Best green spaces to visit in London in summer

Among our passions for art and exploring bakeries, we also cherish London's green spaces. From vast areas like the Walthamstow Wetlands to hidden gems like Phoenix Gardens and Mount Street Gardens, there's a wealth of tranquil spots waiting to be explored. Here are our top choices of green spaces to fully embrace London's summer in 2024.  

Phoenix Garden

Phoenix Garden, St Giles. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: Tucked away behind the Phoenix Theatre in St Giles, the Phoenix Garden offers a peaceful haven in the midst of busy Soho and Covent Garden. Created from a former World War II bombsite and car park, it opened to the public in June 1984, overcoming challenges like industrial waste dumping. Run by volunteers, it provides a quiet retreat and habitat for city wildlife. With plenty of greenery and seating scattered throughout the small yet charming gardens, it's a perfect spot for a relaxing lunch break or a leisurely walk with a coffee.

Location: Entrance in St Giles Passage, off New Compton Street, 21  Stacey Street, London, WC2H 8DG. Instagram: @thephoenixgarden.

Victoria Embankment Gardens

Victoria Embankment Gardens. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: Victoria Embankment Gardens, just a stone's throw from the River Thames and adjacent to Embankment Tube Station, has recently gained popularity thanks to the stunning display of vibrant tulips currently blooming in the garden, which have been widely shared on Instagram. Established in 1865 on reclaimed land from the River Thames, alongside the sea of picturesque tulips, the gardens boast historical landmarks such as the Watergate, dating back to 1626, and several statues, including a memorial to poet Robert Burns and war memorials commemorating various conflicts. This tranquil space offers a picturesque backdrop for enjoying a light snack or ice cream at the charming Embankment Cafe, or for taking a break after a leisurely stroll along the Thames.

Location: Victoria Embankment Gardens, Villiers St, London WC2N 6DU.

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden, nestled within the ruins of a Wren church, is a beautiful haven in the heart of London. Originally built in Norman times, it survived the Great Fire of London but was later devastated by the Blitz in 1941. Despite the destruction, the City of London Corporation transformed the ruins into a public garden, preserving its historic charm. Today, it is widely considered a hidden gem, overgrown with greenery amidst the city's modern structures. Beyond feeling like a tranquil location to enjoy a relaxed lunch or coffee break that almost makes you forget you're in the city of London, it also serves as a poignant reminder of London's resilience through adversity.

Location: St Dunstan in the East Church Garden, St Dunstan's Hill, London EC3R 5DD

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, located in the heart of Vauxhall, has a storied past dating back to 1661. Once a thriving entertainment venue frequented by notable figures like Handel and Casanova, it closed in 1859 but was later repurposed as a public park named Spring Gardens. Recent investments have transformed it into a vibrant oasis, recognised with awards like the Green Flag Award and Park of the Year. Home to Vauxhall City Farm, the park is not only a cherished recreational space but also an important conservation site. Additionally, it offers a great view of the city skyline in the distance.

Location: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, New Spring Gardens Walk, Vauxhall, Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5HL.

Ham Lands

Ham Lands. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: Ham Lands, located adjacent to the Thames, is a Local Nature Reserve featuring a mix of habitats, from woodlands to wetlands in Richmond. Popular with horse riders, dog walkers, and nature lovers, the park offers a variety of plants and animals to discover. There's also a fun BMX track near Teddington Lock. Whether you like walking, kayaking, or paddleboarding, it's a great place for summer adventures.

Date: Ham Lands, Kingfisher Drive, Richmond, TW10 7UE 

Walthamstow Wetlands

Walthamstow Wetlands. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: Walthamstow Wetlands is a large reserve that supplies water to 3.5 million people. Open to the public, it's a vast green space managed by Thames Water. Covering over 521 acres, it's Europe's largest urban wetland reserve and home to diverse wildlife like rare birds, falcons, bats, and amphibians. With its varied landscape and great views of London, it's perfect for a weekend visit. After exploring, you can relax at the Engine House Café, housed in a charming brick building, which serves coffee, cakes and light lunches. The wetlands are also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area.

Location: Walthamstow Wetlands, 2 Forest Rd, London N17 9NH. Instagram: @walthamstowwetlands.

