk
It might be hard to believe that London has so many hidden pockets of tranquillity and peace, often just a short walk away from the hustle and bustle of busy roads and teeming attractions. But a short Tube ride away from 4 star hotels in Kensington London, you’ll find yourself a world away from the noise of traffic, alongside the quite pathways by the Regent’s Canal.
The walk along the canal takes you through plenty of scenic natural beauty spots, including the famous neighbourhood of Little Venice. Sprawling with willow trees and colourful flower gardens, it’s a perfect snippet of nature on a sunny day, especially when you need a break from a busy day of sightseeing.
The walk alongside the canal stretches nearly nine miles from Paddington to Limehouse, so you’ll have earned a delicious meal at the Park Grand London Kensington restaurant by the end of it!
Epping Forest
Known as “London’s Great Forest”, Epping Forest is an ancient woodland spanning nearly 6,000 acres and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. While it’s a little further out, located on the border between London and Essex, it’s well worth the journey, and the perfect place for a serene day trip.
You’ll find lots to see and discover, including beautiful lakes, ponds, grassland and woodland. It’s also a great place to get stuck into a variety of leisure activities in the great outdoors, including horse riding and mountain biking, or you can simply stick to the pathways for a great walk.
It’s easy to get to from Central London – simply get the Tube to Liverpool Street Station, where you can get an Overground train to Chingford. From there, you’ll find the walk to Epping Forest clearly marked.
Queen’s Wood Nature Reserve
One of London’s ancient areas of woodland, Queen’s Wood feels especially magical, as it’s thought to be one of the original regions of the wildwood that once covered Britain, thousands of years ago. The natural reserve is full of a rich variety of plant and animal life, such as towering oak trees and native wildflowers. You’ll also see and hear all kinds of birds around you, including three species of woodpecker. Look out for the blankets of native bluebells in spring and summer, while in autumn, the trees come alive with a riot of golden colours.
Covering around 21 hectares of land, the reserve is an ideal spot to head to for a family day out. You’ll find an organic café and children’s jungle playground in the heart of it, providing the perfect place to refresh and relax, as well as clear paths for walkers and joggers, if you want to enjoy an active day. It’s accessible by bus, Tube and train, with frequent connections from Crouch End station, making it an ideal destination for a short break from the city.
