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At
first London may appear to be a sprawling metropolis
of steel and concrete. Take a closer look
however and you may be surprised to find out that
39% of London's total area is made up of parks and
green spaces.
Wherever you are in London there is sure to be a
nearby park to relax and get away from the hustle
and bustle of life in the city...
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Green
Park
Green Park was first
recorded in 1554 as the place where a rebellion took place against the
marriage of Mary I to Philip II of Spain. It was also a famous duelling
site until 1667 when Charles II bought an extra 40 acres and it became
known as upper St James's Park.
It is surrounded by
Constitution Hill, Piccadilly and the Broad Walk and is particularly
popular for sunbathing and picnics in fine weather. It is also popular
as a healthy walking route to work for commuters. The paths are used
extensively by joggers and runners.
Tube: Green Park or Hyde Park Corner
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Greenwich
Park
Greenwich Park covers
73 hectares (183 acres) and is the oldest enclosed Royal Park. Greenwich
Park is situated on a hilltop with impressive views across the River
Thames to Docklands and the City of London, between Blackheath and the
River Thames.
It provides a setting for several historic buildings, including the Old
Royal Observatory, the Royal Naval College, the National Maritime Museum
and the Queen's House.
Open: 6am for pedestrians, 7am for traffic
Train: Greenwich, Maze Hill, Blackheath
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Hampstead
Heath
Situated in north London, covering nearly 800 acres, including
Parliament Hill and Kenwood House. The park has 25 ponds, formal
gardens, dense, woodland, open fields and hedgerows home to a number of
species. There are open air ponds to be enjoyed in the
summer and by the very brave in the winter!. People often go to
the Heath to fly kites and the views across London from the highest
points are spectacular. Hampstead Heath also has a busy gay
cruising area.
Open: all day all year round
Tube: Hampstead
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Hyde
Park
Hyde Park is one of London's finest
landscapes and covers 140 hectares (350 acres). Hyde Park provides
facilities for many different leisure activities and sports as well as
being the focal point for public events of all sizes.
Henry VIII acquired Hyde Park from the monks of Westminster Abbey in
1536; It remained a private hunting ground until James I came to the
throne and permitted limited access. It was Charles I who
opened the park to the general public in 1637
Open: 5am
until midnight all year round
Tube: Hyde Park Corner, Lancaster Gate
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Regents
Park
Regent's Park has a fantastic landscape designed
by renowned architect John Nash, and the largest outdoor sports area in
London. It is known as the 'jewel in the crown' and covers 197 hectares
(487 acres including Primrose Hill). The park offers a wide
variety of activities, as well as an Open Air Theatre and the London
Zoo. Of the buildings and monuments within the park, only two villas, St
John's Lodge and The Holm, remain from John Nash's original conception
of the park.
Open:
5am until dusk all year round
Tube: Regents Park, Gt Portland St, Baker Street
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