Kensington Gardens | Hyde Park St. | Battersea Park
James Park & Green Park | Regents Park

Kensington Gardens

The Gardens were formed from land taken from Hyde Park after William and Mary moved into Nottingham House, now Kensington Palace, in 1689. The original gardens were modest in size but were extended in the early 18th century to a design by Charles Bridgeman which still gives the gardens their main structure today. This has been added to in Victorian times, most notably the Italian Gardens (recently refurbished) and the Albert Memorial. Further features have been added in the 20th century adding to the reputation of the Gardens as a genteel environment associated with children and passive recreation.

Activities: The Orangery (restaurant); Serpentine Gallery; sailing model boats; kite-flying; playgrounds; puppet shows

Hyde Park

Hyde Park came into existence in 1536 when the land was acquired for hunting. It has developed over the years in response to the wishes of the Crown and the public and has a tradition of events and public spectacles. There are links with the military through the presence of Knightsbridge barracks on its boundary and the continuing practice of firing Gun Salutes from the Parade Ground. The two most famous features of the Park are the Serpentine, a lake of some 11.34 hectares used for swimming, boating and fishing; and Rotten Row, the world famous riding track, which celebrated its tercentenary in 1990 and was the first public road to be lit at night in this country. Despite its heavy use the Park manages to convey an air of rural tranquillity much valued by both tourists and local users.

Activities: Horse-riding track; boating on the Serpentine (canoeing, rowing, paddle boats), seasonal swimming from the Lido (with cafe and gym); fishing in the Serpentine (only with permits); bowling and putting greens; tennis courts; playground, concerts, cycle routes.

Battersea Park

This 200-acre park on the south bank of the River Thames was opened in 1853 as the second non-royal London park. The most famous feature of the park is the Japanese Peace Pagoda, which was built in 1895. It was built by Japanese Buddhists and contains four golden Buddhas surrounded by a Portland stone Pagoda. To add atmosphere there are some beautiful Canadian fir trees planted around it.

Activities: Tennis courts, athletics track, children's zoo; boating lake; Lakeside Café; Pump House Gallery; playgrounds, conservation projects.

St. James Park & Green Park

These two Parks lying to the east of Buckingham Palace were acquired by Henry VIII in the early 16th century at the same time as Hyde Park. They provide the backdrop for British ceremonial life with The Mall, the processional route between the Palace and Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade, the venue for major ceremonial occasions. St James's Park reflects the English picturesque style of landscaping which was prominent in the 19th century. Although there have been many minor additions and alterations, the layout is essentially that laid out by John Nash in 1827. It is a very popular Park especially with tourists and office workers. It is famous for its views, its waterfowl and its flower displays.

Activities: The Cake House; playground; band concerts (summer)

Regents Park

Regent's Park evolved from the 1811 plans of John Nash, Crown Architect and friend of the Prince Regent, who, to raise revenue for the Crown, designed a private residential estate set in parkland. The site is gently undulating, rising steeply in the north to the steep summit of Primrose Hill from which there are fine views of Westminster and the City. Many changes have taken place within the framework of Nash's original scheme. The area now open to the public exceeds 400 acres, predominately open parkland but supporting a wide range of facilities and amenities including fine gardens, a lake with islands, heronry and waterfowl collection, sports and catering facilities, children's playgrounds and an Open Air Theatre. It also contains the London Zoo.

Activities: Open Air Theatre (end May to early September); bandstands; lake-side theatre; Rose Garden Buffet; tennis and netball courts; tennis and golf school; athletics track; cricket; softball pitches; rounders pitches; football; rugby; hockey; playgrounds; boating; London Zoo; Waterbus