When we think of huge cities, like New York or London, we don't often think of green space. I've posted about New York before, both parks on the ground and green spaces on city rooftops, and it's high time that I share my love of London's parks.
While the English countryside has immeasurable green space, London proper boasts several royal parks, open spaces, and smaller garden squares. London's royal parks occupy approximately 5,000 square acres inside the city limits ... that's the equivalent of almost 4,000 American football fields of green space right inside the city!
These parks are perfect for long walks, picnic lunches, and people watching. But they are also perfect for so much more!
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| ROSE GARDEN |
For instance, Hyde Park hosts dozens of games like softball, soccer, or tennis throughout the park each lovely summer day.
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| WILDFLOWERS |
Those not involved competitive sports can hike or bike the park, and rental boats are available for enjoying time on the water.
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| BOATING ON THE LAKE |
Kids can play in and around the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, and anyone interested in subjects of import can share views at Speaker's Corner.
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| PLANNED LANDSCAPING ... BUT APPEARING WILD |
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| PRINCESS DIANA MEMORIAL WALK |
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SERENITY
in bronze, by Simon Gudgeon |
The very southeastern corner of Hyde Park houses the impressive Apsley Gate, near Apsley House and almost across the street from Wellington Arch. The balcony of Wellington Arch happens to be the perfect viewing spot for the Horse Guards Parade as it exits Hyde Park through Apsley Gate and proceeds under the Arch.
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| APSLEY GATE WITH HORSE GUARDS PARADE |
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THE QUADRIGA
(as seen from the Wellington Arch balcony)
in bronze, by Adrian Jones |
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| HORSE GUARDS PARADE |
Kensington Gardens includes formal gardens, the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, the Albert Memorial, and so much more!
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| ALBERT MEMORIAL |
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| KENSINGTON GARDENS |
It's a perfect place to see swans and other water fowl.
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| KENSINGTON GARDENS |
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| KENSINGTON GARDENS |
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| KENSINGTON GARDENS |
You might even see a real-life Superman there!
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| SUPERMAN |
St. James's Park also hosts lots of water fowl. My favorite one had the most interesting feet!
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| ST. JAMES PARK |
There are several more Royal Parks, all offering beauty throughout the middle of the city. And if those aren't enough, the literally hundreds of garden squares and other open spaces may be enough to feed your natural soul.
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| ENJOYING THE PEACEFULNESS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY |
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