South Norwood Lake and Ground

South Norwood Lake and Grounds. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: South Norwood Lake and Grounds, spanning 28 acres, provide a tranquil escape in South Norwood. Initially part of Norwood Common, the man-made lake was established during the creation of the Croydon Canal. Accessible from Auckland Road, Woodvale Avenue, and Sylvan Road, the park offers various recreational activities, including sailing with the Croydon Sailing Club, fishing, basketball courts, cricket wickets, tennis courts, a bowling green, a children's playground, and a trim trail. Whether you seek relaxation or outdoor adventures, South Norwood Lake and Grounds offer it all. It's an ideal spot for a weekend getaway, where you can unwind, enjoy a picnic, and appreciate the London summer ambiance.

Location: Sylvan Road Upper Norwood, SE19 2RZ.

Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: Greenwich Park is a wonderful spot to explore, boasting beautiful gardens and impressive views of London's skyline. It's great for picnics and leisurely walks, particularly enjoyable during the cherry blossom season from April to October. On sunny days, you can also take a peaceful boat ride on the lake. Nearby attractions like Queen's House, the Painted Hall, and The National Maritime Museum will offer a slice of arts and culture to your park wonder.

Location: Greenwich Park, London SE10 8QY.

Mount Street Gardens

Mount Street Gardens. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: Tucked away near Mayfair's Grosvenor Chapel, Mount Street Gardens is a peaceful green space in the heart of the neighbourhood.Originating from a former burial ground dating back to 1723, the gardens have evolved into a tranquil space featuring a delightful 19th-century fountain, exotic trees and vibrant tulips.Conveniently situated between Bond Street and Green Park stations, the gardens offer a quiet retreat, with several benches available for a leisurely lunch or a casual coffee catch-up.

Location: Mount Street Gardens, Mount St, London W1K 2TH.

Bishops Park

Bishops Park. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: Bishop's Park, running alongside the River Thames from Putney Bridge to Fulham Football Club's Craven Cottage, offers beautiful river views. With playgrounds, tennis courts, and serene spots like an ornamental lake and beautiful gardens, it's a must-visit green space in London. Sundays are especially delightful with a vibrant food market, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing day out by the river. It’s also a great place to watch the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, which typically takes place in March.

Location: Bishops Park, Bishop's Ave, London SW6 6EA.

Battersea Park

Battersea Park. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: Battersea Park, a sprawling Victorian green space south of the river, built between 1854 and 1870, offers scenic views along the Thames and bursts with cherry blossoms in spring. It features a large lake and ecological areas, along with historic and modern gardens showcasing sculptures by artists like Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore. Boating is popular in summer, and there are playgrounds and Battersea Park Children’s Zoo for kids. Don’t miss the Pear Tree Café, which has a great atmosphere for coffee, snacks, light lunches, and drinks.

It's also just a short walk from Battersea Power Station, which always has something exciting going on from the Winter Lights to various exciting pop-ups in the summer.

Date: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ.

Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Lincoln's Inn Fields. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: Lincoln's Inn Fields offers a historic yet serene escape in the heart of Holborn. The park features lawns, trees, and tennis courts, as well as interesting fountains and monuments. Its layout, unchanged since the 19th century, is bordered by landmarks like Lincoln's Inn and the Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons. Including the Soane Museum, it offers a unique blend of nature and culture. Whether for relaxation or history, Lincoln's Inn Fields is a cool spot to explore, either before or after a visit to one of its neighbouring museums.

Location: Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn, Camden, London, WC2A 3ED.

Camley Street Natural Park

Camley Street Natural Park. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: Camley Street Natural Park, peacefully situated beside the canal in King’s Cross, is a serene two-acre green haven overseen by the London Wildlife Trust. Once a coal yard, it underwent a transformation into a flourishing ecosystem in 1984. The sanctuary features ponds, wetlands, woodlands, and meadows, hosting a variety of wildlife like mallards, kingfishers, and amphibians. Perfect for a wholesome Sunday stroll, its peaceful setting makes it easy to forget you're just moments away from busy King’s Cross station. The park's Café offers a great spot for coffee or light lunches with scenic views of the Regent’s Canal.

Location: 12 Camley Street, London N1C.

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