You’ll be more motivated to get up and get moving if you can just wake up and walk
WALK IN THE PARK. Walking is one of the best exercises out there. Just 30 minutes a day delivers multiple benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease. You will improve blood pressure and sugar levels, maintaining body weight and reducing the risk of obesity. Remember, London´s parks are made for walking in the morning and don´t forget the health benefits of walking.
More Walks: HISTORY TOUR – TRENDY WALKS
Go walk in the Park
Regent`s Park is a civilized park, surrounded by fine Regency buildings. This is the largest grass area for sports in Central London and offers a variety of activities, an Open Air Theatre, London Zoo, gardens and a boating lake. A park perfect for walking, jogging or simply sit and admire the view. Once a year, the art exhibition Frieze takes place in Regents Park. Nearby top of Primrose Hill offers splendid view of London.
Kew Gardens
The world´s premier botanical garden is a must for anyone with an interest in plants, exotic. In May, the Gardens spring to life and the blooming of bluebells are especially popular among visitors. It’s during the summer months when the Royal Kew Gardens are perhaps at their most beautiful. Visit to Kew at Christmas is very popular.
Advice: Book Key Garden tickets in advance and have a memorable walk in the park.
Kensington Gardens
This garden is one of eight Royal parks in London, planted with formal avenues of magnificent trees and ornamental flower beds. It is home to Kensington Palace, the peaceful Italian Gardens, Peter Pan statue, the stunning Albert Memorial and the Serpentine Gallery.
There are two playgrounds, including the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground near Black Lion Gate. Public toilets have disabled access.
The closest Tube stations to Kensington Gardens include Lancaster Gate and Queensway, Bayswater and High Street Kensington.
Walk in the park – Holland Park
The former grounds of one of London´s grandest homes are now its most romantic park.
Holland Park is an area of Kensington, on the western edge of Central London, that contains a street and public park of the same name.
Kyoto Garden is an authentic Japanese garden inside Holland Park. Opened in 1991, the Kyoto Garden consists of Japanese water features, tiered waterfalls, rock gardens and a whole host of Koi Carp swimming in the pond.
Address: Ilchester Place, London W8. Tube: Holland Park / Kensington High St
Hampstead Heath
This breezy open space is located in the midst of north London. Nearby Parliament Hill offers views of St Paul´s and the West End. The Heath has over 30 ponds and some for swimming, huge bright rhododendron bushes bursting with colour, and a vast variety of wildlife. Hampstead Heath Lido, Parliament Hill and Kenwood House are all part of the Heath.
Tube: Northern Line to Hampstead Village
Richmond Park for long walks
The biggest Royal Park in London remains largely unspoiled, with deer and magnificent river views. From the park’s highest point, there are unobstructed views of St Paul’s Cathedral, over 12 miles in the distance. Richmond Park is one of the royal parks in London.
There are regular direct trains to both Richmond and Kingston from London Waterloo. Local buses will take you to the park, but from Richmond consider the walk up Richmond Terrace, with fine views over the Thames.
Hyde Park for walks and debates
The Serpentine is one of the highlights of a park which also boasts restaurants, an art gallery and Speaker´s Corner.
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in central London, and one of the Royal Parks. The park is divided in two by the Serpentine Lake. Hyde Park is considered the oldest park in the city. Another activity, going for a walk, sunbathe, skate and cycle. In the northeast part you´ll find Speakers ‘Corner for speeches, discussions and debates. This corner became famous during the WWII as it was one of the only places where people could defend Hitler or criticize Churchill without fearing a reprisal.
Address Hyde Park, London: Serpendine Sackler Gallery, West Carriage Drive, London W2 2AR
Greenwich Park
Its focal point is the National Maritime Museum, well worth a visit for its architecture as well as its exhibits. Plus great views. The park has something for everyone. The meridian line in Greenwich represents the prime Meridian of the world. Make sure you climb the hill to the Royal Observatory and have a look at the view back across Docklands, the City and the rest of central London. It’s beautiful. More about Royal Parks Here
Green Park – walking in the park
The leafy paths of Green Park are favoured by early-morning joggers from the Mayfair hotels. This is a peaceful triangle of mature trees and grasslands and offers a quiet retreat from city life, right next to Buckingham Palace. Visit a range of memorials, fountains and statues and look out for Royal Gun Salutes.
Battersea Park
Visitors can walk, run or even hire a rowing boat for the best view of the Victorian landscaping around the lake. This wildlife park is situated about 3km south of Hyde Park Corner. Many consider Battersea to be the most interesting of all the London Parks – also for walking in the morning. An inner city park with so much variety, hidden secrets, and activities.
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is designed with children in mind with a host of new animal friends.
Battersea Tube Station: A Northern line extension from Kennington to Battersea.
More walks London: EVERY NIGHT A JACK THE RIPPER NIGHT
