free things to see and do in London
open spaces on self-guided walks
Corams Fields
Corams Fields is a lovely relaxing park near Russell Square
See it on the writers walk
Temple
Temple is a secluded leafy area, part of the Inns of Court
See it on the legal walk
Jubilee Gardens
Next to the London Eye on the south bank, Jubiliee Gardens is a pleasant grassy area with excellent views across London
See it on the cultural walk
On sunny days, one of the cheapest and most pleasant things to do in London is to relax in one of London's many parks and open spaces.
There are loads in central London - and they are all free to access.
Public Parks
London's first public park opened in the East End in 1845.
It originally had its own Speaker’s Corner - with the idea of the park being the East End's version of Regents Park.
Today it remains a wonderful place for EastEnders and other visitors to wander around the lakes, visit the Old English Garden and simply relax.
Nearest railway stations: Hackney Wick, Homerton
South London's park was opened in 1869.
Like most Victorian parks, it has a bandstand, a boating lake and a lovely English garden.
It is a popular park for festivals, especially for south London communities, and also for various sports.
Recently a new cafe and art gallery has opened.
Nearest underground stations: Bermondsey, Canada Water
This popular south London park opened in 1858, and hosted the first game of football played under FA rules (in 1864).
In 1951, the park was re-designed to be the Festival Gardens which were part of the Festival of Britain.
The centrepiece these days is the London Peace Pagoda in 1985.
Nearest railway stations: Battersea Park, Queenstown Road
place map and aerial view
This park in central north London was created in 1869 though people had been using it for a century before.
In the 1700's, tea rooms existed on the parkland and Londoners would visit them to escape London's pace and admire the views.
Today it is used as a popular outdoor music venue, as well as being a place to relax.
Nearest underground stations: Finsbury Park, Manor House
Brockwell park is one of the few parks in London with a lido - an open air swimming pool.
The park was established in 1891 and at one stage had 13 cricket pitches, making it a very popular park on weekends.
Nearest railway station: Herne Hill
Holland Park was first opened in 1952. The wooded park opens at 7.30 am and is one of London’s smallest public parks.
The park is one of the most romantic park in London - due to the wooded walks and beautiful views.
Nearest underground station: Holland Park