Victoria Park
The park was opened in 1845 and given to Queen Victoria as a gift. It was the city’s first public park, and people worldwide still came to enjoy it. This huge park has many things to see and do that will keep you entertained. There is a flat grassy area with tables and benches, decorative pavilions, sculptures, water fountains, and nearby cafes. There are also wilder places around the lake where you can see many different kinds of birds. So if you want to hang out with friends, drink a few beers in the sun, or go fishing, you don’t have to look far.
London Fields
London Fields is crowded with East London’s cool youths on a bright day. Come on the weekend when Broadway Market is set up along the long street just outside. Then find a grassy spot and eat the snacks that everyone wants to buy. There is also a pool, a place for kids to play, and a strange sculpture made of pebbles. While I am unfamiliar with the sculpture, I think it is an outsider art piece, which should make you smile on the inside.
Haggerston Park
Haggerston Park is a more serene (and some could even argue nicer) alternative to nearby London Fields that is often overlooked. This beautiful green space is partly surrounded by walls, which gives it a feeling of privacy. A rose bed and several stone pillars with romantic vines growing around them add to its beauty.
If you want to be active, there are football pitches, a BMX track, a play area for kids, basketball courts, changing rooms, and even a table tennis table. Just around the corner is Hackney Farm, where you can see cute pigs, goats, and rabbits. The cafe on site also serves delicious food from the area.
Read Also: Miami to Key West Road Trip – Best Florida Keys Stops
Olympic Queen Elizabeth Park
East London’s newest park is Queen Elizabeth Park, built for the 2012 London Olympics. This enormous region is home to the London Stadium, the London Aquatic Center, tennis facilities, arenas, parkland, and waterways, among many other things.
In the 560 acres of park, there are so many things to do. Those who like adventure can go abseiling, those who like the sun can go to the manufactured beach, and those who like art can follow an art trail. ArcelorMittal Orbit, a sculpture and observation tower, is the most well-known landmark and can be seen from a wide distance. I want to say I like it because I usually like Anish Kapoor’s work, but I don’t. It looks like a sketchy amusement park ride. Anish, I’m sorry!
The Lee Valley Park
This enormous parkland stretches along the River Lea with Ware in Hertfordshire to the Thames East India Dock Basin in Tower Hamlets, East London. It’s one of Greater London’s biggest parks. It’s over four times the size of Richmond Park. On a sunny day, you’ll beat the crowds that usually gather in Victoria Park and London Fields.
Cyclists will enjoy riding along the towpath. Where they can see lots of wildlife and beautiful canal boats and stop at one of the many places to eat. As the park won’t be busy, your dog may run free, and you won’t have to worry about it attempting to steal food from picnickers if you have a dog.
My brother lives in Leyton. So I’ve been here many times, and it feels like we have the whole place to ourselves. Indeed, we haven’t been too far up into Lee Valley’s northern regions since it would take so much time.
Epping Forest
Epping Forest is the only one on the list far from Central London than the others, but it is worth the extra distance. It has about 6120 acres of green space, so it’s a good place to spend a day exploring.
With such a large area, there are many different things to see and do in the forest, from big lakes like Connaught Water to small ponds, ancient woodland walks, and special conservation areas. I suggest picking one or two walks and taking your time to enjoy the fact that you are walking in an old forest on the edge of one of the world’s biggest cities.
Regent’s Canal is a must-see in the area.
Regent’s Canal goes through London, so it’s a fun and beautiful way to escape the busy city. Many parks are right next to the canal, so you could easily see them in one day if you wanted to.
Want to find parks that are closer to home?
You might live in South London. If so, this guide to South London’s best parks is for you. There are some of the best, such as Richmond Park and Greenwich Park.