free things to see and do in London
after visiting a royal park, why not explore the nearby area by following a self-guided walk
Royal Walk
From St James's Park, explore Whitehall, Westminster, Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square
Nautical Walk
From Greenwich Park, explore the world heritage town of Greenwich, the place from where time is measured
Shopping Walk
From Green Park, explore the shopping areas of Piccadilly, Bond Street and Regents Street
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.
Royal Parks
Unlike many of the other royal parks in central London, Green Park has no lakes - rather, it is a number of meadows.
It was established as an enclosed park by Henry VIII in the sixteenth century, possibly on the site of an old burial ground for lepers from the nearby St James' Hospital. Charles II used to stroll the park.
These days it is a pleasant place to relax, as well as being a convenient cut through from Buckingham Palace to St James and Piccadilly.
Nearest underground station: Green Park
Located in front of Buckingham Palace, St James's Park was originally part of the grounds for St James's Palace nearby.
It is the oldest of the royal parks and was named after a leper hospital that used to exist nearby.
The park was redesigned in 1828 for public use and its layout comprising curving walks and lakes became the model for the design of later parks.
With its waterfowl and other wildlife, and numerous park benches, it is a great place for resting.
Nearest underground station: Westminster
place map and aerial view
The park was designed by John Nash in 1818 as part of a wider plan for the area, and was opened to the general public in 1845.
It is not only used for general relaxation but is also the venue for many organised amateur sports such as tennis, cricket and hockey, and there is boating on the lake.
Nearest underground stations: Regents Park, Baker Street, Great Portland Street
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London and is famous for its Speakers' Corner, in the north eastern corner of the park on the former site of the Tyburn gallows.
It was opened to the general public in 1637 and was the site of the Great Exhibition in 1851
Nearest underground stations: Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Queensway, Marble Arch
Greenwich Park is the oldest enclosed royal park and a former hunting park for royalty.It is also home of the Royal Observatory, from where time is measured.
The annual London marathon commences from the common at the top of the park each April.
Nearest stations: Greenwich (BR), Cutty Sark (DLR)
Once the private gardens of Kensington Palace, they are now considered part of Hyde Park.
The park is the setting of J M Barrie's book, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, and more recently is known for being the home of Diana, Princess of Wales prior to her death.
Nearest underground station: South Kensington